Reliant List
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Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Reliant Sabre 1.8i Turbo (1992-94)
Overview: The Reliant Sabre 1.8i Turbo, launched in 1992, was a crucial attempt by Reliant to modernize its sports car lineup. After Beans Industries acquired Reliant in 1991, the company sought to refine the design of the SST, resulting in the **Scimitar Sabre**. The Sabre featured smoother lines, wider wheel arches, and color-coded bumpers, aiming to compete with contemporary sports cars. Initially, it used an underpowered Ford 1400 CVH engine, but later adopted the **Nissan 1.8 turbocharged engine**, enhancing performance.
Despite these improvements, Reliant struggled against larger manufacturers, and the Sabre ultimately marked the **end of Reliant’s sports car production**. The company shifted focus to its three-wheeler models, unable to sustain competition in the sports car market.
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Production Total: The production total for the Reliant Scimitar 1.8i Turbo was **approximately 1,507 units** between 1992 and 1994.
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Price New: The exact new price for the **Reliant Sabre 1.8i Turbo** in the UK in 1994 is difficult to pinpoint, but estimates suggest it was around **£13,000–£15,000** at the time. This positioned it as an affordable yet niche sports car, competing with other lightweight performance models.
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Target Age Group: The **Reliant Sabre 1.8i Turbo** was primarily aimed at **young driving enthusiasts** and those seeking an affordable, lightweight sports car. With its **turbocharged Nissan engine**, rear-wheel drive, and relatively low price, it appealed to drivers looking for a fun, engaging ride without the high costs of more established sports car brands.
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Sales: The **Reliant Sabre 1.8i Turbo** was not a commercial success. Despite its sporty design and improved performance with the **Nissan 1.8 turbocharged engine**, it struggled to compete with more established sports car manufacturers. Limited production numbers and Reliant’s declining presence in the market meant that the Sabre never gained widespread popularity.
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Rivals: In 1994, the **Reliant Sabre 1.8i Turbo** faced competition from several affordable sports cars in the UK. While exact pricing varied, here are some estimated new prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **Mazda MX-5 (Mk1)** – Around **£15,000–£17,000**
- **Toyota MR2 (Mk2)** – Around **£17,000–£20,000**
- **Ford Escort RS2000** – Around **£14,000–£16,000**
- **MG RV8** – Around **£26,000–£28,000** (a pricier but relevant British competitor)
These cars offered strong performance, reliability, and brand recognition, making it difficult for the Sabre to carve out a significant market share.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of early 2025, there are **27 Reliant Sabres** still licensed for road use in the UK, with an additional **9 recorded as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**. These numbers highlight just how rare the Sabre has become over the years.
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Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Reliant Scimitar SE4 Coupe (1964-70)
Overview: The **Reliant Scimitar Coupe (SE4)**, launched in **1964**, was a pivotal model for Reliant, marking a shift towards more refined and performance-oriented sports cars. It was based on the **Ogle SX250** design, which Reliant acquired and adapted to fit the **Sabre chassis**](http://www.scimitargt.co.uk/ScimitarGT/Coupe_History.html). The Scimitar Coupe featured a **2.6L Ford Zephyr straight-six engine**, producing **120 bhp**, and was praised for its elegant styling and strong performance](http://www.scimitargt.co.uk/ScimitarGT/Coupe_History.html).
Debuting at the **1964 Earls Court Motor Show**, the Scimitar GT was well-received, offering a luxurious interior, wire wheels, and optional extras like an **electric sunroof and ZF gearbox**](http://www.scimitargt.co.uk/ScimitarGT/Coupe_History.html). It was a significant step forward for Reliant, helping establish the **Scimitar name**, which would later evolve into the successful **GTE models**.
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Production Total: The production total for the Reliant Scimitar SE4 GT was just over 1,000 units.
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Price New: The **Reliant Scimitar Coupe (SE4)** was priced at around **£1,250–£1,500** when new in the UK in **1964**. This positioned it as a relatively affordable yet stylish sports car, competing with other British coupes of the era.
