Reliant Scimitar

Reliant Scimitar
Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE5)
Overview
Manufacturer	Reliant
Production	1964–1986
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	Coupé, shooting brake, cabriolet
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Reliant Scimitar GT (SE4)
Overview
Production	1964–1970
Designer	Ogle Design
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine	2,553 cc Ford Zephyr 6 I6 (1964–66) 2,495 cc Ford Essex V6 (1967–70) 2,994 cc Ford Essex V6 (1966–70)
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	92 in (2,337 mm)
Length	167.5 in (4,254 mm)
Width	62 in (1,575 mm)
Height	51 in (1,295 mm)
Kerb weight	2,380 lb (1,080 kg)
Chronology
Successor	Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE5)

Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE5/SE5A)
Overview
Production	1968–1975
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door shooting brake
Powertrain
Engine	2,994 cc Ford Essex V6
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed Borg Warner automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	99.5 in (2,527 mm)
Length	171 in (4,343 mm)
Width	64.5 in (1,638 mm)
Height	52 in (1,321 mm)
Kerb weight	2,620 lb (1,188 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Reliant Scimitar GT (SE4)
Successor	Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE6)

Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE6/SE6A/SE6B)
Overview
Production	1975–1986
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door shooting brake
Powertrain
Engine	2,994 cc Ford Essex V6 (1975–80) 2,792 cc Ford Cologne V6 (1980–86)
Transmission	4-speed manual (overdrive optional) 3-speed Borg Warner Type 35 automatic (SE6) 3-speed Ford C3 automatic (SE6A on)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.81 in (2,637 mm)
Length	174.5 in (4,432 mm)
Width	67.25 in (1,708 mm)
Height	52 in (1,321 mm)
Kerb weight	2,762 lb (1,253 kg) (automatic transmission)
Chronology
Predecessor	Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE5)
Successor	Middlebridge Scimitar

Reliant Scimitar GTC
Overview
Production	1980–1986 442 built
Powertrain
Engine	2,792 cc Ford Cologne V6
Transmission	4-speed manual with overdrive 3-speed Ford C3 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,637 mm (103.8 in)
Length	4,432 mm (174.5 in)
Width	1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height	1,321 mm (52.0 in)
Kerb weight	2,790 lb (1,266 kg)

The Reliant Scimitar name was used for a series of sports car models produced by British car manufacturer Reliant between 1964 and 1986. During its 22-year production it developed into a range of versions including a convertible launched in 1980. In 1984 Reliant launched the smaller Scimitar SS1.

Reliant's first Scimitar was a coupé based upon the styling of a Daimler SP250 prototype (renamed the SX250) and the chassis of a Reliant Sabre. It was first displayed in 1964. It was powered by a 2.6-litre Ford straight six from the Ford Zephyr and Zodiac. In order to keep cost down, many components in addition to the engine were existing ones originally designed for competitor models, a point emphasized for buyers of the early Scimitars in which unfolding the sun visor involved knocking the driver's mirror out of adjustment.

In 1966 the SE4A was replaced by the SE4B, with a 3.0 L V6 Ford "Essex" engine. A year later, in September 1967, the cheaper SE4C was introduced with a 2.5-litre version of the same engine and a reduction of £105 on the 'recommended retail price'. The engine differed from the one fitted on the Ford Zephyr 6 in that the Reliant engine came with an alternator whereas Ford buyers had to be content with a dynamo.

Just over 1000 SE4s were produced.

Scimitar Coupe with 2.6-litre straight six engine

As the Sabre 6 began looking a bit dated, Managing Director Ray Wiggin started looking for a new design. While at the 1962 Motorshow, he saw a car called an OGLE SX250: it had been designed by David Ogle (of David Ogle Associates, later known as Ogle Design) and it was based on the Daimler Dart SP250 chassis and running gear. The car had been privately commissioned by Boris Forter, managing director of the Helena Rubenstein Company (UK), who later had another one built for his girlfriend.