Reliant Scimitar GTE – Classic British Motoring

A rare opportunity to acquire one of Britain's most distinctive sporting GTs... a 1973 Reliant Scimitar GTE that has been the subject of an extensive, ground-up rebuild and is now offered for sale as part of a deceased estate.

The Scimitar GTE occupies a fascinating place in British motoring history. Introduced in 1968, the GTE was one of the pioneers of the sporting-estate or "shooting brake" concept: combining genuine GT performance with four-seat practicality and substantial luggage capacity. Its distinctive body was styled by Tom Karen's Ogle Design, while the chassis was developed under Reliant chief engineer John Crosthwaite, whose career had included work with BRM, Cooper and Lotus. The result was an unusual combination for the period: front-mounted Ford V6 power, rear-wheel drive, independent front suspension, a substantial separate chassis and a practical opening rear glass hatch.

In period, the Scimitar developed a reputation as a fast and capable long-distance car. Its most famous enthusiast was Princess Anne, who received her first GTE in 1970 and went on to own a succession of Scimitars.

For Australian enthusiasts, the formula arguably makes even more sense. Scimitars were exported to Australia in period but have always been an uncommon sight here. Right-hand drive, strong Ford mechanicals, a torquey V6 and an overdriven manual gearbox give the GTE the ingredients of an engaging classic particularly suited to long-distance touring and open-road driving.

This 1973 example belongs to the desirable early SE5A generation, introduced in late 1971 as an evolution of the original SE5. It retains the compact proportions, chrome detailing and classic Ogle-designed shape that established the GTE's identity before the larger SE6 arrived in the mid-1970s.

Owned by its late custodian, John, for more than 20 years, this Scimitar represents the culmination of a long-term enthusiast project undertaken with a clear engineering focus. The car is estimated to be approximately 95% complete and is offered together with an unusually comprehensive collection of Scimitar spares, removed components, a spare Ford V6 engine and even an engine hoist.

A mechanical engineer by profession, John was known by family and friends for his meticulous workmanship and exacting approach to mechanical projects. Those familiar with both John and the Scimitar describe the work undertaken on the car as having been completed to an exceptionally high standard. Rather than undertaking a strictly factory-standard restoration, John developed the car around his own interpretation of what a well-engineered, club-race-inspired Scimitar could be. The result is purposeful without attempting to turn the car into an outright competition machine. To the best of the family's knowledge, the vehicle has not been raced or used in competition.

Power comes from a Ford Essex 3.0L V6, believed to have been reconditioned, coupled to a manual gearbox with overdrive – a combination entirely in keeping with the character of the classic GTE. The engine installation and ancillary systems display considerable attention to detail, with extensive work evident throughout the cooling system, plumbing and engine bay. A number of performance and competition-inspired modifications have been incorporated into the build. A family member familiar with the car, and who has personally driven it, reports that it drives very well on the road.

The intention was evidently not to create an uncompromising race car. Instead, this appears to have been John's vision of a properly engineered, sporting Scimitar – retaining the character of the original GTE while sharpening its presentation and giving it a distinctly competition-influenced personality. And as you can see from the image gallery, the car is a credit to John’s workmanship and attention to detail and we are not afraid to say that we absolutely love it.

Vehicle Overview:

• 1973 Reliant Scimitar GTE
• Registration: 43080-H (NSW Historic Vehicle)
• Ford Essex 3.0L V6
• 4-speed manual (with overdrive)
• Upgraded engine installation and ancillary systems
• Modified cooling and plumbing systems
• Purpose-built two-seat interior
• Modified rear compartment
• Securely mounted full-size spare
• Custom aluminium dashboard and switchgear
• Master battery/electrical isolation
• Smiths instrumentation
• Sports seating
• Sparco harnesses/seatbelts
• Manual auxiliary fan and water-pump controls
• Wide period-style wheels and tyres
• Chrome bumpers and classic GTE exterior detailing

Externally, the Scimitar presents very well and has a purposeful period appearance. The wide wheels, low sporting stance and distinctive GTE bodywork give it considerable presence without disguising the underlying character of the car.

The family notes that the car is best regarded as a largely completed enthusiast build rather than a concours restoration. There remain areas of interior trim and detailing to complete, providing the next owner with the opportunity either to finish the car broadly as John intended or put their own final touches on the project. Please refer to the image gallery for further detail.

A particularly significant aspect of this sale is the collection of parts that accompanies the vehicle. John retained an extensive inventory of Scimitar components, original and removed parts, fabricated pieces and materials throughout the build. Importantly, many of the items likely to be useful in completing, maintaining or further developing the car remain with it.

Included with the sale are:

• Spare Ford V6 engine and gearbox
• Engine hoist
• Interior trim pieces
• Sparco harnesses/seatbelts and additional restraint components
• Original-style components
• Spare wheels and tyres
• Interior panels and pieces
• Fabricated panels and materials
• Assorted mechanical components/ spares (refer image gallery)

All Scimitar-related spare parts shown in the accompanying photographs are included. For a relatively uncommon British classic in Australia, the depth of the accompanying spares inventory adds considerably to the appeal of the package.

The vehicle has previously been associated with NSW Historic Vehicle registration through the Historic Sports & Racing Car Association of NSW, with registration in place until March next year. Having said this, historic registration and plates are not transferable in NSW, and the vehicle will therefore be sold unregistered.

Despite an incredibly thorough search of the family home, detailed documentation covering the rebuild and engineering work has not been located. Accordingly, the car is being described conservatively. It is not a factory-perfect restoration, nor is it presented as a documented competition car. Rather, it is the product of more than 20 years in the hands of a mechanically skilled enthusiast who developed the car according to his own engineering philosophy.

With the major work already undertaken, an estimated 95% completion level and an extensive inventory of parts accompanying the vehicle, it represents an unusual opportunity for a Reliant enthusiast, British-classic collector or club-level motorsport enthusiast to take over a distinctive project at a very advanced stage. For someone who understands what a Scimitar is – or perhaps has always wanted something genuinely different from the usual British classics – this is a thoroughly amazing car that is ready for its next chapter to be written.