Tag Archives: Reliant

Move Over Henry Let Rover Take Over – Reliant Scimitar GTE V8

The Reliant Scimitar GTE can trace it’s origins back to two vehicles, the chassis is a direct descendent of Reliant Sabre and the fibre glass body which is a direct descendent Ogle SX250 a privately commissioned prototype coupe built on a Daimler SP250 chassis.

Reliant Scimitar GTE V8, Castle Combe C&SCAD

The Ogle SX250 design, which was offered to and turned down by Sir Williams Lyons who owned Daimler, was purchased by Reliant and with a few modifications required to fit the Reliant Sabre 6 chassis became the Reliant Scimitar GT SE4, production models were powered by a variety Ford engines in straight 6 and V6 configurations.

Reliant Scimitar GTE V8, Castle Combe C&SCAD

In 1968 Tom Karen, who had completed the design of the Ogle SX250 after originator David Ogle had been killed on his way to the Brands Hatch racing circuit, and Peter Bailey worked on the design of the Reliant Scimitar GTE.

Reliant Scimitar GTE V8, Castle Combe C&SCAD

With the addition of a rising waist line the GTE was a development of the 1966 Ogle Triplex Scimitar GTS concept car which had featured 43 square feet of safety glass, a vehicle eventually purchased by Prince Phillip.

Reliant Scimitar GTE V8, Castle Combe C&SCAD

Like the preceding Reliant Scimtar GT SE4 Ford engines were used to power the GTE SE5 production models though only the 2994 / 182.7 cui Essex V6. Interestingly the aforementioned Peter Bailey acquired the prototype GTE and had a 4735 cc/ 289 cui Ford V8 fitted which gave the prototype a top speed of 150 mph.

Reliant Scimitar GTE V8, Castle Combe C&SCAD

Somewhere along the way this Scimitar GTE has acquired a 3528 cc / 215.9 cui V8 engine which the engine size and badges suggest is an all alluminium Rover Buick derived unit which could have been sourced from any number of vehicles ranging from MGB V8, Rover 3.5 Coupe, Rover SDI, Triumph TR8 or conceivably even a Land or Range Rover.

My thanks to Dave Poole of sporting-reliants.com whose excellent website covers the Reliant story in fascinating illustrated detail.

Thanks for dropping in on this Ogle designed edition of ‘Gettin’ a lil’ psycho on tyres’, I hope you will join me again tomorrow for Ferrari Friday. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Classic and Sports Car Action Day – Castle Combe

Austin A55, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

On my way back from a couple of interviews at Sheffield Documentary Festival at the weekend I found time to accept a kind invitation from David Roots to pay a flying visit to Castle Combe for the Classic and Sports Car Action Day.

Cadillac Sedan de Ville, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

As I arrived out on the track caught a glimpse of a huge variety of vehicles ranging from a Wolsely Hornet to a gargantuan, by comparison, Ford Zodiac.

Doretti, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

Since I was on a tight schedule I directed my attention to the even larger variety of vehicles in the car parks and paddock.

Ford Capri, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

Many owners clubs were in attendance including the Ford Capri owners club who’s members brought a fine variety of examples of ‘The car you have always promised yourself‘, along to the show.

Hillman Avenger, Tiger Replica, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

I do not remember the last time I saw a Hillman Avenger Tiger, let alone half a dozen of them !

Jaguar XJ220, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

In the running for most exotic cat at the track was this Jaguar XJ 220, first time I have seen one in the flesh.

Lanchester LD10, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

Another model I do not recall seeing before is the Lanchester Ten.

Morris, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

Richard Edmonds were auctioning a selection of classic cars and commercial vehicles, including the Morris Van above, during the event, their tent was packed out with bargain hunters as I went past.

Pontiac, Le Mans, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

Unfortunately I did not get to hear or see this 350 CUI GTO in action complete with this cool bonnet mounted rev counter. 18 03 12, this car actually turned out to be a Pontiac LeMans Sport.

Reliant Scimitar GTE V8, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

Among the interesting vehicles in the car park was this Rover V8 powered Reliant Scimitar, manufactured originally with a Ford V6.

Alpine Renault A110, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

This Alpine A110 1600 S built for competition was one of several vehicles present with an interesting history in rallying.

Triumph Stag, Castle Combe, C&SCAD

There was also an impressive collection of Triumphs on display almost every type of TR and a couple of Stags.

Looking forward to blogging about some of the 40 vehicles I saw in the coming weeks, my thanks to David Roots, who’s Alfa powered Lenham I blogged several months ago, of the Bath & West Car Club for the invitation to attend.

Thanks for dropping in on today’s Classic and Sports Car edition of ‘Gettin’ a lil’ psycho on tyres’, I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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