1981 Reliant Scimitar GTC SE8 Manual OD

1981 Reliant Scimitar GTC – The Rarest of the Rare, The Grandest of the Grand Tourers

Some classics are obvious. Others are for the discerning few—those who understand elegance, exclusivity, and pedigree.

Enter the 1981 Reliant Scimitar GTC—a car so rare, so steeped in aristocratic motoring heritage, that it could only be appreciated by those who truly understand what makes a classic, classic.

The Open-Top Grand Tourer of British Royalty

Of all the cars in the world, Princess Anne—the most no-nonsense, no-frills, car-loving member of the British Royal Family—chose the Scimitar as her daily driver. Not just once, but repeatedly, amassing a fleet of eight over the years. That is no accident.

This was the British grand tourer that had it all—power, grace, exclusivity, and a price tag that ensured only the select few could afford it.

And this example?
This is the rarest of them all.

A Time-Warp Example – The Definition of Preservation

This 1981 model represents the absolute lowest production year of an already exceedingly limited run. Only 442 Scimitar GTCs were ever built between 1980 and 1986, and in 1981, a mere handful left the factory.

Why? Because this car was never cheap. It was a true grand tourer, hand-built, bespoke, and costing £12, 147 when new—a staggering amount at the time, rivalling Jaguars and even the entry-level Aston Martins. This was a car for those who didn’t follow trends, but set them.

This particular Scimitar? It is untouched, unrestored, and utterly original—a genuine time-warp machine, preserved rather than rebuilt.

• Sapphire Blue over Deep Ocean Blue Velour – The kind of sumptuous, period-correct colour combination that you simply can’t recreate today.
• Factory Wolfrace Alloy Wheels – The ultimate statement of British ‘80s GT style.
• Paintwork retains its deep, hard-to-replicate lustre – A testament to careful ownership and low use.
• All original trim, glass, and detailing – Nothing missing, nothing replaced, nothing messed with.

This isn’t a car that’s been “restored” into some over-polished, soulless showpiece. It is a proper survivor, the way a true classic should be.

The Perfect Powertrain – Rare Factory Manual with Overdrive

Under the sculpted fibreglass bonnet sits the legendary 2. 8L Cologne V6, a motor known for its torquey delivery, effortless cruising ability, and that unmistakable burble that defined British grand tourers of the era.

This particular car, however, is one of the exceptionally rare examples fitted with the factory manual gearbox—a true driver’s delight, elevating it from an elegant cruiser to a genuinely engaging grand tourer.

Matched to the Laycock de Normanville overdrive, this Scimitar GTC is at its absolute best on the open road. The overdrive clicks in with precision and grace, offering long-legged cruising ability, reduced engine strain, and a level of refinement beyond its contemporaries.
• The manual gearbox transforms the driving experience – a rarity among GTCs.
• Overdrive engages seamlessly, offering both performance and effortless highway cruising.
• The Cologne V6, with its effortless torque and unmistakable note, completes the package.

This is the driver’s choice—a true grand tourer in every sense of the word, built for those who love the journey as much as the destination. A Rare Investment Opportunity – The Grand Tourer You Can Actually Use

Unlike many of its classic contemporaries, the Scimitar GTC was built to be driven. With its fibreglass construction, there’s no rust to worry about, and with its Ford-sourced powertrain, maintenance is simple.

The market for these rare British GTs is gaining serious traction, and untouched, original examples like this are becoming incredibly difficult to find.

I am reluctantly selling my collection due to the political climate in South Africa, making this a unique opportunity for a true enthusiast to acquire one of the finest and rarest Scimitar GTCs in existence.

For UK, European, and Australian buyers, Freight Factory can handle all shipping and logistics, ensuring this exclusive machine arrives safely at your doorstep.

Can You Afford NOT to Own This Level of Cool?

In a world where classics are often over-restored, overvalued, and overhyped, this Scimitar GTC stands apart—a car with royal pedigree, genuine rarity, and untouched originality.

This isn’t just another British convertible. This is the last of the true hand-built grand tourers, a car of presence, elegance, and performance.

A car that doesn’t just turn heads—it starts conversations.

So, the question isn’t whether you want it.
The question is—will you be the one to own it?