Reliant Scimitar
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Scimitars are a make of British sportscars by Reliant.
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GT SE4 (1964-1970)
Reliant's first Scimitar was a coupé; based on the styling of a Daimler SP250 prototype and the chassis of a Reliant Sabre. It was first displayed in 1964. It was powered by 2.6 litre Ford straight six from the Zephyr/Zodiac.
In 1969, the SE4A, was replaced by the SE4B with a V6 3-litre Ford 'Essex' engine. The cheaper SE4C came with a 2.5-litre version of the same engine. Just over 1000 SE4s were produced.
GTE SE5 (1968-1975)
Based on the chassis of the earlier coupé and Ogle Design GTS estate car experiment, the four-seater GTE SE5 came with either 2.5 or 3 litre engines. The 3 litre engine, which gave this model a top speed of over 120 mph (193 km/h), was more popular, and the 2.5 litre version was later dropped. A Borg Warner automatic gearbox was added as an option in 1970 and by 1971 overdrive on the manual 4 speed was offered. In 1972 several improvements were included in the upgrade to SE5A such as a boost in power. The extra 7 hp (5 kW) and maximum engine speed raised performance quite a bit and the GTE was now capable of 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in 9.3 seconds and top speed was raised by 6 mph (10 km/h). The SE5 flat dash gave way to a poor quality curved, moulded plastic one. Around 4311 SE5s were produced.
The 5a model sold more than any other Scimitar model, 5105 being manufactured, and is often seen as the 'classic' Scimitar.
GTE SE6 (1975-1979)
More of a luxury model than the SE5, the SE6 series was promoted at the executive market. These models were two-door sports estates, again with the Ford V6 3 litre engine, and were a few inches longer and wider than their predecessor. The SE6 had some quality issues and was soon replaced by the SE6A. About 543 SE6 models were produced.
The SE6A displayed a number of improvements, including better quality, brakes and road-holding. There was also the option of power steering. Some 3877 SE6As were made.
Ford had stopped making the 'Essex' engine by 1979, which was one of the major differences with the SE6B. The Cologne 2.8 litre V6 was used instead which provided similar power but much less torque. The final drive ratio was changed to compensate. Less than 500 SE6Bs were made.
GTC/ SE8 (1979-1986)
The convertible version of the Scimitar GTE was known as the GTC or SE8. It was modelled closely on the SE6 and still included four seats and the 2.8 L Cologne engine. Less than 500 convertible models were made.
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SS1 (1984-1990)
Aiming to fill a gap in the small sports car market, the Michelotti-designed SS1 was launched in 1984. The chassis was inspired by the Lotus Elan. 1300 and 1600 cc Ford engines were used, and later the Nissan 1800 cc Turbo engine. The car never met the sales targets and only 1500 were produced.
SS2/SST (1988-1995)
Restylings of the SS1 in 1988 and 1990 (by William Towns) led to the SS2 and SST. The SS2 was going to be targeted towards an American market, but never got to the production stage.
Scimitar Sabre (1991-1995)
The Sabre was the last Scimitar model to be produced. Based on the chassis of the SS1 and SST, it was released in 1991, with a restyle in 1993. The Rover K 1.4 litre engine made this the fastest ever Reliant. Production finished in May 1995 when Reliant were taken over.
Middlebridge (1988-1990)
When production at Reliant ceased in 1986, Middlebridge Scimitar acquired the manufacturing rights. This company, based in Nottingham, produced a 2.9 litre version with many modifications and modernisations including fuel injection and a 5 speed gearbox.
Fewer than 100 Scimitars were ever produced by Middlebridge, and, in 1990, production rights went to Graham Walker, who builds Scimitars to order.
External links and sources
- Graham Walker's site (http://www.grahamwalker.co.uk/)
- ReliantSabre and Scimitar Owners' Club (http://www.scimitarweb.com/)
- Information on Scimitars and other Reliants (http://www.scimitar.demon.nl/) [in Dutch and English]
- Scimitar Drivers' Club (http://www.scimitardriver.co.uk/)