Lot 117: Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5A

First seen in 1968 The Scimitar SE5A was a development of the Sabre Six and the Scimitar Coupe SE4. All of these cars had Ford six cylinder power with the 2.5 litre straight six providing the power in the Sabre Six and early Scimitar Coupe and the Essex V6 in later Coupe's and the GTE.The GTE scored many firsts. It was the first Sports Estate, the first UK car to offer fold down, split, rear seats, and was one of the first, mass produced, sports cars with a fibreglass body. I was also one of the few sports cars to get Royal approval and the car in which Princess Anne was caught speeding.This example is said to have been the subject of a body-off, nut & bolt restoration with no area remaining untouched. The car is equipped with all new wiring loom, stainless steel exhaust, fuel tank, radiator and header tank, rebuilt engine, rebuilt auto gearbox, overhauled chassis, rebuilt suspension, bare body repaint and interior refurbishment. These works were commissioned by a previous owner who also kept a photo record. The vendor has recently replaced the rear hatch with a new item and has sourced the correct, chrome rimmed, alloy centred, road wheels.Finished in red with re-trimmed, tan leather Cobra seats, the car is described as being in show condition and offers quite outstanding value for money.