"For UK-based buyers, a highly competitive fixed-rate shipping quote has been secured for: £1,650 via Freight Factory for all cars sold by this seller on auction"
Highlights
- Early 2.6L SE4 cars
- One of less than 500 cars ever built
- South African example preserved in very good condition
- Triple-carburettor Ford Zodiac straight-six engine
- Manual gearbox with desirable factory overdrive gearbox
- Never welded and free from rust
The Appeal
Ogle’s pretty SX250 prototype provides an unlikely connection between the charismatic director of an international cosmetics firm and Princess Anne. Boris Forter commissioned the car that became first the Ogle SX250, then the Scimitar GT SE4, which morphed into the shooting brake so beloved of certain Royal personages.
The original SE4 cars, like this one, were fitted with the 2.6L straight six engine from the Ford Zodiac. Less than 500 left the works and this car, built in 1966, is amongst the last. It has spent its life in the dry climes of South Africa, which explains why it is so original and has never been welded.
Finished in factory correct Sand Dune Beige with black interior and painted wire wheels, this car exudes all the style of these very pretty early cars. It is said to run and drive well and is only for sale due to the vendor’s change of plans for his large collection. As such, this is a great opportunity for collectors of thee excellent 60s GTs.
The vendor says:
“Some cars are rare. Some are special. And then there are those that stand at the very pinnacle of their marque’s history—cars that define an era, cars that whisper their legends through every perfectly preserved detail.
“This 1966 Reliant Scimitar GT SE4 Coupe is exactly that.
“A true gran turismo, a machine of pedigree and poise, and the undisputed holy grail of Reliant’s production history.
“In a world dominated by heavy steel-bodied tourers, the Reliant Scimitar SE4 broke the mould.
“A lightweight fibreglass body, masterfully sculpted by David Ogle, draped over a chassis that delivered grace, power, and balance in equal measure.”
“This is not just a Reliant. This is the Reliant to own. A Blue-Chip Collectible – The Best of the Best
“Scimitar GTs are incredibly rare, especially in this state—never abused, never molested, and never left to rot like so many others.
“A true 1960s British GT, preserved in time, this is a car for the connoisseur, the collector who demands nothing but the best.
“Due to South Africa’s political instability, I am selling off my private collection of investment-grade classics.
History and Paperwork
- 1966 Reliant Scimitar GT SE4 Coupe
- Originally delivered to South Africa
- Preserved in dry South African conditions throughout its life
- Being sold from a private collection due to the owner's circumstances
- Professional shipping available worldwide through Freight Factory
The vendor says:
“This isn’t some patched-up, resurrected project car. This is a bone-dry South African survivor, untouched by the rust and rot that have claimed so many others.
“Never welded. Never left to decay. Just pure, unspoiled motoring history, preserved exactly as it left the factory. This Scimitar is no static museum piece.
“It was built to be driven, to stretch its long-legged touring ability across vast distances, soaking up the miles with effortless power.”
The Condition
- Finished in factory-correct "Sand Dune Beige" paintwork
- Black Nappa leather interior appears well-preserved
- Wire wheels fitted, adding to the period-correct appearance
- Chrome brightwork presents well
- Original dashboard, switchgear and instrumentation reported to be fully functional
- Features wood grain dashboard fascia
- Body reported to be free from rust and never welded, benefiting from the dry South African climate
“The passage of time is cruel to most cars, but not this one.
“This Scimitar GT has been spared the ravages of age, cared for by a meticulous and devout custodian who understood its significance from day one.
• Factory-correct “Sand Dune Beige”—a soft, elegant tone that complements the car’s refined sporting nature.
• Black Nappa leather hide interior—sumptuous, supple, and still as intoxicatingly rich as the day it was stitched.
• Wire wheels—a perfect period-correct touch, adding an unmistakable sense of British grand touring class.
• Brightwork is flawless, the original chrome gleaming with an untouched depth that tells of gentle use and endless care.
• Dash, switchgear, and instrumentation all original, untouched, and fully functional—a testament to how beautifully this car has been preserved.
• Wood grain dash fascia—a touch of classic British craftsmanship, adding warmth and depth to the perfectly laid-out cockpit.”
The Mechanics
- 2.6-litre Ford Zodiac straight-six engine
- Manual transmission with overdrive
- Triple carburettor setup for enhanced performance
- The vendor states this is a fully functioning GT car suitable for long-distance touring
- Engine described as "silky-smooth" with good power delivery
The vendor says:
“With its triple-carb Ford Zodiac straight-six, the soundtrack alone is enough to stir the soul—deep-chested, silky-smooth, and urgent when called upon.
“The overdrive transmission ensures relaxed high-speed cruising, while the beautifully weighted controls make every journey a joy.”
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