Reliant Scimitar GTC Convertible

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Popularised by Princess Anne in the 1970s (she owned at least eight, all with the registration number 1420 H, and was famously caught speeding in one of them), the Reliant Scimitar GTE remains one of the most practical classics that money can buy. Clothed in a handsome glassfibre body and powered by the trusty Ford 3-litre V6 engine and box, this sporting estate offers a huge amount of style and versatility for very little money.

Launched as the SE5 in 1968, the car was replaced by the SE5A in September 1972 which had a revised interior fascia, slightly more powerful engine and a more modern gearbox. In 1976 this was in turn replaced by the longer, wider and more luxurious SE6. In 1980 the final version, the SE6B came out, now with better brakes and suspension and a new Ford Cologne 2.8-litre V6 engine.

For the first time a convertible version was also offered, the GTC. From the B-post back, all the panels were new and extra bracing was added along with a roll hoop. In combination with the separate chassis, this additional stiffening meant the GTC did not suffer from the scuttle shake that often plagues monocoque convertibles.

Making its debut in March 1980, the GTC was well received by press and public alike but, with Britain heading into recession, it struggled to find enough buyers at £11,360 (equivalent to £40,000 today) and just 422 were made before Reliant went bust in 1986. A very rare sight today, the GTC is the most desirable of the Scimitar models.

First registered in August 1980, this GTC really stands out from the crowd and was treated to many upgrades by a previous owner in 2003 - 2005. There are bills on file for many thousands of pounds of improvements including a bespoke full leather interior (seats, dash, doorcards); white faced dials; alloy gearshift, handbrake and cigar lighter; solid walnut dash and door trims; uprated heater blowers; MotoLita sports steering wheel; Clarion sound system; wool carpets; mohair hood etc.

Mechanical upgrades include: polished and ported heads; performance cam; electronic ignition; Edelbrock carb; bespoke stainless steel exhaust system and manifold; limited slip diff; Wilwood 4-pot brake calipers and vented discs; adjustable suspension; 4-speed gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th; 15” alloy wheels with good tyres; battery cut-off switch; Cobra alarm etc. The vendor believes that the engine was also rebuilt to 3.1 RS spec but we saw no documentary evidence to prove this so you will have to make your own minds up on that score.

Apart from the large file of invoices, other documentation includes a V5C, three old MOTs (issued 2002, 2003 and 2010), original owner’s handbook, period sales brochure and technical literature relating to the model. Starting promptly and running well as we moved it around for these photos, it was last on the road in 2011 but is due to have a new MOT and a tune-up in time for the sale.