1977 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A – Project Profile

When Reliant unveiled the Scimitar to the masses in the mid-sixties after the, how shall we say, rather esoteric Regal three-wheeler, it must have been akin to The Doors releasing a disco album, so disparate were the two. Here was a handsome, sporting coupé with a six cylinder engine that looked every bit as European as far more exotic fare from across the Channel, especially when parked next to the aforementioned Regal. Yes, there was the Sabre that came before it, but these were produced in such limited numbers that it hardly registered in the collective consciousness of the car buying public and was quickly forgotten. (Cult Classic anyone?)

The Scimitar proved that Reliant could do sports cars, and do them well, and the car would be produced deep into the ’80s, progressing through a number of updates and iterations along the way, one of which being the GTE SE6 that arrived in ’75.

An updated version of the previous GTE SE5 sports estate hatchback, or ‘shooting break’, it was marketed as a more upscale, executive machine and the SE6 is arguably the most well-remembered entry in the Scimitar line up. It was certainly the best seller. Fitted with Ford’s 3.0-litre Essex V6 (later replaced in 1980 by the 2.8-litre Cologne as found in the Capri Injection) it was larger than the SE5, making it a proper four seater, and way more practical in the process and remains a popular classic among fans of rare British sportsters.

What is it? 

This particular example is a 1977 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A, with the ‘A’ denoting it as a face-lifted SE6 produced from ’76 to ’80. These cars featured better brakes and revised suspension as well as a few aesthetic tweaks and proved to be the most popular of the bunch. And no, we’re not going to mention that Princess Anne had one… Dammit!

Owned by an enthusiast, the car, complete with manual gearbox, has received recent professional work to the engine, including timing gear and carburettor, as well as the electrics and the brakes meaning that it runs and drives as it should with a valid, advisory-free MOT until May next year.

Why is it a project? 

It was a toss up whether to actually include this as Project Profile because on the face of it the car appears to be pretty sorted, at least mechanically, but delve a little deeper and you’ll discover there is a bit of cosmetic work to be done to the body and interior to bring it back to its best.

There are some light marks, scuffs and chips to the paintwork, as well as some areas of crazing and micro blistering but no apparent damage to speak of. The doors have also dropped slightly (a common issue) and will need adjusting. The interior, although presentable, does require a touch of TLC to areas like the carpets and headlining, and the electrics need looking at.

What should you look for? 

Body
The Scimitar’s body is made of fibre glass and so corrosion isn’t an issue here but we do know there are some areas that need work. The important thing to look for is actual physical damage or cracks as these can be difficult to repair and will need to be addressed by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Chassis
The body might be impervious to rot but the chassis is made of steel and therefore extremely susceptible. There are no advisories on the latest MOT for structural issues but it’s still worth having a nosey underneath to check all is kosher, and indeed straight.

Suspension
With a lot of recent mechanical fettling the car appears to be in rude health but there is no mention of any suspension work so check all of the bushings for signs of wear or deterioration. A polybush upgrade could be worth it if things feel a little tired. The car sits level so the springs are probably fine but check the dampers for any leakage.

Interior
The carpets could do with being replaced and the headlining needs a scrub but on the whole it’s not too bad inside this Scimitar. The glove box drops open but a spare is provided with the sale. Check the condition of the switchgear and inspect the window winder mechanisms as it has been flagged as an issue, but it could just need lubricating. Make sure the sunroof seals are doing their job, too.

Electrics
Despite recent fuse box and wiring work there are still a few gremlins to contend with when it comes to the electrics with the cigarette lighter socket and tow bar electrics currently not working. Check the condition of the battery as well as the earthing points to make sure there is adequate power and a good ground.

What should you do with it? 

The very definition of a rolling project, it appears that most, if not all of the mechanical work has already been completed, with just the cosmetic stuff remaining. Buy it and enjoy it while fixing the interior niggles, fit a nice after market period steering wheel and spend a bit of money on a professional respray. That’ll pretty much see you on your way to a rather lovely, rare and eminently drive-able Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A. And what’s not to like about that? Exactly. So get bidding.