Reliant's first Scimitar, the GT SE4 coupe, came out in 1964 and was to progress through two more estate versions (GTE SE5 and SE6) and a convertible (GTC SE8) over the next 22 years. All the cars had handsome fibreglass bodywork and were typically powered by Ford V6 3-litre engines.
Although GTE/GTC production ended in 1986, the Scimitar story did not end there. In 1987 an engineering company by the name of Middlebridge bought the production rights for the Scimitar from Reliant. Their aim was to bring the Scimitar up to date with over 450 modifications and improvements. The more important modifications involved the fitting of the Ford 2.9 V6 injection engine complete with 5-speed manual gearbox (or auto), replacing the original overdrive set up. This endowed the car with good acceleration and a top speed of 140mph.
The Middlebridge was also fitted with larger 15" alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, electric mirrors, central locking, a slightly revised interior and modified suspension settings. The chassis was also galvanised. The cars cost over £24,000 in the early 1990s and only 77 were sold. Middlebridge always had plans for an updated GTC model but this never materialised. Middlebridge Scimitars are sought after for their high level of specification and today typically command higher prices than the preceding models.
This particular car is the very first Middlebridge Scimitar ever made and bears a chassis number ending 001, together with an underbonnet VIN plate stamped 'Prototype No 1'. Handbuilt to the highest possible standards, the car was displayed by Middlebridge at the 1988 Motor Show and was subsequently lent to Princess Anne (a long time Scimitar fan) who was to keep it for three months before buying a production model of her own (chassis number 4) which she has kept to this day.
Acquired by the previous owner in 1990, the car was put on display at the 1992 NEC Classic Car Show as part of a Royal Feature Exhibit that included other cars formerly owned by the Royal Family. Always in regular light use, the car has covered less than 45,000 miles from new and is said to be in very good condition throughout and to drive very well indeed. A few years ago it was fitted with a new 5-speed manual gearbox and a low mileage 2.9-litre Ford Scorpio engine, together with uprated Bilstein gas shock absorbers.
With a current MOT and tax, it comes with a fair amount of history including press photographs of the Princess with the car after she was caught speeding on the Fosse Way in Gloucestershire!
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