Reliant Scimitar

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Reliant Scimitar
Production period: 1965-1990
Class : Sports car
Body versions : Combi Coupé , Coupé , Cabriolet
Previous model: Saber

The Reliant Scimitar is a sports car that the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth ( England ) produced in several versions between 1965 and 1990. The term Scimitar is in English a collective term for oriental saber.

Scimitar GT (SE4, 1965-1970)

Model history

1st generation
Reliant Scimitar GT (1965)

Reliant Scimitar GT (1965)
Production period: 1965-1970
Body versions : Coupe
Engines: Petrol engines :
2.5-3.0 liters
(87.5-94 kW)
Length: 4255 mm
Width: 1575 mm
Height: 1295 mm
Wheelbase : 2337 mm
Empty weight : 1003 kg

The first Scimitar GT SE4 was a 2 + 2-seater coupe with sedan , which by Tom Karen of Ogle Design had been designed. The design was based on a draft that Karen had developed shortly before for a successor to the Daimler SP250 that was ultimately not realized . The proportions of the design cited the well-known sports car model: a long bonnet was followed by a narrow passenger cell and a short rear section. When designing the front of the car, Karen said she was inspired by the Lamborghini 350 GT .

Technically, the GT SE4 was based on the chassis of the Saber . As with all Reliant models, the body was made of plastic .

The Scimitar GT SE4 was presented at the Earls Court Motorshow in 1964. It was produced between spring 1965 and 1970. At first the car was a success; The press and customers welcomed the new model. With the presentation of the temporarily parallel produced Combi Coupé GTE but the enthusiasm of customers for the conventional GT eased so that Reliant took the GT during the year 1970 from production.

In the period from 1965 to 1970, four versions of the GT were created, which differed from one another mainly in technical aspects.

  • The chassis was changed in the summer of 1965 . The rear axle received two parallel thrust struts; Furthermore, the Watt linkage was modified and a different differential introduced. From then on, the model was internally called SE 4a and was produced until the summer of 1966.
  • In the summer of 1966 it was further revised. The heavy, unsporting 2.6 liter engine was replaced by a Ford Essex V6 engine with 3.0 l displacement, which developed 128 hp. Vehicles from the last two years received the front suspension of the Triumph TR6 . This version, which was given the designation SE4b, was produced from 1966 to 1970.
  • In September 1967 Reliant finally brought out the cheaper Scimitar GT SE4c , which received a 2.5 liter version of the Essex engine. It was £ 105 cheaper than the SE4b, which was still being produced in parallel. It was equipped with an AC alternator, while the Ford Zephyr 6 had to make do with a DC alternator. Apart from that, the SE4c was technically completely the same as the SE4b. It was on offer from 1967 to 1970.

production

model Motorization Displacement power construction time Copies
Scimitar GT SE4 Ford 6 series 2.6 l 120 bhp (88 kW) 1965 59
Scimitar GT SE4a Ford 6 series 2.6 l 120 bhp (88 kW) 1965-1966 238
Scimitar GT SE4b Ford V6 3.0 l 128 bhp (94 kW) 1966-1970 591
Scimitar GT SE4c Ford V6 "Essex" 2.5 l 119 bhp (87.5 kW) 1967-1970 118

Scimitar GTE

In 1967 Reliant and Tom Karen developed the Scimitar GTE, a shooting brake with technical borrowings from the previous Scimitar GT.

The design

The immediate reason for this development were the reviews of numerous GT customers who valued the performance of the coupé, but criticized the limited space available. Initial considerations were to lengthen the wheelbase and the passenger cell of the GT, but to keep the notchback design. A clay model showed that the space gained by such a version was only marginal. A year earlier, a station wagon based on the SE4 had been created, which had a straight belt line and large side glass surfaces that were pulled into the roof. This vehicle, officially named Ogle GTS and repeatedly referred to as the " greenhouse " in the press , was commissioned for the Triplex Safety Glasses company. The "greenhouse" was not a direct predecessor of the GTE and cannot be regarded as a first prototype for it. However, he revealed to Reliant that a station wagon version could be a promising concept. Tom Karen found the immediate key to the GTE at the Earls Court Motorshow in 1967. It was there that he saw Bertone's new Lamborghini Espada for the first time , and said he was impressed by its spatial concept.

