Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE
Estimate
£7, 000 - £9, 000
Registration No: TGM 595S
Chassis No: 7Kthe details below
MOT: Exempt
Specified with Manual Overdrive Gearbox
Subject to a previous body overhaul and recent recommissioning work
Launched in 1968, Reliant's Scimitar GTE was the original 'lifestyle estate'. Stablemate to the Scimitar GT Coupe and designed by Ogle's Tom Karen, the GTE was also the first car to offer split fold rear seats. Following established company practice, it utilised a stiff, separate chassis to underpin its lightweight, rust free glassfibre bodywork. With independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a Watts linkage located 'live' rear axle, rack and pinion steering and disc/ drum brakes, handling was a strong point. Powered by a Ford 'Essex' 3 litre V6 engine developing 138bhp and 175lbft of torque, the GTE was tested at over 120mph and could reputedly sprint to 60mph in 8. 9 seconds. Progressively updated, the original SE5 GTE gave way to the SE6 in 1975. Boasting more cabin space and better fittings than its predecessor, the SE6's mild restyle also encompassed new safety bumpers. Introduced the following year, the revised SE6A brought improved dual circuit braking, revised spring / damper rates and higher build quality.
First registered on the 1st January 1978, ‘TGM 595S’ was originally registered in the Reading area. Specified as a GTE SE6A with the desirable Manual Overdrive Gearbox, it is said to have lived in the Isle of Wight since nearly new, and remained over there until as recently as 2015, when it was purchased by the vendor. In the vendor’s ownership, the Reliant has received a large amount of both cosmetic and mechanical work, which included a strip down to the chassis and full respray of both the chassis and fibreglass bodywork in around 2019 into the original yellow that it presents in today, which included replacement of the window seals and windscreen seal, which is notoriously rare. The interior has also received much attention, with a recent headliner and new brown carpets to replace the originals, the vendor opted to keep the original seats as they were found to be in good condition. The mechanics have also been subject to significant outlay, with a complete brake overhaul which included entirely new lines and engine work has included recent head gaskets, new coolant pipes and an upgrade to an electric fuel pump with a new fuel line to suit.
These 70’s icons command a great deal of attention and are great fun thanks to their lightweight body and thumping V6 Essex engines, and this particular example should be at the top of the list for any prospective purchaser.
