Reliant Scimitar SE6A GTE Automatic

Popularised by Princess Anne in the 1970s (she owned at least eight, all with the registration number 1420 H), the Reliant Scimitar GTE remains one of the most practical classics that money can buy. Clothed in a handsome glassfibre body designed by Ogle and powered by the trusty Ford Essex 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 fascia, slightly more powerful engine (135bhp) and a more modern gearbox. In 1976 this was in turn replaced by the longer, wider and more luxurious SE6 which was now a genuine four-seater. In 1977 it gained improved brakes and suspension and became the SE6A before morphing into the final SE6B with a less-torquey 2.8-litre Cologne engine. Production of all models came to an end in 1986.

First registered in March 1981, this Oyster Metallic SE6A 3-litre automatic has been in the current ownership for the last seven years and is in very presentable condition throughout. It was bought from well-known classic car dealers Bocking Garage of Yorkshire in 2005, having spent most of its life in that county.

Always garaged and well-maintained in the current ownership, it has covered some 97,500 miles to date and was last serviced just a couple of hundred miles ago. Said to be very reliable and to drive well, it is taxed until December and MOTd until next May. It comes with various bills for routine maintenance including a new fuel tank in 2006 and a new oil cooler for the automatic gearbox in 2007. A parts list and a workshop manual on CD are also included.

Durable, practical and perfectly capable of daily use, these handsome sporting estates draw lots of admiring glances. This smart example looks excellent value at the modest guide price suggested today.