Lot 02: Reliant Scimitar GTE

The GTE replaced the Scimitar Coupé in 1968.  Styled by Ogle, it was to break new ground and set a fashion for a generation of sporting estate cars  a format that was hastily copied by manufacturers such as Volvo, BMW and Lancia.  The GRP body was mounted on a sturdy chassis and, as with the last versions of the earlier coupé, the Ford V6 Essex engine was utilised.  The original style, designated SE5, continued until 1975 when the GTE was revised as the SE6, differing visually in a number of details, particularly a wider bodywork.  Eminently practical, GTEs have long been favoured as a tow car, especially when fitted with the manual gearbox with overdrive. In the present owner's hands for the past nineteen years, this 1978 GTE is finished in pearlescent Tahiti blue with blue velour trim.  The crankshaft was reground and an unleaded conversion carried out in 2004, whilst the steering rack and joints were replaced a year later.  Stainless steel tubular manifolds have been fitted and all major mechanical components are reported as being in serviceable order.  The chassis outriggers received attention several years ago and the car was repainted in 2002 with some trim work carried out the following year.  The car sits on Middlebridge alloy wheels and has the manual/overdrive transmission.