Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE6) (1976-84)

Overview: The **Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE6)**, introduced in **1976**, was a crucial evolution for Reliant, refining the successful **SE5** formula into a more luxurious and practical grand tourer. It was developed in response to customer feedback, particularly regarding **interior space and comfort**, making it a more appealing option for families and professionals.

**Key Significance of the SE6 in 1976**

- **Larger & More Refined** – The SE6 featured a **longer wheelbase**, wider track, and improved suspension, enhancing ride quality and stability.

- **Luxury Upgrades** – It introduced **power steering, improved soundproofing, and upgraded interior materials**, making it more competitive with premium brands.

- **Continued Royal Endorsement** – **Princess Anne**, a long-time Scimitar enthusiast, continued to use the SE6, further boosting its reputation.

- **Financial Stability for Reliant** – The SE6’s success helped Reliant maintain its position in the British automotive market, ensuring the **Scimitar name remained relevant**.

Despite its improvements, the SE6 was heavier than the SE5, slightly affecting performance. However, its **blend of practicality, performance, and exclusivity** ensured its place as one of Reliant’s most important models](https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/buying-guides/buying-guide-reliant-scimitar-gte-gtc-1968-1986/).

*****

COMMON FAULTS

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6 (1976-86)** is a fantastic classic, but like any vintage car, it has its quirks. Here are some common faults to watch out for:

- **Fiberglass Body Issues** – While it won’t rust, it can suffer from **crazing, cracking, and impact damage**, which can be costly to repair.

- **Chassis Rust** – The **steel frame** is prone to corrosion, especially around the **suspension mounts and outriggers**.

- **Electrical Gremlins** – Wiring can degrade over time, leading to **poor earthing, faulty gauges, and intermittent lighting issues**.

- **Cooling System Problems** – Overheating can occur due to **blocked radiators, failing water pumps, or poor airflow**.

- **Fuel System Issues** – The **Ford Essex V6 carburetor** can develop leaks, leading to **starting problems or fuel starvation**.

- **Front Suspension Wear** – The **trunnions** need regular maintenance, or they can wear out and affect handling.

- **Interior Deterioration** – The **plastic trim and carpets** can suffer from **water leaks**, leading to **damp and mold issues**.

Despite these faults, the Scimitar GTE remains a **durable and rewarding classic** with good parts availability and a strong enthusiast community.

***** 

Generations./Trim Levels

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** went through several generations and trim levels, refining its design and performance over time. Here’s a breakdown:

**Generations & Trim Levels**

1. **SE6 (1976-1976)** – The first iteration, featuring a **longer wheelbase**, wider track, and improved suspension for better ride quality.

2. **SE6A (1976-1980)** – Enhanced version with **stronger chassis, larger rear drum brakes, improved power steering**, and optional **Wolfrace wheels**.

3. **SE6B (1980-1986)** – Switched to the **Ford Cologne 2.8L V6**, featuring **halogen headlights, a larger front spoiler, and electric mirrors**.

The **Scimitar GTE SE6** maintained its reputation as a **luxurious yet sporty grand tourer**, offering practicality alongside strong performance.

*****

Designer/Dimensions

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** was designed by **Tom Karen** of **Ogle Design**, who refined the successful **SE5** formula into a more spacious and luxurious grand tourer.

**Dimensions**

- **Length:** 4,432 mm  

- **Width:** 1,709 mm  

- **Height:** 1,321 mm  

- **Wheelbase:** 2,616 mm  

- **Kerb Weight:** 1,293 kg  

The **SE6** was larger than its predecessor, offering improved **ride quality, interior space, and practicality**, making it a more refined grand tourer.

*****

Production Total: The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** had a total production run of **5,105 units** between **1976 and 1986**. This model refined the successful **SE5** formula, offering more space, luxury, and practicality while maintaining its sporty character.

*****

Price New: In **1976**, the **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** was priced at approximately **£4,500–£5,000** when new in the UK. This positioned it as a premium **shooting brake grand tourer**, competing with models like the **Triumph Stag** and **Ford Capri 3.0S**.

