1979 Reliant Robin 0.8L Petrol · FKN 89V
1979 Reliant Robin (0.8L, petrol). First registered 03 Aug 1979. Recorded mileage 5 miles. MOT expired on 16 May 2023.
- Make & Model
- RELIANT ROBIN
- Year / Origin
- 1979 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 May 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 5 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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FKN 89V Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/05/2022
- 5 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FKN 89V MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1979 Reliant Robin (FKN 89V) between May 2022 and May 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Reliant Reliant Robin
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Common Problems: RELIANT ROBIN
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Steel Chassis Box-Section and Outrigger Corrosion(Serious)
While the Robin's lightweight glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) bodywork is entirely immune to rust, the steel box-section perimeter chassis underneath is highly vulnerable to corrosion. Road salt, water spray, and trapped mud in wet UK winters rot the steel outriggers, rear leaf spring mounting brackets, and the central front steering fork headstock. Structural corrosion on pre-galvanised Mk1 frames often requires extensive fabrication or replacement of chassis sections.
- Aluminium Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure(Moderate)
Reliant's bespoke 748cc and 848cc all-aluminium overhead valve engines feature wet cylinder liners and an alloy cylinder head. If owners neglect the corrosion-inhibiting coolant mixture or let the radiator silt up, electrolytic corrosion attacks the head face and water jackets. This leads to cylinder head warpage and blown head gaskets, allowing combustion gases into the cooling jacket and coolant into the sump oil.
- Single Front Wheel Kingpin and Headstock Bush Wear(Moderate)
The single front wheel configuration places all lateral steering forces and front braking loads through a single front suspension arm, kingpin, and steering headstock. The brass bushes and kingpins require periodic grease gun servicing every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Neglected lubrication causes rapid ovality wear, inducing severe front-end steering shudder, vague directional stability, and uneven tyre wear.
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RELIANT ROBIN Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1979 model year cars.
- Steel Chassis Box-Section and Outrigger CorrosionSerious
While the Robin's lightweight glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) bodywork is entirely immune to rust, the steel box-section perimeter chassis underneath is highly vulnerable to corrosion. Road salt, water spray, and trapped mud in wet UK winters rot the steel outriggers, rear leaf spring mounting brackets, and the central front steering fork headstock. Structural corrosion on pre-galvanised Mk1 frames often requires extensive fabrication or replacement of chassis sections.
- Aluminium Engine Cylinder Head Gasket FailureModerate
Reliant's bespoke 748cc and 848cc all-aluminium overhead valve engines feature wet cylinder liners and an alloy cylinder head. If owners neglect the corrosion-inhibiting coolant mixture or let the radiator silt up, electrolytic corrosion attacks the head face and water jackets. This leads to cylinder head warpage and blown head gaskets, allowing combustion gases into the cooling jacket and coolant into the sump oil.
- Single Front Wheel Kingpin and Headstock Bush WearModerate
The single front wheel configuration places all lateral steering forces and front braking loads through a single front suspension arm, kingpin, and steering headstock. The brass bushes and kingpins require periodic grease gun servicing every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Neglected lubrication causes rapid ovality wear, inducing severe front-end steering shudder, vague directional stability, and uneven tyre wear.
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