Description
Introducing this very cool, striking and rare Scimitar GTE convertible.
This iconic stylish convertible is a piece of English motor engineering and is certain to be a classic vehicle.
The revolutionary Scimitar GTE was originally introduced by Reliant at the Motor Show in October 1968.
It was designed by Tom Karen of the eponymous David Ogle Design a pioneering British industrial design agency founded in 1954.
Owning this car is not just about style and performance, it’s also a piece of automotive history.
According to the DVLA there are 446 Reliant Scimitars left in the UK with an MOT but unsure how many of these are convertible.
Mine started life as a GTE hardtop but in the 90s it was one of a handful that was converted to a convertible so now a rare beast.
It exudes elegance
This eye catching interesting unusual sports car will make an ideal summer companion.
This vintage beauty delivers a smooth and powerful ride (3. 0 litre straight 6 Ford Essex Engine) and it’s a true joy to drive.
Petrol.
Looking at the stats apparently top speed is claimed could be over 120 mph with 0-60 mph in 8. 5 seconds (but don’t quote me on this).
As a historic vehicle it’s MOT and car tax exempt and above all ULEZ exempt.
Chassis looks in good order.
Constructed of glass fibre built on a steel box section chassis
Transmission manual
Tidy very clean black interior
Auto chocke
Nice engine burble on the road very lively as the body is all fibregas and very light
First registered on 3rd Sept 1971
Previous owner had it for over 30 years
In 1991 my Scimitar (1971 model) was one of a handful of the GTE’s converted by Martin Hall and Brian Turner, who felt that that the Reliant Scimitar GTC convertible was too expensive and too big as a convertible decided to created their own targa-roofed cabriolet around.
The works was executed to a very good standard and the conversion was very neat and stylish with details such as additional air vents on the bonnet and the front spoiler.
Apparently the car in the 1991 “Your Classic Magazine” is my Scimitar (it was blue at the time).
The previous owner had purchase over 30 years ago and in January 2014 he had it fully restored by Motorvation in Rickmansworth; the body was stripped and re sprayed in Ferrari Dino Gray (original colour was blue) (see copy of invoice showing other works done at the time).
Four new ContiEcoContracts 185/ 70 R 14 tyres were fitted at that time set off by four classic Wolfrace alloy wheels. Recorded milage on the December 2013 MOT, 21, 002
I have been told that RBS Motors of Harrow had been servicing the Scimitar for the previous 20 years or so and not too long ago fitted several new parts including new petrol pump, petrol filter etc -regrettably RBS Motors were not able to provide a list of all the works done.
The interior was re trimmed in leather/ alcantara with new carpeting, brand new mohair hood and new tonneau cover and Moto-Lita steering wheel.
I was told by the previous owner that since the refurb and re-spray was completed in 2014 that he rarely used the Scimitar which was kept in dry storage when not used.
Since the 2013 & 2024 MOTs it has been driven just over 300 miles.
Milage history 21, 002 (14. 12. 2013) 21, 102 (07. 03. 2015) 21, 251 (12. 08. 2017).
Since purchased it was fully serviced last week by Billy Allen Autos in Twickenham with many new pats fitted, including oils, etc (pic shows works done).
Not so good points.
The vintage radio that was fitted in 2014 is not working, possibly a loose connection or fuse?
Regrettably the previous owner lost the keys for the doors. So only available is the ignition key.
This is not an import.
I have tried to be as accurate as possible in the description of my Scimitar and whilst I feel it’s a great example of British motoring and great to drive, it started life in 1971 so you are not buying a spring chicken but you are buying a vintage vehicle.
Sold as seen with no guarantees.
Lives in Hampton Hill -West London.
