Very British - Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5 (1969)
08/08/2025
My name is Rolf Binnemann, born in 1949. I live near Bremen, am married, have two children and two grandchildren.
After a drastic experience, I decided to buy a classic car. In an advertisement, I came across a dealer in Flensburg who was offering a Lloyd Alexander TS station wagon. I registered for a viewing. Together with the dealer, I drove to the countryside - to an equipment barn where there were at least 30 to 35 covered classic cars. First we looked at the Lloyd. It was in good condition, but I was looking for a roadworthy, intact vehicle that would only need minor repairs.
After we had looked under all the tarpaulins, I spotted a car in the far corner whose silhouette I didn't recognize - Capri? Jensen? When the tarpaulin came down, I was faced with a vehicle that impressed me so much that I was lost for words. Dark blue GRP body, beige leather interior, silver spoke rims, red Koni shock absorbers, Nardi wooden steering wheel. A beautiful wooden dashboard with lots of instruments.
With these impressions, which were completely different from the Lloyd, I drove home. I asked the dealer to send me pictures of the underbody.
The photos came quickly. The classic car had been sold from England to Sweden in 1978/79. The Swedes had done a great job on the Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5 (built in 1969): They lifted the body off the steel frame and restored everything. The X-steel frame was primed, the steering wheel was moved from right to left - suitable conversion kits were available at the time. The engine - a Ford Essex V6 with a displacement of 3.0 liters - was tuned: fan manifold, 40 Weber carburetor, large Volvo valves, machined intake tract, larger jets, red Koni dampers.
The Scimitar came to Flensburg in 2006 or 2007 and stood in the barn until 2009. The dealer actually wanted to take part in classic car rallies with the car himself.
After another visit, I was allowed to take a test drive through Flensburg. The sound from the 2-way exhaust system and the exhaust manifold was impressive. The car had a great response, the suspension was firm - thanks to the red Koni dampers, it drove almost like a go-kart. The next appointment was about the price and conditions. The offer included initial registration in Germany, an H license plate, an inspection and delivery ready to drive. This all took place in the fall of 2009 and the car was registered in January 2010.
The dealer was honest, correct and reliable. I was able to drive off straight away - the car was in good condition (2-3).
In 2011, I noticed increased oil consumption, about 2.0 liters per 100 km. First I had the valve stem caps replaced, unfortunately without success. So I planned an engine overhaul. I rented a garage barn - enough space to remove the engine in 2014, dismantle it and replace all the wearing parts. Even the cylinder block was honed and larger pistons were fitted.
Over time, I carried out a lot of work to improve reliability. From 2016 to 2020, I took part in a circuit regularity race every year. To achieve consistent lap times, you have to drive fast - that was great fun. I also took part in various classic car meetings and events every year.
On October 11, 2021, the Scimitar was transported to the painter in Aachen. A new paint job was necessary - high temperatures at events had damaged the GRP bodywork, causing cracks and flaking. The surface was no longer worthy of an H license plate.
The painters had to sand down the entire filler and paint structure down to the GRP. I wanted to check the GRP surface - fortunately there was no major damage, so the rebuild could begin. I documented the process with photos and text.
The paint work was completed in May 2022. This was followed by the installation of the windshield and the add-on parts, which I had previously removed myself.
To improve safety, I also installed two RECARO sports seats from 1971. Before painting, I had questions about the "H" approval from the TÜV. This was then carried out by the local GTÜ without any objections.
Conclusion: Anyone who owns an English classic car experiences a lot and is constantly learning. The care and maintenance of such a vehicle is instructive and expands your knowledge of GRP bodies and English technology.
| Model: | Scimitar GTE SE5 |
| Motorization: | Ford V6 "Essex" |
| Displacement: | 3 liters |
| Power output: | 130 HP |
| Construction period: | 1968-72 |
| Copies: | 4311 |