***** 

Sales: 

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** had a mixed sales performance. While it built on the success of the **SE5**, offering more space and luxury, it was heavier and slightly less agile, which affected its appeal. 

Despite this, the **SE6A** became the most popular version, with **3,877 units produced**, making it the best-selling Scimitar variant. The **SE6B**, introduced in **1980**, switched to the **Ford Cologne 2.8L V6**, but sales declined as the market shifted away from specialist British sports estates. 

Overall, the **SE6 helped sustain Reliant**, but it didn’t match the sales success of the **SE5A**, which had sold over **5,105 units**. 

***** 

Rivals: In **1976**, the **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** faced competition from several British sports cars. Here are estimated new prices of its main rivals at the time:

- **Triumph Stag** – Around **£3,500–£4,000**.

- **Ford Capri 3.0S** – Around **£3,000–£3,500**.

- **Jaguar XJ-S V12** – Around **£8,000–£10,000**.

- **Lotus Elite Type 75** – Around **£5,000–£6,000**.

The **Scimitar GTE SE6**, priced at **£4,500–£5,000**, was positioned as a stylish and practical alternative to these models, pioneering the **shooting brake** concept.

**

Here’s how the **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6 (1976-86)** compared to its main rivals in terms of performance:

- **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** – **138 HP**, **0-60 mph in ~9.4 sec**, **top speed: ~118 mph**.

- **Triumph Stag** – **145 HP**, **0-60 mph in ~9.0 sec**, **top speed: ~120 mph**.

- **Ford Capri 3.0S** – **138 HP**, **0-60 mph in ~8.0 sec**, **top speed: ~122 mph**.

- **Jaguar XJ-S V12** – **295 HP**, **0-60 mph in ~7.6 sec**, **top speed: ~150 mph**.

- **Lotus Elite Type 75** – **160 HP**, **0-60 mph in ~8.1 sec**, **top speed: ~125 mph**.

The **Scimitar GTE SE6** was competitive in performance, offering a strong **Ford Essex V6 engine** and respectable speed, though it lacked the prestige of brands like **Jaguar** and **Lotus**.

***** 

Engine/s & Performance

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6 (1976-86)** was powered by the **Ford Essex 3.0L V6 engine**, a robust and torquey unit that suited the car’s grand touring nature. Here are its key specifications:

- **Engine Type:** Naturally aspirated **Ford Essex V6**  

- **Displacement:** **3.0L (2994 cc)**  

- **Power Output:** **138 bhp (103 kW) @ 5000 rpm**  

- **Torque:** **192 lb-ft (260 Nm) @ 3000 rpm**  

- **Compression Ratio:** **8.9:1**  

- **Valve Gear:** **Overhead valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder**  

- **Fuel System:** **Single carburetor**  

- **Transmission:** **4-speed manual gearbox**  

- **Top Speed:** **118 mph (190 km/h)**  

- **0-60 mph Acceleration:** **9.4 seconds**  

- **Kerb Weight:** **1293 kg**  

This engine provided **strong mid-range torque**, making the **Scimitar GTE SE6** a capable long-distance cruiser with respectable performance.

***** 

Recorded in UK 2025

As of **2025**, there are approximately **1,151 Reliant Scimitar GTEs** still licensed for road use in the UK, with an additional **1,576 recorded as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**. This suggests that while many remain in collections or restoration projects, a good number are still actively driven.

*****

Target Age Group: The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6 (1976-86)** was primarily aimed at **middle-class professionals and motoring enthusiasts** who wanted a stylish, practical, and performance-oriented British sports estate. It appealed to drivers looking for a **fast, versatile grand tourer** that combined the excitement of a sports car with the practicality of an estate.

Its **shooting brake design** made it particularly attractive to those who wanted a car that could handle long-distance cruising while still offering space for luggage or family use. The **Ford Essex V6 engine** provided strong performance, making it a compelling choice for those who wanted something different from traditional coupes or saloons.

