Highlights
- Desirable four-speed manual with overdrive
- Recently fitted full stainless steel exhaust
- New brake discs, pads, front springs, and four new tyres, we are told
- Accompanied by owner's manuals, parts catalogue, service book, and V5C
The Appeal
The Reliant Scimitar GTE occupies a unique place in British motoring history as the car that essentially invented the sporting estate concept. Powered by the muscular Ford Essex V6 and wrapped in a fibreglass body penned by Tom Karen, the GTE offered a compelling blend of genuine performance and everyday versatility, a formula so appealing it won the loyalty of Princess Anne, who owned several.
This 1976 example is finished in blue with a black roof over a tan vinyl and fabric interior, and is powered by the 3.0-litre Essex V6 mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. It has been used as a daily runner and has benefitted from considerable recent mechanical attention. It rides on 14-inch Wolfrace wheels with whitewall tyres and features a Moto-Lita three-spoke steering wheel inside. Some cosmetic imperfections are present, including a notable paintwork imperfection above the rear 'GTE' badge and minor sill blemishes, but this is an honest, usable Scimitar that presents well for a car approaching its half-century.
Key Information
- Mileage: 49,726 miles indicated
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt; last tested in January 2023
- Technical specs: 3.0-litre Ford Essex V6 petrol, four-speed manual with overdrive
- Paperwork: Owner's manuals, parts catalogue, service book, and V5C

The Detail
- Four new tyres, two new brake discs and pads, and new front springs fitted, we are told
- Full stainless steel exhaust fitted
- K&N air filter fitted to the Essex V6
- 14-inch Wolfrace wheels with whitewall tyres; spare wheel supplied
- Three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel fitted
- Sony CD-stereo with AUX input
- Eight-ball gear knob
- Blue paintwork with a black roof; HPI confirms previous colour was cream
- Notable paintwork imperfection above the rear 'GTE' badge
- Minor blemishes on the sills
- Tan vinyl and fabric interior
- Last MOT in January 2023 (expired) was a second-time pass with five advisories: oil leaks from engine and transmission (not excessive), nearside front tyre wear, slight steering rack free play, and offside rear shock absorber oil misting

BEFORE YOU BUY
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Comments
pk••••
Hi, does the sunroof open fully? also does it leak? thank you.
pk••••
noted with thanks
CCAjone••••
How are the important electrical (lights, turn signals, etc.) ? Also, is the undercarriage, chassis rusted? The photos seem to show rust.
john.ha••••
SellerUndercarriage has been waxoiled some years ago 8.to9but as photos show would hurt to do again but has always been garage to
john.ha••••
SellerThe scimitar is in good running condition although I only have done short 20 miles runs off late it is actually a five speed box all ok if I was keeping it is due allthe
CCAjone••••
Thanks for the update - we would also only drive locally and short trips.
CCAjone••••
Great car! Please confirm it’s in running condition and comment on the current state of the manual transmission: (excellent, good, beginning to wear, or needs immediate repair).
john.ha••••
Seller....all the fluids changed. However it has been serviced within the last 500 miles and the engine oils still clean john