Lot 101: Reliant Scimitar SE5A

The Scimitar GTE was a masterpiece of design in 1968. The first sports estate, glass rear hatch, split rear seats. These ideas were way ahead of their time but have been copied many times since. Volvo were the first to follow with the 1800ES but it was a lumbering hulk compared to the V6 powered GTE. The GTE gained royal approval early on with Princess Anne owning 8 versions over a number of years and Prince Edward owning the GTC version. With the Ford Essex V6 under the bonnet, independent suspension and the capability to gain 17 cubic feet of carrying space in the blink of an eye, the GTE was a popular choice as a carry-all, sports-tourer-estate. This example is a relatively early version, which was in the previous owners hands for 30 years and was in fact purchased, by him, from the original owner. The car saw little use while in the third owners care, for 3 years and was sold, through Barons in April 2008. Since then it has covered very few miles.. Finished in white with black interior, the car was equipped with a replacement engine at 92,000 miles, by a main dealer (now showing 101,047), stainless steel exhaust, a stainless steel fuel tank, manual + overdrive gearbox and a new, manual choke version, of the original carburettor, at 94,000 miles. The car is said to drive very well indeed and is described as being in good order throughout. The Scimitar currently offers outstanding value for money and with Ford mechanics is inexpensive to maintain. We would venture to suggest that examples with this specification and ownership history, are rare and are grossly undervalued.