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Scimitar SE5

The G.T.E. model was introduced at the1968 Motor show to a very enthusiastic press. The car was to revolutionise design concepts. Once again the car was penned by Ogle, Tom Karen being the designer. It can rightly be seen as the first 'hot hatch' although most commentators prefer to refer to it as the first 'sporting estate'. 

Scimitar SE 5a
Outwardly these were very similar to the SE5 G.T.E.

The 5a was introduced in 1972 and was produced in large numbers (for Reliant), more than any other model of Scimitar. The 5a had a brand new interior and there were changes made to the heating / ventilation system. From 1972 the 5a also had the new uprated V6 engine. This produced 138 bhp at 5,000 rpm compared to the 128 bhp of the earlier unit. Over 5,000 cars were produced between 1972 and 1975 and this version of the Scimitar G.T.E. is often referred to as the 'classic' Scimitar. Production ceased in October 1975.

Scimitar SE5 and SE5a

The car offered true estate car carrying capacity and practicality, with a very sporting performance. The G.T.E. was initially offered alongside the Coupe' but very quickly outsold the earlier model and in 1970 all production was switched to the new G.T.E.  The engine remained as the Ford V6 with both 2.5 litre and 3.0 litre versions being available. However the smaller engined version was introduced with a view to reducing petrol consumption but did not sell well and was subsequently dropped. 

The chassis was a brand new design and the wheel base was increased by 7 inches over the Coupe'. Overdrive was optional at the beginning. Also the earliest cars, up to chassis number 500, did not have a rear wash / wiper system. Reliant also offered the car with optional Borg Warner automatic transmission from this time. The design of the cars included split rear seats for the first time in a production car.

Scimitar SE5

Photo: Scimitar SE5

Scimitar Drivers Club LogoScimitar SE5a

Photo: SE5a