1969 RELIANT 21E SUPERVAN III

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Sunday the 15th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Estimated price: GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000.

There are very few symbols of British popular culture more instantly recognisable than those created by the great British television sitcom, and arguably none is remembered more fondly than Only Fools and Horses. Whilst the Trotters themselves became national treasures, there is one battered little yellow three wheeler that became almost as famous as Del Boy and Rodney themselves

First broadcast in 1981, Only Fools and Horses starred the much-loved David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Derek and Rodney Trotter, initially alongside Leonard Pearce as Grandad and subsequently Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert

The show's finest moments are now firmly embedded in British television history. Batman and Robin in Heroes and Villains, The Jolly Boys' Outing, the discovery of the priceless John Harrison watch in Time on Our Hands and, perhaps most memorably, the chandelier sequence in A Touch of Glass

Through it all, one object became inseparable from the Trotters – their yellow Reliant van, proudly proclaiming 'Trotters Independent Trading Co – New York – Paris – Peckham'

Several vans were used during the show's long history, replacement being easier and cheaper than repairing elderly examples, with plates and signwriting transferred as required, however, during the early years of filming in 1981/82, this was the only van used in every one of the thirteen episodes over the first two series

It is prominently visible in early episodes and the official Reliant Motor Club archive confirms that the van first appeared in the 1981 episode Big Brother, with the registration APL 911H becoming visible in The Russians Are Coming and most famously during the iconic chandelier cleaning scene in the 1982 masterpiece, A Touch of Glass

Importantly, APL 911H was the vehicle's genuine registration rather than a fictitious production number and because it was captured on screen, it's considered the most verifiable and authentic of all the BBC used vans

Prior to our vendor's purchase in early 2026, APL had occupied pride of place within a private Collection and, during that period, we understand was lightly restored with fresh paint, signwriting etc. However, our vendor is a dedicated OFAH enthusiast and spent some time returning the van to its correct TV appearance, repainting the bonnet hatch in grey primer, replicating the grey primer on the bumpers and wings and repainting the door interiors red

Mechanically it has benefitted from a brand new N/OS carb, all fuel lines cleaned, new brake cylinders, fresh oil and filter, gearbox and diff oil, antifreeze and a new battery . According to our vendor 'everything seems to work, it drives ok (for a three-wheeled van) and starts first time even on cold mornings'

Adding considerably to the fun, it's accompanied by a selection of Only Fools and Horses-related memorabilia, including a 'Doctor on Visit' parking meter and suitcase, together with a sun visor bearing what appears to be the signatures of a number of the show's stars. Also included is a replica of the famous Harrison watch and a novelty cheque for £6.2 million made payable to Mr D Trotter and Mr R Trotter, recalling the wonderful conclusion to Time on Our Hands when Del Boy's prophecy finally came true

There have been many replicas, re-creations and genuine production vans associated with Only Fools and Horses over the years. APL 911H, however, represents something rather more significant – the genuine registration identity seen at the very beginning of the story and an evocative survivor from the formative years of, arguably, Britain's best-loved television sitcom

For the committed Only Fools and Horses enthusiast, opportunities like this don't come along very often. Offered without reserve

This time next year, Rodney...