Highlights
- Fully original vehicle
- Increasingly rare car with only 442 GTCs produced
- Well maintained and running example
The Appeal
Produced from 1964 to 1986, the Reliant Scimitar was an ever-evolving and constantly changing design. Originally designed as a two-door coupe, the vehicle eventually morphed into an estate in 1968, and then into a convertible coupe in 1980. The basic concept was still the same, a high-quality luxury grand tourer with a fibreglass body and steel chassis. Originally powered by the Ford Zephyr V6 engine until 1966, they then changed to the Ford Essex V6 in 1967, a common engine amongst many British auto manufacturers, until it eventually changed to the Ford Cologne V6 in 1980.
The GTC, Reliant’s convertible coupe variant, introduced with a completely new rear end and a supportive T-bar roof, was released in 1980. The introduction of the GTC received positive press reception, however since at the time Great Britian was on its way into a recession, the quite expensive £11,360 price tag (around £40,000 in today’s money) was cost-prohibitive to its target audience. As a result, there were only 442 production GTCs total, with 340 of them being produced in 1980, such as this vehicle.
Currently in great shape and ready to be driven home, this GTC is a rare opportunity to pick up a bit of 80’s British touring history. With so few GTCs produced, it’s an increasingly rare car to see on the roads, especially in this fine of condition. Presented in an original and unmodified state, with a glossy White Rose colourway, this Scimitar is ready and willing to get rolling after a 4-year period of dry storage.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5c
- First date of registration 1st of April 1981 (produced in 1980)
- Current MoT valid until 27th June 2024
- Invoices present for some historic parts and labour performed
- Very little recent service history present
- Has been dry stored, has seen only 426 miles since 2006 but has been kept running over the years
The Interior
- Overall interior in great condition, with very little signs of use present
- Owner states all electronics, switches, buttons, and gauges work as they should
- Steering wheel in great condition showing no issues with the vinyl wrap or any plastics
- Dashboard shows no imperfections or cracking, but there is a slight warp above the steering wheel, can likely be re-fitted to perfection
- Centre console in great condition as well, all buttons and gauges show no damage, and the design is easy to see and use
- Fitted with a Cobra alarm system
- Front seats show almost no signs of wear and are in pristine condition
- Rear seats are similar condition to the front, seat belts and lathes shining
- Carpets and floor mats in good shape, showing very little wear and would benefit from a deep cleaning
- Door cards are straight and fully attached, no signs of wear, and brightwork gleaming
- Boot is in good shape as well, carpeting in great shape but some light marking on the surrounding trim; missing small right-side panel in photos is present
- Convertible hood in great shape inside, no signs of misuse, headlining clean and tidy
The Exterior
- White Rose paintwork in good shape, just usual marks and small scratches from the road as to be expected, still shines with plenty of gloss
- Fibreglass body in great shape, no seen issues or damage
- Black bumpers show a small bit of fading from age, and some touch ups spotted
- Trim, rubbers, and seals are in good condition with only minor fading from age
- Light lenses in excellent condition, headlights show little signs of sun damage or fogging
- Glass and vinyl windows in overall excellent condition
- Wolfrace 14-inch wheels present nicely with no kerbing, just some very minor pitting
- Three centre caps show GTC; one shows Wolfrace
- Underside in good overall condition, no signs of serious corrosion or rust present, very minor surface corrosion present in some areas but has clearly been garage-kept
- Convertible hood in great condition, no signs of weather damage or rips
The Mechanics
- Owner states vehicle is in excellent overall working condition
- Visual condition of the engine bay is very tidy for age, in great working order
- 2.8L Ford Cologne V6 engine said to be in great shape and running strong
- Looks to be newer carburettor present, ITG filter in place as well
- Ford C3 3-Speed automatic gearbox said to shift smoothly
- The owner informs us the vehicle is an absolute pleasure to drive, the vehicle brakes, handles, shifts, and accelerates as to be expected
- Convertible top said to be in good working order
Summary
This Scimitar is a prime example of Reliant’s quirky convertible GT car, a rare beast on the roads and indeed a treat to drive. This is the perfect opportunity to own a stunning original GTC from a period of British car making history that will only become more desirable with time. Presented with an automatic transmission, this grand tourer by definition is comfortable yet sporty, and would support a long-distance trip after just a slight bit of recommissioning coming out of the current period of dry storage. With the convenient convertible top, this one is a blast to drive with the open air and sun beaming down.
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.*
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.
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.
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