Description

1975 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5a Automatic

Just one owner from 1989 to 2008; very striking in green; electronic ignition; recently unearthed from 10 years in storage; smart example of this classic sporting load-lugger

Up until the early 1960s, Reliant Cars had mainly been associated with the faintly comedic Robin three-wheeler so it came as something of a shock when they launched a ground-breaking sporting estate in 1968.
Designed by Tom Karen, the GTE SE5 had elegant shooting brake bodywork in lightweight GRP, a spacious four-seat interior and Ford’s lusty 3.0 V6 under the bonnet. With 138bhp on tap, it could whisk the whole family and the kitchen sink to 60 in just 9 seconds with a top speed of 115mph.
In September 1972 it was replaced by the marginally faster SE5a which also had a revised interior and improved rear lights. The SE6 versions which followed in 1977 got progressively bigger, heavier and slower so it is the elegant SE5a that everyone wants today.
This rather striking SE5a Automatic was first registered in Ireland in 1975 as AIW 4390, coming to mainland UK in 1982 where it got its current number, UMV 50X. It had just one owner from 1989 to 2008 who maintained the car himself but also spent much of his time in Australia so the car was often kept in storage.
Nine old MOTs suggest that it was off the road completely from 1993 – 2003 and then again from 2011 – 2021. In fact it has only covered around 10,400 miles since 1988, which probably accounts for the good state of preservation today, the odometer currently showing 81,753 miles.
A good file of invoices show routine upkeep over the years with parts usually supplied by Scimitar specialist Graham Walker of Chester. Fitted with Lumenition electronic ignition at some point in the past, it has an MOT until April 2022 with just a few minor advisories (exhaust leak; rear diff oil leak; tyre condition). It also comes with a Brooklands workshop manual, a Graham Walker spares catalogue, and assorted owner’s club magazines and literature.
Interestingly it also has a full-scale engineering blueprint for the hypoid rear axle assembly and differential which come direct from the Salisbury Transmission Ltd Design Office stamped 5^th December 1975 and ‘not to be copied or re-issued without permission’. Better not show any photos of that then!

Looking most attractive in green with chunky steel wheels and a set of fancy hub caps in the boot, this classic sporting load-lugger has been starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site with good 60psi oil pressure.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com