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.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

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.