Editing Reliant Scimitar (section)

==Scimitar GT SE4 (1964–1970){{anchor|SE4}}==
[[File:Reliant Scimitar GT (1968) - 9188479868.jpg|left|thumb|Rear]]
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = Reliant Scimitar GT (SE4)
| image        = Reliant Scimitar before it became a GTE in Hertfordshire.jpg
| production   = 1964–1970
| designer     = [[Ogle Design]]
| body_style   = 2-door [[coupé]]
| related      =
| engine       = 2,553 cc ''[[Ford Zephyr engine#Zephyr 6|Ford Zephyr 6]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]] (1964–66)<br />2,495 cc ''[[Ford Essex V6 engine (UK)|Ford Essex]]'' [[V6]]<ref name="AutocarOct1967">{{cite journal |journal=[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] |volume=(nbr 3740) |series=127 |editor-first=Maurice |editor-last=Smith |title=CARS Stand-by-stand |publisher=Iliffe Transport Publications Ltd. |location=London |page=45 (Reliant) |date=October 1967}}</ref> (1967–70)<br />2,994 cc ''Ford Essex'' V6<ref name="AutocarOct1967" /> (1966–70)
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase    = {{convert|92|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="DlyExpressLonMoShoRev1966">{{cite book |last=Cardew |first=Basil |title=Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show |year=1966 |publisher=Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd. |location=London}}</ref> 
| length       = {{convert|167.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width        = {{convert|62|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|51|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight       = {{convert|2380|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor  =
| successor    = Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE5)
| sp = uk
}}

[[Reliant Motors|Reliant]]'s first Scimitar was a [[coupé]] based upon the styling of a [[Daimler SP250]] prototype (renamed the SX250) and the chassis of a [[Reliant Sabre]]. It was first displayed in 1964. It was powered by a 2.6-litre [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] straight six from the [[Ford Zephyr]] and [[Ford Zodiac|Zodiac]]. In order to keep cost down, many components in addition to the engine were existing ones originally designed for competitor models, a point emphasized for buyers of the early Scimitars in which unfolding the sun visor involved knocking the rearview mirror out of adjustment.<ref name="Motor196808">{{cite journal |first=Charles |last=Bulmer |title=12,000-mile staff car report: Reliant Scimitar 3-litre| series=nbr |journal=[[The Motor]] |volume=3453 |pages=19–24 |date=24 August 1968}}</ref>

In 1966 the SE4A was replaced by the SE4B, with a 3.0&nbsp;L [[V6]] [[Ford Essex V6 engine (UK)|Ford "Essex" engine]]. A year later, in September 1967, the cheaper SE4C was introduced with a 2.5-litre version of the same engine and a reduction of £105 on the recommended retail price. The engine differed from the one fitted on the [[Ford Zephyr|Ford Zephyr 6]] in that the Reliant engine came with an [[alternator (automotive)|alternator]] whereas Ford buyers had to be content with a dynamo.<ref name="Autocar1967">{{cite journal |title='68 Models 2½-litre Reliant Scimitar |series=127 |journal=[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] |volume=(nbr 3735) |page=25 |date=14 September 1967}}</ref>

Just over 1000 SE4s were produced.

===1964: Scimitar GT SE4===
Scimitar Coupe with 2.6-litre straight six engine

As the Sabre 6 began looking a bit dated, managing director Ray Wiggin started looking for a new design.  While at the 1962 Motor Show, he saw a car called an Ogle SX250: it had been designed by [[David Ogle]] (of David Ogle Associates, later known as [[Ogle Design]]) and it was based on the Daimler Dart SP250 chassis and running gear. The car had been privately commissioned by Boris Forter, managing director of the Helena Rubenstein Company (UK), who later had another one built for his girlfriend.

Daimler didn't use the design, so Reliant approached Ogle and asked to buy the rights for it. Some subtle changes were made to the bodyshell and it was further modified to fit the Reliant Sabre chassis and running gear.

The new Scimitar GT car retained the straight-six engine from the Sabre, but with triple SU carburettors as standard it now produced 120&nbsp;bhp and propelled the car to a top speed of {{convert|117|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. It was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1964; it was praised for its elegant lines and performance figures for a price of £1,292. The price included wire wheels and a luxurious interior with comprehensive instrumentation. Optional extras included a choice of De Normanville overdrive unit, electric sunroof and ZF gearbox.  Reliant produced approximately 296 straight-six Scimitar GTs.

===1966: Scimitar GT SE4A/B===
Scimitar coupé with 3-litre V6 Essex engine (approximately 591 built)

In late 1966 Ford dropped the 2.6-litre Straight Six engine and replaced it with the new 3-litre Essex V6 engine (as used in the latest MK IV Ford Zodiac). This meant that Reliant had to do a good deal of development work to the existing Scimitar GT to enable the new more powerful engine to fit and obtain best performance and handling.

As the Essex engine was shorter, it was mounted further back in the bulkhead to help improve weight distribution. The lower wishbones were re-positioned, the tower structures and cross members were reinforced and an anti-roll bar was fitted. Other modifications included replacing the wire wheels with wider steel wheels as standard, and the fitting of a higher-ratio rear axle (3.58:1 instead of 3.875:1).

The interior was updated to move with the times. There was now an all-anti-dazzle-black interior (including black instrument dial bezels instead of the previous chrome versions). The padded fascia board had crash pads at the top and bottom, and improvements were made with the ventilation by fitting directionally variable ventilator jets, as used by Ford.

This is what Autocar said about the new 3-litre Scimitar GT on 12 January 1967:

''"At a Glance – High performance 2+2 coupe. Lusty, low revving engine in conjunction with high gearing gives effortless cruising at three-figure speeds. Good gear change, but rather wide ratios. Smooth, light clutch. Ride and handling very good, and much improved over the earlier car. Light, accurate steering and first class brakes with powerful servo. Ventilation improved but still not ideal. Fuel and range very good".''

===1967: Scimitar GT SE4C===
Scimitar coupé with 2.5-litre V6 Essex engine (118 built)

Reliant introduced their third and final version of the V6 Scimitar GT in late 1967. To widen its appeal they launched a slightly less powerful Scimitar GT.

Using Ford's 2.5-litre version of the V6 Essex engine meant that the car could still reach speeds of over {{convert|110|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, have slightly better fuel economy, but ultimately reduce the cost to the public by approx £120.
Externally, the only difference between the 3-litre and 2.5-litre versions was the small badge on the boot giving the engine size. Approximately 118 of the 2.5-litre Scimitar GTs were sold before this version was withdrawn. Production of the standard Scimitar GT continued until November 1970.