The Reliant Scimitar was never blessed with the British Royal Seal of Approval, i.e.; "by Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen." But it certainly enjoyed royal endorsement via the Queen's daughter, Princess Anne, who, according to our tireless source of good things classic, Nigel Matthews, has owned nine Scimitars. Anne liked to drive hers quickly and as if to prove that aristocracy is not exempt from those flashing blue lights in the mirror, was more than once pulled over and ticketed for speeding.
The Scimitar was an unexpected offering from a company best known for the Reliant Robin 3-wheelers (one of which the Princess still owns) and for cars the handicapped could drive. What made the fiberglass-bodied Scimitar unique was the way in which it successfully combined the station wagon with the sports car. Engines were originally inline sixes from Ford's Zephyr and Zodiac, though later models used a Ford V6. As with all good cars worth keeping, Reliant and Scimitar clubs exist to perpetuate the memory and maintain examples of a British GT whose life span extended from 1968 to 1986.
Hi, Nice picture, especially as it’s mine ;o) Scimitars are very underated cars. They are great fun to drive, practical and easy to maintain. Like all old cars, it is very important to carry out regular maintenance. Wax oil the chassis and grease those trunnions or expect costly repair bills! I have had my 1969 Scimitar GTE for 10 years so far and still enjoy driving it! For more information about the Reliant Scimitar range and more pictures of my car, then checkout:
http://www.sporting-reliants.com
If you own or are thinking of owning a Scimitar then it’s worth joining the superb Reliant Sabre and Scimitar Owners Club:
http://www.shworth.com/scimitarweb/index.php
Dave Poole
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September 27, 2008 @ 12:28 pmThe enthusiast for the enthusiast