Karen drew a version of the GT with a hatchback and two doors during the Earls Court Motor Show. His considerations, which he made with reference to a design for the Turkish automobile brand Anadol , soon led to the connection of a sloping roof section with a rising belt line. This created the cornerstones of the GTE design.

technology

The GTE does not have the chassis of the GT (SE4). Reliant developed an independent framework that was conceptually based on that of the Triumph Herald . The wheelbase was more than 20 cm longer than the GT, the track width was increased by 10 cm (front) and 7.6 cm (rear). Steering was taken over from the Austin 1800 . As with the GT, Reliant used engines from Ford UK, which have undergone some changes over the years.

meaning

The Scimitar GTE was a significant car, both for the manufacturer Reliant and for the automotive industry itself. The design is considered to be groundbreaking. Even if there had already been some sporty three-door station wagons from other manufacturers - for example the Chevrolet Nomad from 1955 or the shooting brakes from Aston Martin , which were produced in individual pieces , Karen and Reliant implemented the combination of station wagon and coupé in series production for the first time. With the Scimitar GTE, Tom Karen created a new vehicle class, the so-called station wagon coupe . The design of the Scimitar GTE directly influenced a whole range of other, similarly designed models from the Volvo P 1800 ES to the Lancia Beta HPE to the VW Scirocco III . In an interview from 2001 Tom Karen named the Scimitar GTE as his most important design.

The GTE enjoyed great popularity, especially in Great Britain, in the 1960s and 1970s. The car sold well despite some significant quality problems. The fact that Princess Anne was a lover from the royal family also contributed to the success of the car . the daughter of the British Queen drove no fewer than seven - according to other sources nine and according to still others even ten - Scimitar GTEs of the SE5 and SE6 series over the years. Princess Anne received the last Scimitar GTE manufactured by Reliant in 1986, while her father, Prince Philip , drove its prototype for two years .

Versions

Scimitar GTE SE5 / SE5a

2nd generation
Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5 (1968–1972)

Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5 (1968–1972)
Production period: 1968-1975
Body versions : Combi coupe
Engines: Petrol engines :
2.5–3.0 liters,
87.5–99 kW
Length: 4334 mm
Width: 1638 mm
Height: 1321 mm
Wheelbase : 2527 mm
Empty weight : 1207 kg

The Scimitar GTE , presented for the first time in 1968 , had the internal name SE5. Two series were made by him:

  • The initial version called SE5 had an engine that corresponded to the GT (SE4). It was optionally available with a 2.5 or 3.0 liter version of the Ford Essex six-cylinder. The 3.0 liter engine gave the car a top speed of 193 km / h and was more in demand than the 2.5 liter engine, which was later dropped. From 1970 a Borg-Warner 35 automatic transmission was available on request and from 1971 an overdrive could be ordered for the manual four-speed transmission . The last SE5 models produced in spring 1972 received a more powerful engine: They were equipped with the modified 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine of the current British Ford Granada, which developed 135 hp. The manual transmission was now taken over by the Ford Transit and was coupled with an overdrive from Laycock de Normanville.
  • In October 1972 a modified version with the internal designation SE5a was introduced. The new model took over the engine of the Ford Granada and the transmission of the Transit. In technical terms, the SE5a received a new, stronger differential. Apart from that, the main changes concerned the design of the interior. The dashboard had been redesigned; there was now a wide center console and secure rocker switches instead of toggle switches. Above all, the modified engine led to the SE5a showing significantly improved performance. The car accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.3 seconds and the top speed increased by 10 km / h. The SE5a was produced until 1975.
  • Around 1970 a heavily modified version of the GTE was created with concealed headlights, vertical rear lights and upgraded interior fittings. The headlight cover continued the structure of the vehicle grille, so that when the cover was closed the impression was created that the grille extends over the entire width of the vehicle. The vehicle remained a one-off that was made for the wife of the Reliant board of directors.