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Target Age Group: The **Reliant Scimitar Coupe (1964-70)** was primarily aimed at **middle-class professionals and motoring enthusiasts** who wanted a stylish, performance-oriented British sports car without the high costs of more prestigious brands. It appealed to drivers looking for a **fast, practical coupe** with a touch of exclusivity, thanks to its **fiberglass body and Ford-derived powertrain**.
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Sales: The **Reliant Scimitar Coupe (1964-70)** had **limited commercial success**. While it was praised for its **sleek design and strong performance**, only **around 296 units** of the original **straight-six SE4** were produced](http://www.scimitargt.co.uk/ScimitarGT/Coupe_History.html). Later versions with **V6 engines** saw slightly higher production numbers, but the Scimitar remained a **niche sports car** rather than a mainstream hit.
Despite its modest sales, the Scimitar name gained recognition, leading to the **successful GTE models** that followed. *****
Rivals: In **1964**, the **Reliant Scimitar Coupe (SE4)** faced competition from several British sports cars. Here are estimated new prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **Triumph TR4** – Around **£950–£1,100**
- **MG B GT** – Around **£850–£1,000**
- **Lotus Elan S1** – Around **£1,500–£1,800**
- **Jaguar E-Type Series 1** – Around **£2,000–£2,500**
- **Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1** – Around **£1,100–£1,300**
The Scimitar Coupe, priced at **£1,250–£1,500**, was positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented alternative to these models, though it remained a niche choice.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **no officially recorded Reliant Scimitar Coupes** still licensed for road use in the UK. This suggests that any remaining examples are either off the road, in private collections, or awaiting restoration.
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Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Reliant Sabre Six GT (1962-64)
Overview: The **Reliant Sabre Six GT (1962-64)** was a significant step for Reliant, marking its move into more powerful, performance-oriented sports cars. It was an evolution of the **Sabre Four**, featuring a **2.6L Ford straight-six engine**, boosting power to **109 bhp** and allowing a top speed of **110 mph**.
Reliant introduced the Sabre Six to compete with established British sports cars, refining its design with a **shorter nose, rounded rear arches, and improved suspension**. While only **77 units** were produced, it gained attention through **international rally participation**, including the **Alpine Rally, RAC Rally, and Monte Carlo Rally**, where modified versions showcased its capabilities.
Despite its limited sales, the Sabre Six helped establish Reliant’s reputation in motorsport and paved the way for the later **Scimitar models**, which became far more successful.
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Production Total: The Reliant Sabre Six GT had a total production run of 77 cars. This includes 75 coupes and 2 convertibles. *****
Price New: The **Reliant Sabre Six GT** was priced at around **£1,200–£1,500** when new in the UK in **1962**. This positioned it as an affordable yet niche British sports car, competing with models like the Triumph TR4 and MG B.
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Target Age Group: The **Reliant Sabre Six GT (1962-64)** was primarily aimed at **motoring enthusiasts and young professionals** looking for an affordable yet sporty British coupe. With its **2.6L Ford straight-six engine** and rally pedigree, it appealed to drivers who wanted a performance-oriented car without the high costs of more prestigious brands.
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Sales: The **Reliant Sabre Six GT (1962-64)** was not a commercial success. Despite its **2.6L Ford straight-six engine** and rally pedigree, only **75 coupes and 2 convertibles** were produced. While praised for its driving position and grand touring capabilities, it struggled against larger manufacturers with greater resources.
Reliant’s limited budget meant it couldn’t compete effectively in the sports car market, and the Sabre Six remained a niche model. However, its participation in **international rallies** helped build Reliant’s reputation in motorsport.
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Rivals: In **1962**, the **Reliant Sabre Six GT** faced competition from several British sports cars. Here are estimated new prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **Triumph TR4** – Around **£950–£1,100**
- **MG B** – Around **£850–£1,000**
- **Lotus Elan S1** – Around **£1,500–£1,800**
- **Jaguar E-Type Series 1** – Around **£2,000–£2,500**
- **Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1** – Around **£1,100–£1,300**
The Sabre Six, priced at **£1,200–£1,500**, was positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented alternative to these models, though it remained a niche choice.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of **2025**, there are **no officially recorded Reliant Sabre Six GTs** still licensed for road use in the UK. This suggests that any remaining examples are either off the road, in private collections, or awaiting restoration.
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Reliant Sabre Six GT
