Lot 103: Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5A

When launched in 1969, the Scimitar GTE was well ahead of its time. Developed from a design by Ogle, which was based on the Scimitar SE4 Coupe, the GTE was the first Sports Estate or Sports Hatch. With the Ford 3.0 V6 under the bonnet, quite a good chassis and pretty good handling, the GTE proved to be very popular and was even adopted by Princess Anne. Fibreglass construction on an excellent chassis meant that there were no major rust problems and the mechanicals were easily sourced through Ford.This 1974 example has been the subject of a major refurbishment on behalf of the owner, who wanted a personalised, outstanding car. The works carried out since 2000 include, new shocks, new springs, new interior with leather seats and door panels, bare shell repaint, rebuilt carburation, new cooling fan, larger radiator, refurbished Dunlop alloys, stainless steel exhaust, new vinyl roof and a myriad of other items to lengthy to document here. Suffice it to say that the car was brought up to tip top order.Having spent a great deal of time and money on the car, the owner used it on high days and holidays but kept it carefully stored in his garage when not in use. Despite the owners meticulous care, a runaway car collided with his garage door, which impacted onto the front of the Scimitar, causing only minor damage to the car but shaking the owners confidence. The car is being offered for sale, on behalf of the owner, by the company who carried out the refurbishment.Said to be an outstanding example the car has the automatic transmission, the 2994cc, Essex V6, 135bhp engine, which has covered only 89, 000 miles (which is thought to be genuine but not warranted as such) and has benefited from the extensive works detailed above.The Scimitar GTE is grossly undervalued at the moment and offers outstanding value for money. This example would appear to offer even more value.