Scimitar GT SE4 .281964.E2.80.9370.29 Reliant Scimitar

1 scimitar gt se4 (1964–70)

1.1 1964: scimitar gt se4
1.2 1966: scimitar gt se4a/b
1.3 1967: scimitar gt se4c

scimitar gt se4 (1964–70)

reliant s first scimitar coupé based upon styling of daimler sp250 prototype (renamed sx250) , chassis of reliant sabre. first displayed in 1964. powered 2.6-litre ford straight 6 ford zephyr , zodiac. in order keep cost down, many components in addition engine existing ones designed competitor models, point emphasized buyers of scimitars in unfolding sun visor involved knocking driver s mirror out of adjustment.

in 1966 se4a replaced se4b, 3.0 l v6 ford essex engine. year later, in september 1967, cheaper se4c introduced 2.5-litre version of same engine , reduction of £105 on recommended retail price . engine differed 1 fitted on ford zephyr 6 in reliant engine came alternator whereas ford buyers had content dynamo.

just on 1000 se4s produced.

1964: scimitar gt se4

scimitar coupe 2.6-litre straight 6 engine

as sabre 6 began looking bit dated, managing director ray wiggin started looking new design. while @ 1962 motorshow, saw car called ogle sx250: had been designed david ogle (of david ogle associates, later known ogle design) , based on daimler dart sp250 chassis , running gear. car had been privately commissioned boris forter, managing director of helena rubenstein company (uk), later had 1 built girlfriend.

daimler didn t use design, reliant approached ogle , asked buy rights it. subtle changes made bodyshell , further modified fit reliant sabre chassis , running gear.

the new scimitar gt car retained straight-six engine sabre, triple su carburettors standard produced 120 bhp , propelled car top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h). launched @ earls court motor show in 1964; praised elegant lines , performance figures price of £1,292. price included wire wheels , luxurious interior comprehensive instrumentation. optional extras included choice of de normanville overdrive unit, electric sunroof , zf gearbox. reliant produced approximately 296 straight-six scimitar gts.

1966: scimitar gt se4a/b

scimitar coupé 3-litre v6 essex engine (approximately 591 built)

in late 1966 ford dropped 2.6-litre straight 6 engine , replaced new 3-litre essex v6 engine (as used in latest mk iv ford zodiac). meant reliant had deal of development work existing scimitar gt enable new more powerful engine fit , obtain best performance , handling.

as essex engine shorter, mounted further in bulkhead improve weight distribution. lower wishbones re-positioned, tower structures , cross members reinforced , anti-roll bar fitted. other modifications included replacing wire wheels wider steel wheels standard, , fitting of higher-ratio rear axle (3.58:1 instead of 3.875:1).

the interior updated move times. there all-anti-dazzle-black interior (including black instrument dial bezels instead of previous chrome versions). padded fascia board had crash pads @ top , bottom, , improvements made ventilation fitting directionally variable ventilator jets, used ford.

this autocar said new 3-litre scimitar gt on 12 january 1967:

@ glance - high performance 2+2 coupe. lusty, low revving engine in conjunction high gearing gives effortless cruising @ three-figure speeds. gear change, rather wide ratios. smooth, light clutch. ride , handling good, , improved on earlier car. light, accurate steering , first class brakes powerful servo. ventilation improved still not ideal. fuel , range .

1967: scimitar gt se4c

scimitar coupé 2.5-litre v6 essex engine (118 built)

reliant introduced third , final version of v6 scimitar gt in late 1967. widen appeal launched less powerful scimitar gt.

using ford s 2.5-litre version of v6 essex engine meant car still reach speeds of on 110 mph (177 km/h), have better fuel economy, reduce cost public approx £120.

externally, difference between 3-litre , 2.5-litre versions small badge on boot giving engine size. approximately 118 of 2.5-litre scimitar gts sold before version withdrawn. production of standard scimitar gt continued until november 1970.