1977 Reliant Scimitar

Description

1977 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A

Restored in 2020 and in super condition throughout; manual overdrive transmission; a fine example of this sporting estate

Although the first SE5 version of the Scimitar GTE sporting estate was warmly received by press and public alike (counting Princess Anne among its many fans) after seven years in production it was beginning to show its age against rivals like the Volvo P1800ES, Lancia Beta HPE and the Lotus Elite.

So in 1975 Reliant launched the longer, wider and more luxurious SE6. The following year it was improved still further as the SE6A with better brakes, a stiffer chassis, revised suspension to improve the handling, better headlights and optional Wolfrace alloys. Power came from the same 138bhp Ford Essex 3.0 V6 with an optional manual overdrive gearbox for the more sporting driver. It continued in production until the arrival of the SE6B in 1980 by which time 3,887 had been sold.

First registered in October 1977, this lovely SE6A has manual overdrive transmission and Wolfrace wheels. Our vendor acquired the car in 2018 at which point it was in fine shape mechanically but the bodywork and interior were showing their age.

In 2020 he decided to restore the car with the excellent results you see today. Originally white, it has been treated to a glass-out repaint in two-tone metallic chestnut and cream which has been done to a high standard – not always easy on fibreglass cars. New window rubbers were also fitted along with a new Tudor Webasto sunroof cover.

The interior was cleaned up and refurbished as required, including new carpets and a new cloth headlining. Mechanically it needed little more than a new alternator, water pump and a brake overhaul. It was also treated to a thorough service with all fluids changed including the diff/axle oil. The chassis was found to be very sound and needed minimal attention.

As you can see in the photos, it now looks very smart indeed and has been starting easily and running well as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]