Last Toy ? Reliant Scimitar GTE

[beachcomber]

Decided I needed at least one more 4 wheeled toy before the grim reaper gets me.

In the UK we do not have to pay the annual road tax or annual test [ MOT ] on vehicles over 40 years old - being classified a "Historic". That's a saving of around £350 - £400 on the tax, plus another £100 fee for the MOT inspection .................. as far as the annual test goes, I will have that done for peace of mind, but not mandatory.

However my car has had an absolute fortune spent on it by 2 previous owners who spared no expense to keep it in top condition [ as well as upgrades ].

It uses the Ford V6 3 ltr "Essex" engine and auto box. No rocket ship but fun to drive and practical.

And finally the "Historic" Insurance. My 2.5ltr Volvo estate costs almost £400 pa to insure - the Scimitar £90 !!!

15 or 20 years ago I'd be ripping out the V6 and stuffing in a V8 or modern V6 [ Jag / Vauxhall ], but for now it's running with the stock set up .... probably.

Oh, and one I made earlier [ 25years ago ] ...... 460 Ford , Power glide,9" rear end and 3 stage NOS ... happy days.

 

[Luugo86]

Clean machine, I wouldn't do anything other than drive and maintain it!

 

[ridesolo]

Looks good, TJ. I'd say that at the front it's reminiscent of the Ford Capri of around the same vintage sold in the US. The rear of the Capri, however as a more sloped "hatchback" line.

 

[teazer]

That looks cool TJ. Not at all like the old 3 wheel Reliants that were probably the most unstable vehicle ever designed.

 

[beachcomber]

Luugo, common sense is saying just drive and enjoy. Plenty of Classic Car shows and rallys to attend in the summer. It's a 1978 model so qualifies for Classic car status.

RideSolo - yes easy to confuse from the 3/4 front view - more so the previous model - SE5 [ mine is SE6A ].

Teazer, I once went to collect a 3 Wheeler Robin for my then brother in law who only had a motorcycle licence and had never driven a car ! What a scary experience !!!!!

The saving grace is that they have a robust ladder based chassis and GRP body, so unlike most "Classics" of the era don't have rust issues. Parts are easy to obtain and not expensive , win - win situation.

Back in the day I've owned 4 SE5 / 6 models all used as daily drivers.

 

[beachcomber]

A couple more from the archives. The cherry red one is the SE5 - very Capri 'ish - although that should read, the Capri was very SE5 'ish as that model came out well before the Capri. That one had an Opel Manta GT front spoiler modified and fitted.

The last pic is my Super Street 460ci Ford version in the build. The front valance is from a Rover SD1 Vitesse - turned upside down and with 4" taken out of the middle .... lateral thinking my friends. One piece removeable front clip . Came out a lot easier than I thought.

 

[Gpfan]

That looks cool TJ. Not at all like the old 3 wheel Reliants that were probably the most unstable vehicle ever designed.

Ever driven one?

 

[Gpfan]

Decided I needed at least one more 4 wheeled toy before the grim reaper gets me.

In the UK we do not have to pay the annual road tax or annual test [ MOT ] on vehicles over 40 years old - being classified a "Historic". That's a saving of around £350 - £400 on the tax, plus another £100 fee for the MOT inspection .................. as far as the annual test goes, I will have that done for peace of mind, but not mandatory.

However my car has had an absolute fortune spent on it by 2 previous owners who spared no expense to keep it in top condition [ as well as upgrades ].

It uses the Ford V6 3 ltr "Essex" engine and auto box. No rocket ship but fun to drive and practical.

And finally the "Historic" Insurance. My 2.5ltr Volvo estate costs almost £400 pa to insure - the Scimitar £90 !!!

15 or 20 years ago I'd be ripping out the V6 and stuffing in a V8 or modern V6 [ Jag / Vauxhall ], but for now it's running with the stock set up .... probably.

Oh, and one I made earlier [ 25years ago ] ...... 460 Ford , Power glide,9" rear end and 3 stage NOS ... happy days.

460 Ford? Why did you not get a 461, or a 462?

 

[beachcomber]

460 Ford? Why did you not get a 461, or a 462?

US engines are not plentiful here in the UK ......................... we use what we can get.