It did them no favours having the Reliant badge, either. Car reviews. High gearing was a Scimitar hallmark, making for relaxed rapid cruising with the torquey Essex V6. Thanks to its big engine power the GTE became a respected towcar and it’s reckoned that half of those remaining are so equipped. You need to drive a properly sorted Scimitar to understand what all the fuss is about; they really do offer a perfect blend of fun and practicality. Check the colour of the transmission fl uid if in doubt (the dipstick is at the rear of the engine, accessed from under the bonnet); it should be pink rather than black. Summary: A real head turner, cheap sports car, great drive and handling. Reliant Scimitar GTE Review Born from the mad designs of the styling house Ogle, the Reliant Scimitar GTE was always going to have a curious life. How much is a 1977 Toyota Celica liftback worth? The GTE formula was so right that Reliant choose to grow it rather than come up with a replacement. Back in the late 1960s you could have something sporty or cavernous, but not both – until Reliant came along. The Scimitar’s affordability suggests that it has little to recommend itself, as three grand nets a tidy example. This featured Ford’s 2.8-litre Cologne engine with better cooling and a lower fi nal drive ratio; 437 were made. The fi nal Reliant-built car was made in 1986, and delivered to GTE fan Princess Anne. When the later German 2.8 V6 replaced the evergreen Capri 3-litre, the Scimitar was blunted but was improved on the MIddlebridge motors when the freerbreathing 2.9-litre came on stream. Four types of wheel were offered over the years by the factory. Faults: Wiper motor seized, front and back. Carmakers create a new market segment every week nowadays, but it wasn’t always so. The final generation of Reliant produced GTEs - the SE6b - failed to replicate the success of the earlier models. All panels are available; problems may arise when you try to graft them in though. Yet Reliant revived the name in the eighties with the Scimitar SS1. All Scimitars featured a Ford V6 engine; the 3-litre Essex unit was fi tted until 1979, when it was superseded by the smoother 2.8-litre Cologne lump. 1986 Reliant Scimitar SS1 Reviews. Reviving the Scimitar name, which earned the Tamworth company considerable 1970s credibility with its GTE sports estate ... 2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T first drive review. When it emerged in 1980, it had the market all to itself – the Stag had been dead three years. Five years later in larger, lardier SE6 guise however the mag’s opinion changed to “Starting to age and not so pleasant”. It was first displayed in 1964. Our guide will save you money. The later Cologne V6 doesn’t have the torque of its Essex predecessor so Reliant fi tted a lower ratio back axle to maintain acceleration levels. It may sound daft but have a look at the steering wheel on early SE6s lacking power steering. It was Michelotti's last design. The latter is the stronger of the two, but both are generally reliable if the car isn’t used for towing (many are). Specs datasheet with technical data and performance data plus an analysis of the direct market competition of Reliant Scimitar GTC in 1980 the model with 2-door body and V-6 2792 cm3 / 170.4 cui engine size, 99 kW / 135 PS / 133 hp (DIN) of power, 216 Nm / 159 lb-ft of torque, 5-speed manual powertrain offered since mid-year 1980 for Europe . However, all cars are fast, refi ned, relaxed tourers that can give many moderns a run for their money as well as make a superb criminally under priced daily driver alternative. Reliant Scimitar GTE: See 3 user reviews, 9 photos and great deals for Reliant Scimitar GTE. Share Interview - Pat Afford (Reliant co-founder, E.S Thompson’s daughter) Interview - Jack Timbury (Ex-Reliant apprentice 1937 - 1938) Interview - Microsoft on Supervan III in Forza Horizon 3 game; Interview - Trident Motors Inc. USA (Former Reliant customer) Members Stories - Daniel Clift (UK) / … The blend of practicality and sporting appeal that makes the Scimitar such a useable and entertaining classic made it instantly desirable, while behind the wheel was a throbbing V6. Less of an issue is corrosion in the outriggers just behind the front wheels, along with the side rails below the sills; these areas can both be patched up without the need for too much dismantling. Сheck out 1986 Reliant Scimitar SS1 Reviews!From mechanical specifications to styling tweaks, nothing is left out. Are available ; problems may arise when you try to graft them though... Look at the steering wheel on early SE6s lacking power steering from a later SE6 can be reduced engine. Reviews, 9 photos and great deals for Reliant Scimitar ’ s inherent design is if. Was a Scimitar hallmark, making for relaxed rapid cruising with the Reliant GTE... Extended roofline, may be considered as a result a fair chunk the... 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