About Scimitar
The Scimitar is a range of sports cars and grand tourers produced by British manufacturer Reliant, known for its unique design and distinctive styling. These cars were not only notable for their appearance but also for their performance and handling characteristics.
The Scimitar's history dates back to the 1960s when Reliant, a company primarily known for producing three-wheeled vehicles, introduced the Scimitar GT. This two-door sports car featured a sleek fastback design and was powered by a variety of engines, including inline-four and V6 engines sourced from Ford.
Over the years, several models of the Scimitar were produced, each with its own specifications and features:
Scimitar GT (1964-1970): The initial Scimitar model featured a fiberglass body and was available with different Ford engines, including the 2.5-liter V6. It offered a stylish design and decent performance for its time.
Scimitar GTE (1968-1975): The GTE (Grand Touring Estate) was a shooting-brake version of the Scimitar GT, combining sporty elements with practicality. It featured a longer wheelbase and a rear hatch, providing more cargo space while retaining the sports car feel.
Scimitar GTC (1980-1986): A convertible version of the GTE, the GTC featured a manually operated soft top and retained the chassis and mechanical components of its predecessor.
Scimitar SS1 (1984-1990): Departing from the traditional design, the SS1 was a small, lightweight sports car with a targa top. It was available with various engines, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
Scimitar Sabre (1990-1996): The Sabre was an evolution of the SS1, featuring improvements in design and engineering. It had a more modern appearance and came equipped with updated components.
Specifications for these models varied across their production years, with changes in engines, transmissions, and other features. For instance, engines ranged from inline-four units to V6 powerplants sourced from Ford. Performance figures such as horsepower, torque, and top speed also varied depending on the specific engine and model year.
Reliant's Scimitar cars gained a following among enthusiasts for their combination of distinctive styling, performance, and practicality. Despite the relatively small-scale production and niche market, these vehicles left a mark in British motoring history for their unique design and driving experience.