Reliant Scimitar SS1
| Reliant Scimitar SS1 | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1984-1990 |
| Designer | Giovanni Michelotti |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4- or 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,133 mm (84.0 in) |
| Length | 3,886 mm (153.0 in) |
| Width | 1,582 mm (62.3 in) |
| Height | 1,240 mm (48.8 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,850 lb (839 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Reliant Scimitar SST |
| Reliant Scimitar Sabre | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1992-1995 |
| Designer | William Towns |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,133 mm (84.0 in) |
| Length | 3,886 mm (153.0 in) |
| Width | 1,582 mm (62.3 in) |
| Height | 1,240 mm (48.8 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,850 lb (839 kg) |
The Reliant Scimitar SS1 is an automobile which was produced by British manufacturer Reliant from 1984.
Aiming to fill a gap in the small sports car market, Scimitar SS1 was launched in 1984 at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham. It was Michelotti's last design. The name was reported to stand for Small Sports 1. Despite plans for production of 2000 a year, only 1,507 models were produced in the ten years of overall production. In 1990, the SS1 was renamed as the Scimitar SST following a facelift and in 1992 was re-launched as the Scimitar Sabre. Sales of the Sabre ceased in 1995 with the collapse of Reliant.
The chassis was inspired by Lotus's Elan. The 1.3 L (later replaced with a 1.4 L) and 1.6 L engines were Ford CVH units, front mounted driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox on the 1300 and 1400, and a five-speed gearbox with the 1600. The suspension was independent all round using coil springs with semi trailing arms at the rear. The body panels were made of polyurethane or glass reinforced polyester, fitted to a semi-space frame backbone chassis. The panels were designed to be easily removed and replaced to repair accident damage. A removable hard top was available as an option.
The SS1 1.6 L had an engine capacity of 1596 cc with a power output of 96 bhp (72 kW; 97 PS) at 6000 rpm and 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) at 4000 rpm of torque and could reach 110 mph (177.0 km/h) and accelerated to 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds. In 1986, the range was joined by the CA18ET 1809 cc turbocharged engine from the Nissan Silvia. The 1800Ti, as the Nissan-engined version was known, received standard alloy wheels and a small rear spoiler and gave the car a significant performance boost with a power output of 135 bhp (101 kW; 137 PS) at 6000 rpm, 143 lb·ft (194 N·m) of torque which provided for a top speed of 126 mph (202.8 km/h) mph and 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds.
This car had unusual uncovered rectangular Porsche 928-style pop-up headlamps and shared many components with production cars of the day, such as Austin-Rover switchgear and gauges. It is currently one of the most affordable small sports convertibles on the second hand market, with low running costs and readily available parts. The post 1986 models with a galvanised chassis can be identified by having a single windscreen wiper.
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