Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5 Automatic

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Up until the early 1960s, Reliant Cars had mainly been associated with their faintly comedic Robin three-wheeler so it came as something of a shock when they launched a ground-breaking sporting estate in 1968.

Designed by Tom Karen, the GTE SE5 had elegant shooting brake bodywork in lightweight GRP, a spacious four-seat interior and Ford’s lusty 3.0 V6 under the bonnet. With 138bhp on tap, it could whisk the whole family and the kitchen sink to 60 in just 9 seconds with a top speed of 115mph. In September 1972 it was replaced by the marginally faster SE5a which also had a revised interior and improved rear lights. The SE6 versions which followed in 1977 got progressively bigger, heavier and slower so it is the earlier cars that everyone wants today.

First registered in May 1970, this GTE is a bit of an oddball because it looks to us more like an SE5a than an SE5 with the later model’s dash, grille and rear light clusters so you will have to make your own minds up on that score. Originally registered as BMU 879H it now has a personalised number which is transferable and is included in the sale, TIL 2921. Other features include green Sundym glass, a handy tow bar and a stainless steel exhaust with a 3-branch manifold.

In storage for several years, it has recently had a thorough recommissioning and a major service which cost over £1,700 (invoices on file). The work included fitting a brand new Weber 38 DGAS carburettor and a new battery plus all the usual service items. We are told that a new set of tyres were also fitted and new H4 headlights.

The underside looks to be in good shape as does the interior and we are told that all the instruments work as they should, including the clock, as do the electric windows. Starting promptly and running sweetly as we moved it around for these photos, it has an MOT to 31st October 2019 with no advisories recorded.