Reliant Scimitar

Reliant Scimitar is a model name used by British manufacturer Reliant for several models of sports car.

Scimitar GT SE4 (1964–70)

Reliant's first Scimitar was a coupé based upon the styling of a Daimler SP250 prototype (renamed the SX250) and the chassis of a Reliant Sabre. It was first displayed in 1964. It was powered by a 2.6L Ford straight six from the Ford Zephyr / Ford Zodiac.

In 1966 the SE4A was replaced by the SE4B, with a V6 3.0L Ford "Essex" engine. The cheaper SE4C came with a 2.5L version of the same engine. Just over 1000 SE4s were produced.

Scimitar GTE SE5 (1968–72) and SE5A (1972–75)

Based on the chassis of the earlier coupé and the Ogle Design GTS estate car experiment, the four-seater Scimitar GTE SE5 came with either a 2.5L or 3.0L engine. The 3.0L engine, which gave this model a top speed of over 120mph (193km/h), was more popular, and the 2.5L version was later dropped. A Borg-Warner automatic transmission was added as an option in 1970 and by 1971, overdrive on the 4-speed manual was offered. In 1972 several improvements were included in the upgrade to SE5A, including a boost in power. The extra 7hp (5kW) and maximum engine speed raised performance quite a bit and the GTE was now capable of 0-60mph (100km/h) in 9.3seconds and top speed was raised by 6mph (10km/h). The SE5's flat dashboard also gave way to a lower quality[citation needed] curved and moulded plastic one.

Less than 2500 SE5s were produced. The 5A model sold more than any other Scimitar, with approximately 6630 manufactured.

Scimitar GTE SE6, SE6A (1975–79) and SE6B (1979–86)

More of a luxury model than the SE5, the SE6 series was promoted to the executive market. These models were two-door sports estates, again with the Ford V6 3.0L engine, and were a few inches longer and wider than their predecessor. The SE6 had some quality issues and was soon replaced by the SE6A. About 550 SE6 models were produced.