Beschreibung
Reliant Scimitar GTE – SE5a, manual overdrive. 1972
Low owner car (5) in highland purple.
Long MOT, tax exempt. In regular use.
There is some history with the car. It seemed to be well looked after within its lifetime. The previous owner unfortunately, could not locate some of the paperwork from the person he bought it from (who had done a lot of work to it), including a rebuilt engine and replacement chassis. Whilst I can’t verify that on paper, simply look underneath the car and it speaks for itself – just like the way it drives which is really good! I purchased a Dolomite Sprint front air dam which really sets the front end off nicely.
Engine:
Excellent. Good oil pressure. No loss of oil or water. Runs really sweet. Lots of power. Electric fan with manual override. No overheating – even in the middle of summer in traffic.
Tubular manifolds. I was told it was bored to 3. 1 but I can’t verify this but by the way it drives, I would not argue with that. Seems to have high compression and is very eager to get down the road.
I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel hoses, battery, alternator (high current), distributor, Accuspark leads, electronic ignition, new ignition switch, starter motor solenoid, new speedo cable, (speedo broke straight after that was fitted)! Engine bay nice and clean.
Gearbox:
Manual overdrive. Nice and tight. Goes into gear very smoothly and overdrive works as it should. Clutch smooth and operates well.
Drivetrain:
No knocks, bangs or whines. The back axle is silent (find me a scimitar that isn’t noisy)! Drives true and straight and feels really tight and is very eager to get down the road.
Suspension:
Partly rebuilt with new track rod ends, top joints and bushes. New steering rack gators. Very light to steer and feels really positive.
Wolfrace wheels X5 in good condition (would benefit from being polished). Matched tires X4
Things the car would benefit from:
Ideally the car needs a respray. It has lost some of the shine and the photos give an indication of what needs doing. Shine could be brought out with a good polish but to get it looking great, it will need a respray.
Vinyl roof needs renewing. Seals around doors need replacing. Interior a bit tatty. Rip in the drivers seat. I have a spare drivers seat in slightly better condition.
It seems that looking at the ads, you get restored cars which deservedly, are really beginning to creep up in value, and others that look like they’ve been dragged through a lake.
This car is in between and a good usable example with many excellent points. There are a few things that let it down but with the right owner, this could be made into a really cracking car. All the fundamental bits are good. I already own another classic and as my family is growing, we need a small, modern run-around; and I don’t have the time to give this car what it really deserves. Most of the electrics work. The clock tells the right time twice a day. It's a reluctant sale as my family have owned and loved many Scimitars in the past and the thought of getting some small, bland misery box to replace it saddens me but needs must.
As you can see, I have done a lot of work on the car and fundamentally, there are many more good points than bad. It just needs to be taken to the next stage and I am just not in the position to do that so I would like to see it go to a good home. With a bit of bodywork, this car will be a great investment as smart ones are starting to fetch the money they deserve.
Viewings welcome.
