Reliant Scimitar

Fiesta

I'm thinking about buying a Reliant Scimitar, one of the later, and larger, SE6 ones.

Maybe this ....

http://www.scimitarweb.co.uk/sgwrs/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7191#p59525



What do you guys think, I dont remember these being talked about in motoring before.

This ones an auto, would a manual be better?

Would I be buying a potential disaster with an auto, or are old autos strong / reliable / and not complicated ticking time bombs like VAG's DSG and Multitronic?

Thanks

shagman

Earlier SE5a is more a backroads sporty number while later Se6 SE6a are motorway cruise beasts. If you're considering auto I imagine you're looking for the latter. Drivetrains are Ford so should be plenty of info out there on the reliability of the autobox. Mine is SE5a and manual so I can't offer my opinion on later models I'm afraid.

Fiesta

I was just considering an auto, just so my choice would be wider.

Would you reccomend the Scimitar, I've never even sat in one but I'd quite fancy one!

How do you find parts availabily, reliability in general?

The one linked to seems to be in smashing condition. I have emailed the owner (no number to ring on ad). May even be sold already

I only intend driving it about 1000 miles per year, and I need want a classic with 4 seats, 30 years +, good parts availability, and a bit of character.

The Scimitar fits that bill, I think!

shagman

That one looks great, I used mine as a daily driver and while it wasn't a toyota crapolla in terms of reliability it wasn't a Lancia either. The fibreglass bodywork saves you all the hassle of body rust but the downside is that as there is no metal body to provide an easy earth electrics can be dodgy. Look for chassis rust and any bodged electrics (apart from additional earth straps whic are a good idea). Cracked/crazed fibreglass can be expensive to have repaired too and overheating can be an issue but this and early issues with fuel pipe/carb leaks have largely been sorted by owner modifications or the car in question seizing up/going up in flames!!There's a good buyers guide on the RSSOC site. Parts availability is grand with a few different suppliers in the UK all giving good service and an excellant owners club. Graham Walkers and Queensbury Rd Garage are the main parts sources.
They are a bit of a marmite car dividing opinion on looks down the middle but I think they can look great in the right colour. Mine is Irish racing Green but if I could choose any it would be a canary yellow one like this.
They are a well undervalued and underpriced classic and as a result you can buy a real bargain. Have you considered going over to the RSSOC Curborough day , there's usually a few enthusiast owned ones for sale and you can see them in the flesh.

JoeySully

I have one - 79 se6a. I choose it because of the Fiber body and the value for money. I bought mine without ever seeing one before except for pictures!

Parts are easy to come by both new and second hand. The Essex engine still has lots of suppliers for parts. Ebay is a great place to get parts.
The later SE6a has some nice extras like electric windows, PAS and even puddle lights under the doors.

I have a manual and the gear-change is a bit notchy when stopped but on the road is just fine. make sure Everything electrical works. I had a lot of problems with electrics including replacing a burnt out fuse box! but after beefing up the earths all the gremlins went away. Watch out for Leaking PAS racks! they are expensive to repair and take a good few hours to fit...

That one in your link looks in great condition bar the cracked center console and fairly original. New cooling fan fitted by the looks of it. Check that the wipers park properly, If they don't then its a pain to replace the wheel boxes.

They are a nice car to drive and quite rare over here - im always getting asked what make it is.

1948Wolseley

JoeySully wrote: »

They are a nice car to drive and quite rare over here - im always getting asked what make it is.

I'm pretty sure I've never seen an Irish-registered one, were they ever sold new over here?

shagman

There's probably about 30 or so in the country by my reckoning. Citrooen BX fan is the usual upgrade to sort the cooling out, and different plumbing.

CamperMan

I had one a while back, loved it, regretted selling it, will get another one as soon as I have the money to do so.

MorrisCooper

Kevin O'Riordan near Castlelyons, Co. Cork has several at his garage.

Fiesta

The deal is done....

I've arranged to collect it next Thursday. Nervous about buying it unseen except for photos. Hopefully it is as clean as the photos suggest.

My next dilemma is 78-D-???? or ZV ???? or ZV ?????, but thats for another post.

JoeySully

Congrats

Are you driving it home from Lincolnshire?

Go for the ZV would be my choice, give people a reason to ask the "how old is it?" question. I got a 5 digit and it looks just fine....

Fiesta

Thanks,

Yep, I'm driving it home. I think its about 225 miles. Hope to God it doesn't let me down!!

JoeySully

ahh as long as you have breakdown assist?? you should be fine

Its great to have when somthing like this happens on the motorway


maybe a few liters of water too.

Fiesta

Sh1te!!

I'm off to bed now, I'm obviously going to sleep well with that image in my mind:eek::eek:

G Luxel

1948Wolseley wrote: »

I'm pretty sure I've never seen an Irish-registered one, were they ever sold new over here?

Used to be an Irish reg Scimitar at the old Skoda dealership near Claremorris Co Mayo. Black/silver I think it was..... Hard to think they were made by the same company that made 3-wheelers! It was also sold as a Middlesbridge a year or so after they stopped making the Scimitar....

Diabhalta

Where are all those Scimitars? ... I haven't seen one for good few months... I have been to various shows (mostly around Cork - Tipp, Youghal, Innishannon... and today Charleville) but it seems like these cars vanished somehow. I'm not expecting to see one just like that somewhere on the road (it would be nice though), but it's strange that they hardly show up at shows (well.. this year I haven't seen even one)...

corktina

I intend buying one one day...Ive wanted one since I saw one in a showroom new in 1969 or thereabouts!

(Yes I know its an old thread but at least I didnt mention Princess Anne/1428 H)

CamperMan

a great car.. loved every minute of my time driving one, and i miss it since I sold it some time ago

JoeySully

Diabhalta wrote: »

Where are all those Scimitars? ... I haven't seen one for good few months... I have been to various shows (mostly around Cork - Tipp, Youghal, Innishannon... and today Charleville) but it seems like these cars vanished somehow. I'm not expecting to see one just like that somewhere on the road (it would be nice though), but it's strange that they hardly show up at shows (well.. this year I haven't seen even one)...

You should go to Terenure this year, I believe "soeren185" is organising a stand there this year for some Scimi's .

donaghb

Just bought a 1979 scimitar gte auto. need any info at all please...i know it might be a dead thread...any one left?

JoeySully

Still here
what Info are you looking for?

donaghb

JoeySully wrote: »

Still here
what Info are you looking for?

Great news....Hi Joe..its parts I need. I know I can get them in uk but I was hoping maybe someone in ireland woukd be breaking one?