3-wheelers.com

I know you love classic cars, especially Jaguars, has there ever been a classic 3-wheeler that you have seen and considered adding to your car collection?

Chris Barrie

One day I would love to add a Morgan 3-wheeler to the collection.

3-wheelers.com

Whilst presenting the 1910s episode of "Britain's Greatest Machines" you drove an early 3-wheeled Morgan. Is that the oldest 3-wheeler you have driven?

Chris Barrie

Yes, It was a Runabout from circa 1914 - Great Fun!

3-wheelers.com

In the 1980s episode despite doing an 80 point turn in a Sinclair C5 you seemed to warm to it in the end though did you feel a bit vulnerable doing your shopping in it?

Chris Barrie

Yes very vulnerable but at least it worked and the battery lasted longer than 8 seconds.

3-wheelers.com

You mentioned that my Reliant Regal Superan was the first Reliant you have driven. In terms of handling and performance was it better or worse than you expected?

Chris Barrie

It was actually better than I expected, although corners did worry me.

3-wheelers.com

In the Red Dwarf episode "Better than Life" your character, Arnold Rimmer's first thought up car is a Reliant Robin when he is stuck in the sand. Then in the latest episode "Back to Earth" he is reading a classic car magazine and serenading the virtues of the Jenson Interceptor. That said, do you think secretly he would have been a Reliant Robin driver?

Chris Barrie

I think, that, unless it was a “High End” car (eg: Bentley) he would prefer to walk.  However he would be very happy for Lister to drive the Robin.

3-wheelers.com

Another of your characters is the unforgettable Gordon Brittas in the Brittas Empire. I believe he drove an Austin Maestro though faced with a 3-wheeler blocking his way, do you think he reaction would have been almost that of Mr Bean when he sees a Reliant?

Chris Barrie

Sorry can’t remember Bean’s reaction.

3-wheelers.com

What with programs like Britain’s Greatest Machines, Massive Engines, Massive Machines and much more, there must be one thing that no matter how many wheels, or how big the garage would need to be that has left its mark on you and given the opportunity it would be sitting in your garage now. What would that be?
 

Chris Barrie

Well apart from a Regal Supervan of course(!), it would have to be a Daimler Dingo armoured car!

3-wheelers.com

There are a few 3-wheeler companies now that build sports 3-wheelers inspired by the early Morgans. Have you ever driven one?

Chris Barrie

Not yet!

3-wheelers.com

Do you plan to write a book one day of every thing that you have driven?

Chris Barrie

Funny you should ask that...

3-wheelers.com

Finally, perhaps the most Earth shattering question ever, have you still got your little blue 3-wheelers.com Reliant model?

Chris Barrie

Alas, a little campaign weary now, it is part of my 10 year old son’s Formula One collection which he “races” round the house.

3-wheelers.com

Chris, thank you very much for taking part in this interview for 3-wheelers.com's 10th birthday. Your time is very much appreciated and I hope that our paths may cross again one day.