Fewer than 2,500 of the SE5 were made, while the SE5a was produced around 6,630 times, making it the most successful Scimitar model.

  • Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5a (1972–1975)

  • The rear lights come from the Hillman Hunter

Scimitar GTE SE6 / SE6A (1975–1979) and SE6B (1979–1986)

3rd generation
Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6

Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6
Production period: 1975-1986
Body versions : Combi coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 2.8-3.0 liters
(99 kW)
Length: 4432 mm
Width: 1708 mm
Height: 1321 mm
Wheelbase : 2630 mm
Empty weight :

Reliant and Tom Karen have been working on a successor to the SE5 since the early 1970s. The new model was supposed to be larger than its predecessor, but without permanently changing the concept and basic appearance of the GTE.

At the beginning of the development work, an SE5 was sawed lengthways and across the doors. The four vehicle parts that were created in this way were shifted against each other until suitable proportions of the new vehicle were determined. As a result, the wheelbase has been lengthened by 102 mm and the doors by 63 mm compared to the SE5, and the width has increased by 76 mm. As a result, no part of the body and glazing could be used for the new model. As a result, the GTE lost its sporty character as a result of this enlargement and was now primarily positioned as a luxury automobile. This approach also corresponded to the significantly improved noise insulation, which was effective but at the same time increased the vehicle weight.

Rear view

Externally, the new model stood out for its wide, black-painted plastic bumpers, which were raised at the front and rear in the area of ​​the license plates. The - basically unchanged - rear lights were now integrated in a black plastic surround that was drawn around the side of the fenders. Finally, there were new hinged door handles taken from British Leyland production . The interior was redesigned: the dashboard was redesigned and the backrests of the rear bench seat could now be folded down to enlarge the trunk. The drive technology remained unchanged, apart from some detailed modifications.

The new Reliant Scimitar GTE was given the factory designation SE6. The car was presented in 1975 and series production began that same year. The vehicle was manufactured for eleven years. During this period three series were created:

  • The SE6 initially produced was equipped with the well-known 3.0 liter six-cylinder engine from Ford. The engine developed 135 hp. Due to its increased weight, the SE6 was slightly slower than the SE5a. According to the factory, a top speed of 190 km / h was still possible.
  • At the beginning of 1977 it was necessary to introduce a new series. Many of the SE6's first customers had complained about quality deficiencies that required fundamental design changes to be rectified. The new series, now referred to as the SE6a , had a more stable A-pillar, a more effective braking system and more precise power steering. Apart from that, the SE6a remained optically unchanged. These modifications were a noticeable improvement on the GTE; on the other hand, the changes soon after the car was introduced affected the car's reputation; they also placed a financial burden on the company.
  • In 1980 the third version appeared, which was designated as the SE6b . It differed from the SE6a in that it had a new drive unit. Instead of the 3.0 liter Essex engine, a more modern 2.8 liter six-cylinder from Ford from Cologne was used in the SE6b . Ford's new manual five-speed gearbox, however, was not adopted; Reliant stuck to the previous four-speed gearbox with overdrive, which, however, only partially fitted the new engine. Reliant drivers complained that the new engine lacks torque despite the unchanged output. To compensate for this, Reliant changed the rear axle ratio, which, however, led to an increased speed level, higher consumption and increased noise level. A double-digit number of customers upgraded their SE6b to Essex engines in the early 1980s. Overall, the SE6b did not experience any more changes in the course of its production. The enthusiasm of the customers decreased noticeably and the emission of new vehicles decreased from year to year. The Reliant Owners Club believes the plant had lost interest in the scimitar. When production was stopped in 1986, only 407 SE6Bs had been built.

