Price: £90.00 - £99.99, Tyre Diameter: 14, Width: 185 | Reliant SS1, SST & Sabre 1984 to 1995
The original SS1 and SST models were fitted with a 185/60R14 tyre, with an 'H' rating for the Turbo models (i.e. 185/60HR14).
The later Sabre models had a 15-inch wheel with 195/50R15 tyres.
An amazing idea that didn't quite work out for Reliant, then Mazda's MX-5 waltzed in and took the glory. The hot-hatch had effectively killed off the traditional 2-seater sportscar in the 1980 But Reliant saw this as a huge hole in the market that a modern interpretation could fill. So their SS1 model did just that, with a very 1980s Michelotti styled sportscar, with Ford hatchback (and Nissan Turbo) power.
Unfortunately, the styling turned people off what was actually a nice-handling car. The ultra-modern bodywork technology didn't really work either, and it was all maybe a bit too early. Anyway, despite several restyling efforts (SST, Sabre), sales never really took off. Especially when the MX-5 turned up late in the day and walked off with the ball. If only Reliant had foreseen that we'd all be wanting retro styling, not futuristic, this could have been a massive success!