About this Reliant Scimitar

Although the first SE5 version of the Scimitar GTE Estate was warmly received by the press and public alike (counting Princess Anne among its many fans), after seven years in production it was beginning to show its age against rivals like the Volvo P1800ES, Lancia Beta HPE and the Lotus Elite, so in 1975 Reliant launched the longer, wider and more luxurious SE6.

The following year in 1976 it was improved still further with the introduction of the SE6a with better Lockheed brakes, a stiffer chassis, revised suspension to improve the handling, better headlights and optional Alloy Wheels. Power came from the same 138bhp Ford Essex 3.0 V6 Engine with a 3-speed Ford C3 Automatic Gearbox as standard, but with the option of a 4 Speed Manual Gearbox with Overdrive.
A total 3,877 Scimitar SE6a's were built and it was the most popular version manufactured up until the arrival of the SE6b in 1980.

Scimitar SE6A – First Registered: 21/08/1978 - AKL 285T
Owner Dr Jonathan Botting’s account of his ownership

"This car was first registered on 21st August 1978 and I bought it from perfectionist David Goodsell, who was the second owner in 1989, in perfect order and having always been garaged. Over the years there have been some significant additions and first was the purchase of the optional standard equipment Alloy Wheels as fitted as standard on the Middlebridge Scimitar. I then installed a Kenlowe 'Hot Start' to pre-heat the engine for winter use and I also purchased a set of Winter Tyres for the original Steel Wheels which come with the car.

In 1992 I purchased a Covercraft Technalon car cover which was put on when I parked the Scimitar outside my Doctors Surgery in South West London, otherwise it has always been kept in my garage. I had Aldridge Trimming re-upholster the seats and armrests in 2012 in original equipment Tan velour material plus a new roof lining fitted by Mike Thompson. It is fitted with a stainless steel 20 gallon petrol tank, stainless steel exhaust system, original Armstrong shock absorbers and has Poly Bushed suspension throughout.

It has always had twin header tanks and has never been the subject of any overheating and when the original FoMoCo timing belt pulley wore out, due to the originals no longer being available, and replacements not of sufficient quality, we chose to fit the solid steel adjustable pulley as fitted to racing V6’s. They do have a very slight mechanical sound compared to a fibre teeth unit, but they are bullet proof.

In 2020 I purchased a Porsche 911 Carrera from Classic Chrome and the Scimitar has been in storage ever since, so although it has been part of our family for 35 years, it's time it had a new custodian as it just doesn't get used now. Ever since I've owned the car it has been serviced by Scimitar specialists, initially Robin Rew, then Nigel Newth-Gibbs before settling on Graham Walker (quite a drive from London), and he looked after it for me for a number of years.
In 1999 I found Thompsons of Slough and Mike Thompson has looked after the car ever since and even after he retired, he kept on a few of his favourite cars to work on from home including mine.

The car has always been fed with Castrol QXR (to my knowledge from new), and at 3,000 mile intervals with me. In 2005 it received a complete respray and in 2006 the V6 engine turned into a V5! The cause was found to be a single cracked piston, so the Engine was rebuilt by John Wade - The renowned Essex V6 engine man, and the challenge was finding a new set of +Zero thou Pistons (which he did) as there was absolutely no wear to the cylinders after 116,860 miles and this was certainly due to very regular oil changes and with Castrol QXR oil.

Mike replaced anything that was needed during this rebuild and latterly the Trunnions were fitted with grease nipple's to minimise wear. The Radiator has been substituted for a 'high capacity' unit and as well as an improved cooling fan, an over-ride switch with indicator light was fitted in case the thermostatic switch ever fails. At speed, the slight glow from the indicator light confirms the fan is spinning freely. On the last service, Mike fitted a new heater matrix so the car blasts hot air in winter."

We have known this car for many years and Dr Botting has certainly cherished his car, with no expense spared. It has now covered 146,849 miles from new, but only 30,000 miles since the engine was rebuilt. It comes with two ring-binders full of history, including all MOT certificates from new, invoices for all parts purchased, invoices for servicing and repairs, its original Scimitar Service Book, Workshop Manual, newspaper cuttings, original Sales Brochure, an article on the car with an interview with Dr Botting in Man & Machine in March 2021, lots of spares, a car cover and its original Steel Wheels with a set of Winter Tyres fitted. It also has Power Assisted Steering fitted as a bonus.

It really does drive beautifully and is in overall lovely condition throughout and there are very few Scimitar GTE's finished in Black, and even fewer with the full Vinyl Roof. This is a car which we feel will appreciate in value over years to come!

Upon sale, the car will come with a new MOT, our own customer care package including our HPI/provenance Check, 55-point pre-delivery inspection and service and our own 6 months mechanical breakdown Parts & Labour Warranty which can be upgraded and extended at additional cost if required.

A full set of photographs and a video will follow upon completion of our showroom preparation.

Car on display @ our showrooms in South West London.

NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate and all statements as to provenance and condition are given as opinions only. When describing any car that is more than 20 years old, we sometimes have to rely on the car’s history file and any information provided by the previous owner(s). This information in passed on in good faith and is therefore not purported to be a statement of fact. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle. This does not affect your statutory rights.