1985 Reliant Scimitar GTC SE8
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Highlights
- Fully recommissioned by Graham Walker Cars in 2022
- Highly original, right down to the Piesburg carburettor
- 2,792cc Ford Cologne V6 powerplant with 4-speed manual transmission
- Took part in Car & Classic’s Platinum Jubilee event at Windsor Castle
- Valid MOT until February 2024
The Appeal
Introducing the rare, highly desirable GTC Scimitar. While Reliant may not be a legendary name like Austin or Lotus, they were the UK’s second biggest British-owned carmakers for over twenty years, and pioneered the use of fibreglass bodywork - keeping their cars light and manoeuvrable. This was particularly true of their sports cars - of which one of the finest is the Scimitar.
With styling inspired by the best of Italian coachbuilding, The Scimitars were particularly distinctive for their looks, which were particularly distinctive in 1968. Even by the end of production in 1986, they were decidedly unique. In 1980, the Scimitar GTC hit the market - an evolved, stylish and refined from its predecessors. Today, these cars remain highly practical for daily driving.
This example, practically museum quality and remarkably scarce, is one of the final fifty to leave the factory - meaning it’s distinguished with a galvanised chassis. Only 442 of these remarkable cars were built, so you can be sure you’re looking at a truly rare beast. The Scimitar Owner's club believe this may be the lowest mileage example on the market.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1985
- The car's first owner kept it in his ownership until his sad passing 2021, his family then owned the car for a short while
- From here, Graham Walker - the UK Scimitar specialist - purchased and recommissioned the vehicle
- The car was purchased by the current owner in 2021
- In 2022 the car attended our Platinum Jubilee event at Windsor Castle
- This was a curated event in which we chose spectacular examples of British motoring
- No.418 of only 442 Scimitar GTCs built
- Of these, only 13 were built in 1985
- Reliant stated that only cars from 1983 were manufactured with a galvanised chassis
- This equates to only 70 cars in total with this desirable feature
- The DVLA registers only four keepers from new
- The Odometer was replaced at around 4,328 miles to factory warranty
- Currently, the car indicates 15,823 miles on a five-figure odometer
- This results in a remarkably low mileage of only 20,151 miles
- This is supported by the service record book
- The car has a valid MOT until February 2024 with zero advisories
- The private registration plate does not come with the sale of the car
The Interior
- Highly impressive period interior
- Fabric and vinyl seats in exceptional order with no rips or tears
- Rear seats have been fitted with 3-point inertia safety belts
- Evocative angular dashboard in superb order with period instruments
- The only significant modification here are to the sound system
- The vendor was a sound reproduction specialist so has fitted:
- Blaupunkt retro-style stereo head
- Uprated door speakers
- Under-dash tweets
- A discreetly mounted boot subwoofer
- The original radio, however, still works and will be provided
- The dashboard’s plastics are all clean and well-presented
- Impressive GTC steering wheel
- We understand that all of the options work
- However, the car is disconnected from the external ariel by the vendor
- The vendor notes some light wear to the driver’s footwell carpet
- The vendor does have a replacement carpet but it’s not been seen as necessary
- There is a very minor repair to the driver’s seat piping but this is barely noticeable
- Ultimately, this is a highly impressive, very evocative cabin
- Meanwhile, round the back, the boot is in excellent condition
The Exterior
- Stylish fibreglass bodywork with distinctly retro angles
- Bodywork is in good order with no significant cracks or fractures
- Painted in factory Champagne which is in very good order
- The vendor notes a very small blemish on the inside front wheel arch
- This, however, is likely to be as it was leaving the factory
- Some light stone chips have been touched up on the frontmost areas of the car
- The offside rear wing has some very light micro blistering that's difficult to discern
- The trims are in good order and set off a superb contrast
- Glasses and lenses are in good order with minimal wear
- All branding is present and correct
- The original soft top is in great order with clear, well-kept panels
- The car is sitting on its original wheelset - a particularly attractive set of GTC alloys
- Full set of Davanti tyres which are newly fitted
- Underneath, the car is in excellent order - clearly benefiting from its galvanised chassis
- In addition there is a barely used Hard Top for the car that has a heated rear window
The Mechanics
- Popping open the bonnet reveals a well-presented engine bay and spare wheel
- Impressive 2,792cc Ford Cologne V6 powerplant
- We note the originality, including the original Piesburg carburettor
- This engine is shared with the ever-beloved Ford Capri
- Excellent parts availability
- 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive
- Last overhauled and subject to major service in 2022
- The car’s MOT is valid until February 2024 with zero advisories
- We’ve no reports of any mechanical issues
- We certainly can’t spot any sign of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
- The car is reportedly starting first time and is eminently usable
Summary
The Scimitar is an unsung hero of the British motor industry. Loaded with retro character, packed with style and boasting highly practical performance, these cars are comfortable, sure-footed and stylish all-rounders that defy many vehicles from the period.
If you’ve never been behind the wheel of a Scimitar - and with their impressive rarity, that is quite likely - this is the perfect opportunity.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1985
- Make Reliant
- Model Scimitar
- Colour Beige
- Odometer 15,823 Miles
- Engine size 2782
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Cheltenham
- Location Gloucestershire
- Country United Kingdom
9
bids
from 7
bidders
- JWJ500 £8,400 22/09/23
- 1500_fa•••• £8,000 22/09/23
- alan-be•••• £7,800 21/09/23
- Gary Co•••• £7,700 21/09/23
- hadstoc•••• £7,600 21/09/23
- john-co•••• £7,500 21/09/23
- JWJ500 £7,000 21/09/23
- john-co•••• £6,500 20/09/23
- geoffre•••• £6,000 20/09/23
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