Highlights

One of only 296 SE4s produced
Fully restored in 1997, with a photo record and invoices to back it up
Restoration featured in the June 1998 issue of Practical Classics magazine
Appeared in the Christmas special episode of the TV series Heartbeat in 2002

The appeal

The Reliant Scimitar GT SE4 was a flagship model for the Tamworth manufacturer, combining a powerful Ford straight-six engine with an elegant fibreglass coupé body designed by Ogle Design. It retains a 1960s retro-futuristic styling that has aged remarkably well and sets it apart from its contemporaries. With only 296 SE4s built, it is one of the rarest British GTs of that decade. It also laid the groundwork for the GTE estate that followed, the more widely known model.

This 1966 right-hand-drive example was fully restored in 1997, a job meticulously documented with a photo record and invoices. The project was notable enough to be featured in the June 1998 issue of Practical Classics magazine, a copy of which accompanies the car. It also made a screen appearance in the Christmas special of Heartbeat, broadcast in 2002, fittingly in keeping with the era of this quintessentially British series.

Finished in red with black faux leather upholstery, this right-hand-drive car features wire wheels, a Webasto sunroof and a wooden steering wheel. Under the bonnet, the 2,553 cc Ford six-cylinder is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. A comprehensive history file accompanies the sale, including inspection reports, an FFVE document, restoration photos, invoices and the owner's service book.

Key information

Mileage: 96,721 miles (155,657 km), stated as accurate by the seller
Country of registration: United Kingdom; English registration documents present. A French historic registration certificate (carte grise de collection) could potentially be obtained
MOT: valid until 23 July 2028
Technical specifications: 2,553 cc Ford petrol six-cylinder, four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Documents: history file, inspection reports, FFVE document, restoration photo record, invoices, owner's service book and a copy of the article from Practical Classics

The details

Bodywork in good overall condition, with a few minor flaws noted
Panel alignment is good except for the front left door, which needs adjustment
Chrome in good condition, except for the front bumper, which shows oxidation and distortion
Paintwork shows slight wear, consistent with the age of the vehicle
Faux leather upholstery in fair condition, with advanced wear on exposed areas, a slight tear at the base of the front right seat and a collapsed foam
Electronic ignition fitted
Servo-assisted brakes
Stainless steel exhaust system
Cylinder head suitable for unleaded fuel
The seller states the car drives very well

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, meaning consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by the Car & Classic terms and conditions.

✓ We require non-refundable fees to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want the transaction to go smoothly, just as you do, which is why cars and motorcycles registered in the UK and listed on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to confirm they carry no insurance database markers for damage or theft and are not subject to finance encumbrances, so you can bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as written off following a total loss at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle's status, and it is always worthwhile to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or arranging delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can help. For more details, or to speak with the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.