The independent car manufacturer Reliant Motor Company, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, not only produced small economy three wheeled, fibreglass bodied, vehicles, but also some of the most stylish sports and estate cars built in the UK. You will probably recognise the Reliant name from the grimy yellow van driven by Del Trotter in the hit BBC TV comedy “Only Fools and Horses”. However, Reliants were also the cars of choice of the Royal family, the young Princess Anne used to drive a Reliant GTE estate car.
Our Classic of the Month is another gem from the Reliant stable, but this is one of the sports versions, a 1981 Scimitar GTC, two door, 4 seat, convertible which is owned by PCVC member Colin Ford.
Reliant Scimitar GTCs were produced in limited numbers over a short, 6 year, production run with only 443 being manufactured from 1980 to 1986. The bodywork was moulded as a single unit, except for the doors, bonnet and boot lid, from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), which is more commonly called fibreglass. In order to reduce the “scuttle shake” that affects some convertibles, the GRP body of the GTC was reinforced with steel. Unlike most other 1980s cars the bodywork is therefore relatively rust free, and, apparently the design of the T-shaped roof frame was “borrowed” from the Triumph Stag. These cars were at the luxury end of the market with a list price of over £11, 400 plus VAT, which was almost double the price a Ford Capri!
Under the long fibreglass bonnet, nestles a 2.8 litre V6 Ford Cologne engine, which is capable of 130bhp and producing an acceleration of 0/60 in less than 10 seconds and a top speed of over 120mph. Due to their rarity, excellent driving manners and parts availability these cars are quite sought after, with over 90% of the total production still accounted for in the Reliant Scimitar and Sabre Owners Club.
Colin`s GTC retains its original chassis and engine and the steering, braking, transmission, suspension, lighting, instruments and fittings are all as original. It was also factory fitted with some optional extras, such as electric powered windows, mirrors and aerial and retains a period correct radio cassette player. The car had undergone a light restoration and a colour change to British Racing Green in 1990. Unfortunately the paintwork had suffered with the passage of the next 25 years so Colin had the car re-sprayed last year. He also redressed a few minor mechanical issues and sorted the cooling problems that usually afflict classic cars in Cyprus. He says that “he does not intend to bring his Reliant Scimitar GTC to a concours condition, as the pleasure for him is driving a Classic Car that look good and runs well”.
If you would like to see this and other fantastic Classic Vehicles please come to one of our many meetings.
Full details can be found on our Facebook page, or on our webpage:
www.paphosclassicvehicleclub.com
or telephone, 97760997.