***** 

Influence of Target Age Group

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** (1976-84) was aimed at **middle-class professionals and motoring enthusiasts** who wanted a stylish, practical, and performance-oriented British sports estate (1976-84) | StillMotoring](https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-32/reliant-scimitar-gte-%28se6%29-%281976-84%29). It appealed to drivers looking for a **fast, versatile grand tourer** that combined the excitement of a sports car with the practicality of an estate (1976-84) | StillMotoring](https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-32/reliant-scimitar-gte-%28se6%29-%281976-84%29). 

Its **shooting brake design** made it particularly attractive to those who wanted a car that could handle long-distance cruising while still offering space for luggage or family use (1976-84) | StillMotoring](https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-32/reliant-scimitar-gte-%28se6%29-%281976-84%29). The **Ford Essex V6 engine** provided strong performance, making it a compelling choice for those who wanted something different from traditional coupes or saloons (1976-84) | StillMotoring](https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-32/reliant-scimitar-gte-%28se6%29-%281976-84%29). 

*****

Spares/Specialists NI

You’ve got a few solid options for **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** spares in the UK and Ireland! Here are some places to check out:

- **[Reliant Spares](https://reliantspares.com/)** – A dedicated Reliant parts supplier with a wide range of components.

- **[Brake Parts UK](https://brakeparts.co.uk/shop/Reliant/Scimitar/71-79/Scimitar%20GTE%20Se5a%20SE6%20&%20Se6a%203.0%20V6/)** – Specializes in **brake components** for the Scimitar GTE, including pads, discs, and calipers.

- **[Cooldog UK](https://cooldog.uk/product-category/reliant-scimitar-gte-parts/)** – Offers **GRP parts** for the Scimitar GTE, including dashboards, door cards, and trim panels.

- **[eBay UK](https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_7017971356)** – A great place to find **new and used Scimitar parts**, including exhaust manifolds, radiators, and interior components.

Between these sources, you should be able to track down everything from **mechanical components to interior trim**. 

**

There are several garages in **Northern Ireland** that may be able to service **Reliant vehicles**, including the **Scimitar GTE**. Here are a few options:

- **[Roadside Motors](https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/garages/r/roadside-motors/)** – Located in **Lisburn**, offering general servicing and repairs.

- **[DNA Vehicle Services](https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/garages/d/dna-vehicle-services/)** – Based in **Ballymena**, specializing in various vehicle repairs.

- **[Sprint Auto](https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/northern-ireland)** – Located in **Belfast**, offering MOT, servicing, and bodywork.

- **[Motofix](https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/northern-ireland)** – Based in **Donaghadee**, providing servicing and repairs.

- **[C R Morrow Ltd](https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/northern-ireland)** – Located in **Newry**, offering servicing and exhaust repairs.

While these garages may not specialize in **Reliant vehicles**, they could still assist with general maintenance and repairs. It’s always best to call ahead and check if they can work on your specific model.

***** 

Racing

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** did see some motorsport action, though it wasn’t a mainstream racing car. It was used in **club racing and rallying**, with some privately entered cars competing in events like the **Production Sports Car Championship** and various **hill climb competitions**. 

While not a factory-backed race car, its **Ford Essex 3.0L V6 engine** and lightweight **fiberglass body** made it a capable performer in amateur racing circles. Some modified versions even took part in **endurance events** and **historic racing series**. 

***** 

Valuation

The **Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6** has a wide range of values in the UK in **2025**, depending on condition and rarity. Here’s an estimate based on recent sales:

- **Project Condition:** £1,950–£3,500  

- **Good Condition (Roadworthy, Some Wear):** £7,459 (Median Price)  

- **Excellent Condition (Restored, Low Mileage):** £15,000–£20,328  

Prices can vary based on **originality, service history, and modifications**. The Scimitar GTE remains a sought-after classic, with values steadily increasing.

*****

Clubs

While there isn't a **Northern Ireland-specific** Reliant Sabre club, you can still connect with enthusiasts through broader Reliant owner groups. The **Reliant Owners Club** welcomes all Reliant models, including the Sabre, and hosts events across the UK. Additionally, the **Reliant Sabre and Scimitar Owners Club (RSSOC)** focuses on Sabres and Scimitars, offering resources and community support.

*****