We’re constantly fascinated by automotive enthusiasts that do not follow the well beaten path that millions of others have followed. These are the people who are not pressured to be part of the club. They are not self-conscious about loving something that most others have ignored. In short, they are the keepers of the flame for the “dare to be different” side of the scene that we love a lot. The best part is that they do not all live in America, either.
In this Petrolicious video we head to England and meet a guy who has owned and love his 1969 Reliant Scimitar GTE for more than two decades. If you have no idea what that car is, you aren’t alone. The vast majority of people in the USA, England, and on Earth don’t. The most famous (infamous) car that Reliant ever made was the three-wheeler Robin. This comparatively big grand touring car was a top of the line offering from the company.
By time they built this car, things were not exactly hunky-dory for Reliant. Not having the funds to develop their own engine, they shoved a Ford V6 under the long hood of the Scimitar.
We dig the fact that the owner has taken such care and had such enthusiasm for this car over the last 20 years. He has modified it, he has maintained it, and he has driven it. No matter what kid of car you own and drive, we know that you’ll understand the passion for the dude in this video.
Though not common there enough around that still exist today in the UK.
I’ve seen a custom one and a drag racer in the past.
The Princess Royal, Princess Anne had one too
Had to look up “Scimitar”. A saber with a curved blade. Good looking car, too bad the Robin was a curse for Reliant.
Prefer the coupe.
Scimitars in coupe and GTE form can be seen in the British Hillclimb championship. They have tuned motors, uprated suspension and bigger wheels and tyres. If I had one of these fine cars I’d follow the same route with either a 5 litre V8 on EFI or a Cosworth V6 under the hood. When Reliant ceased production of this awesome car a company called Middlebridge bought the rights and sold modernised cars that improved on the original and are highly sought after today.
Interesting little car… Sort of resembles a mid-sixties Iso Griffo with a Pinto-ish rear end. Quirky, but cool!