Reliant Scimitar GT SE4

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Although best known for their three-wheelers and the Scimitar GTE, the Reliant story really kicked off in 1964 with the launch of their Ogle-styled coupe, the SE4.

Launched at the Earls Court Motor Show, the Scimitar SE4 was widely praised for its elegant lines and performance, though this came at a hefty price of £1,292.

Power came from the smooth and powerful 2.6-litre Ford straight-six from the Zephyr / Zodiac range with triple SU carbs as standard. Producing 120bhp, this was sufficient to propel the car to 60mph in just 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of 117mph.. Reliant produced just 296 of the SE4a model before it was replaced by the V6-engined SE4b in 1966, making this a rare car indeed.

This one has been off the road for a number of years and the vendor has spent a lot of time and effort (and some money) bringing it back to its former glory. In fact, the work is ongoing, as you may have noticed from the lack of hardware in the engine bay!

The engine has been refurbished, with the head skimmed and new valves fitted and is now back in the car but not yet in running order. A new clutch has been fitted, along with re-built carburettors, new alternator and new fuel pump.

It has had a full body respray with minor repair work carried out to the fibreglass bodywork, and the wheels have been shot-blasted and repainted. The brake system has been overhauled, with a new servo and new discs fitted. There are still a number of jobs to be done, including attention to the wiring, but the hard work has been completed.

The interior is thought to be original and is very smart, although the steering wheel is not correct (the original will be supplied with the car).

This is an attractive and uncommon car which has had a lot of time and effort spent on it and should not require much more work to have it back on the road in time for the summer.