Middlebridge Scimitar (1988–1990)

Middlebridge Scimitar GTE (1990)

After the production of the Scimitar models GTE and GTC at Reliant was discontinued, Middlebridge Scimitar Ltd. in June 1987 the manufacturing rights. The Nottingham- based company introduced the Scimitar GTE with a 2.9 liter V6 engine with many improvements, e.g. B. a gasoline injection and a five-speed transmission.

Only 77 (according to other sources, 99) Scimitar were manufactured at Middlebridge before the company went bankrupt in 1990 . The manufacturing rights were then obtained from Graham Walker Ltd. acquired, which still makes Scimitars to order today.

The successor to the Scimitar GTE was the Reliant Scimitar SS .

production

model Motorization Displacement power construction time Copies
Scimitar GTE SE5 Ford V6 "Essex" 2.5-3.0 l 119–128 bhp (87.5–94 kW) 1968-1972 4311
Scimitar GTE SE5a Ford V6 "Essex" 3.0 l 135 bhp (99 kW) 1972-1975 5105
Scimitar GTE SE6 Ford V6 "Essex" 3.0 l 135 bhp (99 kW) 1975-1977 543
Scimitar GTE SE6a Ford V6 "Essex" 3.0 l 135 bhp (99 kW) 1977-1980 3877
Scimitar GTE SE6b Ford V6 "Cologne" 2.8 l 135 bhp (99 kW) 1980-1986 437
Middlebridge Scimitar GTE Ford V6 2.9 l 1988-1990 77/99

Scimitar GTC (SE8B, 1980–1986)

4th generation
Reliant Scimitar GTC (1980)

Reliant Scimitar GTC (1980)
Production period: 1980-1986
Body versions : Cabriolet
Engines: Petrol engine :
2.8 liters (99 kW)
Length: 4332 mm
Width: 1720 mm
Height: 1321 mm
Wheelbase : 2637 mm
Empty weight : 1264 kg

The convertible version of the Scimitar GTE came on the market as the Scimitar GTC SE8B . It had a fabric roof that was pulled over the roll bar attached to the B-pillars. Like the GTE, the GTC also had four seats and was powered by the 2.8 liter V6 from Ford Cologne.

Only 442 Scimitar GTC were made.

production

model Motorization Displacement power construction time Copies
Scimitar GTE SE8B Ford V6 "Cologne" 2.8 l 135 bhp (99 kW) 1980-1986 442

swell

  • Reliable scimitar: The English company Reliant and their scimitar . Brand and model history in: Oldtimer Markt Heft 6/1990, p. 218 ff.
  • Man From Ogle : Report on Tom Karen's work for Ogle Design with interview passages and numerous Fig. In: Classic & Sports Car, issue 4/2001, p. 144 ff.

Web links

Commons : Reliant Scimitar  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Cardew, Basil: Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show , Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd., London (1966)
  2. ^ Culshaw, David & Horrobin, Peter: The Complete Catalog of British Cars 1895-1975 , Veloce Publishing plc., Dorchester (1997), ISBN 1-874105-93-6
  3. ↑ '68 Models 2½-liter Reliant Scimitar , Autocar, issue 127 (nbr 3735), September 14, 1967, p. 25
  4. ↑ Classic & sports car 4/2001, p. 146
  5. ^ Famous Owners / Drivers. In: sporting-reliants.com (English).
  6. ^ Cardew, Basil: Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show , Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd., London (1966)
  7. ^ Culshaw, David & Horrobin, Peter: The Complete Catalog of British Cars 1895-1975 , Veloce Publishing plc., Dorchester (1997), ISBN 1-874105-93-6
  8. ↑ classic & sports car 4/2001, p. 145 m. Fig.
  9. ↑ Market Classic Automobiles and Motorcycles . No. 6 - 1990 , June 1990.
  10. ↑ Baldon, Stuart: Observer's Book of Automobiles , Warne, Harmondsworth (1985), ISBN 0-7232-1675-4