Winning bid
£5,800

1981 Reliant Scimitar GTC

Highlights

  • One of only 442 GTC convertibles
  • Current registered keeper for 24 years
  • Thick history file of ongoing maintenance 
  • Sound usable example of a rare 2+2 convertible in British Racing Green
  • Equipped with manual transmission and power steering
  • 2.8L Cologne V6 and rare manual gearbox 

The Appeal

It was a great idea, but the timing was somewhat less so. Thanks to a deep recession just after it was launched, just 447 Scimitar GTCs left the production line. Which is a real shame - but also great news for classic collectors. Find a good one and you have one of the British car industry’s best 2+2 convertibles. And one of the rarest. 
A rumbling Cologne V6, practical four-seat layout, power steering, decent boot, durable fibreglass bodywork and the simple fact you likely won’t see another for a while are all good reasons to want this well-preserved GTC. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that the current keeper has had it for 24 years. 
Finished in classic British Racing Green and equipped with a rare manual box - all the better to enjoy its find handling - this is a well-cared-for and preserved car. The thick history file attests to its mechanical provenance, most of which was undertaken by Scimitar specialist Graham Walker. 
The car is MOT-exempt by age but usefully comes to market with a valid MOT. There is scope to improve it, but perhaps the first thing you’ll want to do is enjoy it. A great example of a highly capable and entertaining car.

History and Paperwork

  • First registered 1st August 1981
  • Six registered keepers 
  • Current keeper for the last 24 years 
  • Eligible for Historic Vehicle status by year so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt 
  • MoT valid until 17th December 2024 with minor, easily rectified advisories 
  • MOT shows 85,168 miles on test and now showing 85,170 miles in photos 
  • Large history file with invoices from Scimitar specialists and others
  • Much of the work has been done by Graham Walker, Scimitar specialist 
  • Numerous MoT certificates included
  • Previously painted beige which was changed in November 1992 to green 
  • One of 442 built 

The Condition

  • Older restoration in British Racing Green from 1992 in generally good order
  • Aging paintwork as visible in photos, including microblistering
  • Vendor advises the paintwork could be improved or car could be enjoyed as is 
  • Fibreglass bodywork said to be in good order by vendor and can be checked in photos
  • Factory standard car with Wolfrace alloy wheels with matching spare 
  • Alloy wheels offer scope to improve the aesthetics through refurbishment
  • Older tyres with advisories to note on current MOT 
  • Black fabric folding roof in very good condition with good colour and clear screens
  • Matching tonneau roof in black vinyl 
  • Fitted with a tow bar and electrics but otherwise externally factory standard
  • Early car with painted chassis which we are told is in good order
  • No structural advisories on current MOT 
  • Beige velour and vinyl interior in very good, preserved condition with light aging 
  • Some signs of patina to interior visible in photos but these appear minor 
  • Interior fittings including switchgear and cabin trim in very good condition 
  • Bronze carpets throughout are well kept with some light aging due to originality 
  • 2+2 layout with seat belts fitted front and rear
  • Fitted with period radio cassette system that may be original 
  • Four spoke leather-rimmed steering wheel 

The Mechanics

  • 2,792cc Ford ‘Cologne’ V6 engine 
  • 4spd manual gearbox 
  • Fitted with optional power steering 
  • K&N filter
  • Well-maintained car by Scimitar specialist Graham Walker 
  • No reported running or driving issues
  • No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT 
  • The vendor informs us that the car is in excellent mechanical condition
The vendor tells us: 
"Finished in BRG with excellent light tan interior, this rare GTC is ready for its next owner to lavish some tender loving car upon the paintwork"
 


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 
Icon

Selling your Reliant?


Advertise to 4 million monthly visitors on Car & Classic

Sell by Auction

Auction Details

  • Year1981
  • MakeReliant
  • ModelScimitar
  • ColourGreen
  • Odometer85,170 Miles
  • Engine size2792cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownHythe
  • CountyHampshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

14 Bids from 9 bidders

ColinF••••
Bid
£5,800
28/10/24
ColinF••••
Bid
£5,500
28/10/24
Stevens••••
Bid
£3,500
28/10/24
tom.lea••••
Bid
£3,200
28/10/24
Purdey0••••
Bid
£2,600
28/10/24
Piet Ca••••
Bid
£2,400
28/10/24
Gary Co••••
Bid
£2,300
27/10/24
Transam••••
Bid
£2,200
27/10/24
Gary Co••••
Bid
£2,100
27/10/24
Purdey0••••
Bid
£2,000
27/10/24

Buying with Car & Classic

animation

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

How we protect you and your money, to make Car & Classic the safest place to transact

More FAQs

Gallery