Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
12th Feb 2025 - 9:00AM
1983 Reliant Scimitar GTC
No Reserve
Registration No: A569 HVU
Chassis No: SCD200199DH000378
MOT: Exempt
1 of just 442 examples made and fitted with the rare manual gearbox
Benefits from a galvanised chassis
Lavished with a full mechanical restoration and significant cosmetic improvement in 2001-2003 costing some £8, 500
Offered with a history file including restoration images
Rare British classic convertible benefitting from the practicality of four-seats
Conceived as a rival to the likes of the Triumph Stag and Mercedes-Benz (R107) SL range, Reliant began working on a convertible version of its popular Scimitar range in 1978. Unveiled to the public two years later, the GTC followed established company practice by using a rigid box-section chassis to underpin its lightweight, rust-free fibreglass bodywork, yet it was lighter than the GTE SE6 on which it was based and could still seat four. With independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a Watt linkage located rear axle plus rack-and-pinion steering, handling was a strong point. Powered by the 2792cc Ford 'Cologne' V6 engine developing a quoted 135bhp and 159lbft of torque, the GTC could be had with either four-speed manual overdrive or automatic transmission. One of the faster four-seater convertibles of its generation, the Reliant was reputedly capable of 119mph and 0-60mph in 8. 9 seconds. Produced from 1980 until 1986, just 442 were made.
Chassis ‘000378’ was manufactured in 1983 and was supplied new to Johnstones Paints PLC being first road registered on the 27th of September. Finished in Silver paintwork with Black interior trim and hood, the Scimitar is one of the rarer manual gearbox examples. Retained by Johnstones Paints until 1987 when it was acquired into private ownership. Entering into its longest ownership period in 1990 having already covered the vast majority of its mileage (some 75, 000 miles), the GTC was retained by this keeper for nearly thirty years, before parting with the Scimitar in c. 2018. While in this custodianship, the GTC was lavished with a full mechanical restoration and significant cosmetic improvement in 2001-2003 costing some £8, 500.
The works completed included a full engine overhaul (with conversion to unleaded), fitment of a reconditioned axle, stripped and checked gearbox, brake and suspension renovations, extensive re-wiring, a new hood, and a full interior re-trim, all completed by former main agents and now Reliant Scimitar specialists, Queensberry Road Garage. Completed in 2003 when the Scimitar had c.(1)02, 800 miles on the odometer, ‘A569 HVU has covered very minimal mileage since the completion of the restoration works following a long-term period of storage shortly after its completion.
Offered now with just (1)04, 000 miles on the odometer, the Scimitar is supplied with a history file that comprises ownership history, a large collection of previous invoices, numerous previous MOT certificates (back to 1989), sundry paperwork, and a current V5C document. Temptingly offered without reserve, the GTC Scimitar offers British classic convertible motoring while benefitting from the practicality of four seats, and this example has covered very minimal mileage since the restoration!
