1976 Reliant Scimitar SE6 GTE

For those following the British sporting motor car scene during the 1960’s, the Reliant Scimitar offered a robust challenge to the MGs and Triumphs. With a separate chassis, glass fibre body and substantial 2994cc V6 Ford engine, it also offered a degree of practicality with four seats and an estate type rear. Even Princess Anne chose one for her wellies and horsey runabout, so it must be worth a look.

The original design was much improved over the years and by the arrival of the SE6/6A series it had become more luxurious and was classed as a 2-door shooting brake. The wheelbase was increased to give a bigger cockpit for enhanced legroom, making it a more believable four seater for the Executive market and the optional overdrive on third and top gear made for more agreeable, stress free travel.

This very original Scimitar has had just two owners from new and a superb history. The first owner, Major Cooke, purchased the motor car from Bradshaw Webb (Sales) Limited of Mayfair, and had the motor car shipped to Germany and then repatriated it sometime later. After twenty five years, the Scimitar then passed to its second and current custodian, where it has remained for twenty one years, covering just 7000 miles. Originality has clearly been key, and the motor car has remained as original as possible, with some replacement parts installed in the current ownership, including a reconditioned radiator, Monroe shock absorbers all round, replacement road springs and poly bushes to the front and rear suspension and electronic ignition, plus new rear brake shoes, five new WolfRace wheels with matching Khumo tyres. A new twin choke Weber carburettor has recently been fitted.

Now, the original body is described as being good. The vendor feels that the Celtic Brown paintwork is showing signs of wear; there are none of the usual body cracks but it would benefit from a respray. The upholstery is original and good, and all instrumentation is believed to be working. Mechanically, we are told that there is some noise in reverse gear and an intermittent fault with the side lights, but other than that, the Scimitar is described as good and has clearly been well maintained by its careful owner. Perhaps to an enthusiast, OOA 713R would be an ideal platform for further restoration, but we think it could equally be enjoyed in its current original splendour!

Supplied with the Reliant is the original tool kit, together with an excellent history which includes the original service book, MOT test certificates, a copy of Practical Classics and Car Restorer featuring the Scimitar, many (or possibly all) invoices from the previous and current ownerships dating from 1976 for parts and servicing, plus original sales correspondence and the original sales invoice, a V5 document, an older V5C and the current V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 8 June 2023