Sad situation of a British Classic Car (not stag)

[V Mad]

Just lately I have been looking on ebay at Reliant Scimitar GTEs.

I know its not as desirable as a Stag but I cant help feeling sad that they are so unwanted and neglected. Does anyone else feel this way or are they just a crap old Brit car?

On spec they should be a good classic, with a strong 3 litre Ford V6 engine, MOD or auto options, Salisbury diff, rack and pinion steering, etc. four proper seats, fold down at the rear with opening back. Early ones (SE5 and 5a) even had leather seats.

I rarely see one thats running and in top condition, most have been badly neglected yet they have a non-rusting body which comes off for easy chassis work. Must be ideal for a low budget restoration. Most seem to be going for under £700.

I want to start a home for them, maybe run as a charity. Anyone got a spare barn I can use?

[Jeff]

Just lately I have been looking on ebay at Reliant Scimitar GTEs.

I know its not as desirable as a Stag but I cant help feeling sad that they are so unwanted and neglected. Does anyone else feel this way or are they just a crap old Brit car?

On spec they should be a good classic, with a strong 3 litre Ford V6 engine, MOD or auto options, Salisbury diff, rack and pinion steering, etc. four proper seats, fold down at the rear with opening back. Early ones (SE5 and 5a) even had leather seats.

I rarely see one thats running and in top condition, most have been badly neglected yet they have a non-rusting body which comes off for easy chassis work. Must be ideal for a low budget restoration. Most seem to be going for under £700.

I want to start a home for them, maybe run as a charity. Anyone got a spare barn I can use?

And no body rust!!! Sorry, just read it again, already mentioned.

[DJT]

The GTC was touted as an alternative to the Stag, but without rust! Not many made and real good ones fetch reasonable money if you can find one.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220740768018

Even one for sale from a Stag specialist:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C166151/

[Kevin Garrod]

How about this one! Supercharged!!!
!CFmtocQEWk~$(KGrHqIOKjgE0(2TnB-mBNVryZSOUw~~_12.JPG
ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/scimitar-super...item3cb51bae7e

[Guest]

I quite like them myself, apperently the Se5 is the one to have (i think fuel injection). To think the same company made the 3 wheeler!!!
Jason

[Mark S]

And Princess Anne had one.

I'll get me coat.

[Andrew S]

Don't they suffer from fungus instead of rust?

[martin]

Princess Anne had 12 ! I had an SE5a years ago, and had no complaints, I have no idea why they're worth so little, they really are a great GT. Strong old lump, Salisbury diff, the chassis outriggers suffer but they're a simple repair and the SE8 (ragtop) is a cracker. No barn I'm afraid Chris - sorry. Oh, good owners club too. Martin.

[Dave M]

I really fancy one of the early coupe models but have no space for one, my mate recently picked a a really nice GTE it was owned by a reputable body shop in Lincoln who were selling out to a bigger business and had to clear out all there stuff. The car had been repainted by the body shop owner and its a really nice paint job. My mate got the painted car and a complete spares car for £400, bargain or what.

[iani]

Have a look at QRG in Kettering, they'll build you one for £26k, they have a mint Scimitar in their showroom.

Ian

[martin]

Have a look at QRG in Kettering, they'll build you one for £26k, they have a mint Scimitar in their showroom.

Ian

The mint one, blue I think, is not for sale, it's his pension fund - or so he said a few years ago. Martin.

[jleyton]

Totally agree with you on this Chris and so, it seems, do some of the classic car mags as they are often expressing surprise that they're not more desired.

My brother had one for about ten years and, for various reasons, had to sell it a few years ago and he really struggled to find a buyer.

Hard to see why they're not more valued

Cheers

Julian