1980 Reliant Scimitar GTC For Sale (picture 1 of 87)
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1980 Reliant Scimitar GTC For Sale (picture 1 of 87)
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Winning bid
£7,450

1980 Reliant Scimitar GTC

Highlights

  • One of only three GTC V8 conversions by Rew/McLachlan, and the only manual version
  • Just two former registered keepers since 1982 with the current owner since 2006
  • Comprehensive service record with all MOT certificates from current ownership
  • Driven to Le Mans Classic and numerous UK classic car events
  • Brand-new soft top from Don Hood Trimmings included


The Appeal

Lesser-spotted than the ubiquitous GTE model of Princess Anne notoriety, the Scimitar GTC was a convertible version of Reliant's fibre-glass bodied sports car. Just 442 examples were ever made, but our example is much rarer still as one of only three GTC V8 conversions by Rew/McLachlan, and the only manual version.

The vendor tells us:

"This Reliant Scimitar GTC is no 201 and comes in Carmen Red. The car is a 2-owner car with the original owner buying the car in 1982. I purchased the car in 2006 but it needed a new clutch. I contacted Dave McLachlan who was now at High Peak Classic autos, and he fitted a new clutch for me.(See the info on the engine swap for relevancy) He remembered that he and Robin Rew had done 3 GTC conversions with V8 engines. Two with automatic gearboxes and mine was the only manual version they did.

"This is a classic grand touring convertible. It draws smiles and lots of attention whenever I drove it. Driving slowly through towns with the roof down is a constant "Morning, Nice car" comment from pedestrians. With the roof down and the wind deflector fitted, the car is a dream to drive, and for the passenger, she does not have to worry about a face full of hair blowing around. The hardtop makes it an all-year-round drive, and I have attended the RSSOC car club events all year round in the Lake District. I has taken me to Le Mans Classic and all over the UK for classic car events.
"

PXL_20250831_073817743.PORTRAIT~2.jpg 1.41 MB


History and Paperwork

  • UK home market RHD car registered in 1980: Scimitar GTC #201 in Carmen Red
  • Two former registered keepers with the original keeper from 1982 and the current owner since 2006
  • One of only three GTC V8 conversions done by Rew/McLachlan, and the only manual version
  • Current (voluntary) MOT expires September 26th 2025: exempt from MOT and road tax
  • All MOT certificates from current ownership included
  • Service history documented with parts and labour details
  • Used for RSSOC car club events year-round in the Lake District
  • Driven to Le Mans Classic and UK classic car events
  • Always stored in garage and fully covered carport
  • Draws attention and compliments when driven, we are told

PXL_20250831_074919943.MP.jpg 4.4 MB


The Condition

  • Presents well for the car's age
  • Mark on the boot lid (present when purchased)
  • Front bumper rubber has been repaired; no damage behind the bumper, we are told
  • Stone chips on some side bumper pieces
  • The vendor says all instruments are working except the clock
  • Jaguar XJS mirrors fitted but not wired to the door control unit
  • Mountney wood-rimmed steering wheel installed
  • Wood veneer covering on dashboard
  • Small wear marks on driver's seat entry side
  • Full hardtop with black headlining added
  • Brand-new soft top from Don Hood Trimmings included (not fitted)
  • Original hood is damaged but usable and fitted to the frame
  • Comfortable to drive with roof down and wind deflector fitted, the vendor tells us

PXL_20250831_074402943.MP~2.jpg 1.69 MB


The Mechanics

  • 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine
  • Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
  • Engine conversion performed in 1986 by Robin Rew at Roosters Turbos, replacing the original Essex V6
  • Engine positioned to retain original spare wheel location in engine bay
  • Jaguar limited-slip differential fitted in Reliant Salisbury back axle casing
  • Custom-made radiator
  • Remote oil filter in engine bay
  • Twin SU carburettors fitted ~8 years ago, replacing Holley carburettor for smoother running
  • Full stainless steel exhaust system with Rover P6 downpipes (replaced 2021)
  • Full stainless steel exhaust and fuel tank underneath
  • New sump and clutch slave cylinder fitted
  • Brake fluid replaced with silicone fluid
  • Overdrive switch on the dashboard reportedly works perfectly
  • New clutch fitted by Dave McLachlan at High Peak Classic Autos
  • New AVRO adjustable rear shock absorbers
  • No advisory notes ever on chassis, suspension or outriggers condition, the vendor notes
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
Winning bid
£7,450
Sold
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Auction Details

  • Year1980
  • MakeReliant
  • ModelScimitar
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer31,824 Miles
  • Engine size3500cc
  • TransmissionManual, 4 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountyLancashire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

26 Bids

Stanela
Bid
£7,450
17/09/25
Cameron••••
Bid
£7,350
17/09/25
Stanela
Bid
£7,200
17/09/25
PhilDun••••
Bid
£7,100
17/09/25
steve.r••••
Bid
£7,000
17/09/25
Cameron••••
Bid
£6,800
17/09/25
steve.r••••
Bid
£6,700
17/09/25
Cameron••••
Bid
£6,600
17/09/25
PhilDun••••
Bid
£6,450
17/09/25
steve.r••••
Bid
£6,300
17/09/25

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