Let’s be real. The Regal is the star of Only Fools and Horses. It’s not just a car. It’s a character. It’s the fourth Trotter. It’s the vehicle of chancers, dreamers, and one dodgy Chinese takeaway.
When Ricky Hatton bought one, he wasn’t buying a classic car. He was buying 15 million memories. Every time he got in, he was likely humming the theme tune. Stick a pony in me pocket…
Why Only Fools and Horses car was part of Ricky Hatton's funeral - BBC News
Can you imagine the sight? A six-foot, stocky ex-boxer folding himself into that tiny cabin. His knees up by his ears. His knuckles scraping the roof. It’s a beautiful, beautiful image.
The Specs of the Beast
Right, let’s talk numbers. But not in a boring way. The Reliant Regal had an 850cc engine. For the non-car people, that’s about as much power as a hairdryer. A very angry hairdryer.
It did 0 to 60 in… well, let’s be generous and say “eventually”. It topped out around 75mph. Downhill. With a tailwind. And Ricky Hatton was probably still faster on his feet.
But the only thing that matters is the look. It’s pure yellow, perfect, boxy charm. It’s a fibreglass joke that can’t tip over. (Okay, it can, but don’t tell Del Boy that).
