Reliant Scimitar / GTE

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• STRONG VALUE • GTE PRACTICALITY • GOOD SPECIALIST SUPPORT

WHY BUY?

Any classic that has the Royal Seal of Approval has to be worth buying! HRH Pricess Anne was one of the very first owners of the Scimitar GTE, instigator of the sporting hatchback combining performance with practicality. Still great value for money too!

DRIVING

An exceptionally good car of its kind Scimitars have always performed well although the more upmarket SE6 that replaced the SE5a in 1976 lost too much of its famed driver appeal as it grew. The GTE’s forte has always been its long distance cruising ability; SE4s and coupés are most sporting.

WHAT TO PAY

With the exception of the earlier coupés Scimitars remain undervalued. Projects start at beer money, a good one for £3000 while even the best cars rarely exceed £6000 and that includes the GTC. Earlier GT4 can be a lot costlier. GENERAL Some nice cars around but there’s also a lot of scrappy ones so vet as many as possible.

BODY AND CHASSIS

Rust can be bad. Main rails and outriggers are critical as are ‘diaganols’ at rear, made worse if heavy towing has been carried out. At the front, suspension can even pull away from frame. The good news is that new frames are available from specialist ORG at under £2500 (SE6) with refurbished alternatives for earlier cars.

RUNNING GEAR

Front suspension essentially Triumph TR until SE6 which as a Reliant design so check for usual trunnion wear. More serious are wishbone fractures especially SE6. Brakes are a mix and match but no servicing problems. Four types of alloy wheel were fitted with the early four-spoke steel items ‘hens’ teeth’ and so are pricey.

BEST MODEL? SE4 &SE5
WORST MODEL? SE6 sans PAS
BUDGET BUY? SE6 auto
OK FOR UNLEADED? Needs additives
SPARES SITUATION? Pretty good
DIY EASE? Very good
CLUB SUPPORT? Very good
APPRECIATING ASSET? Not really