Editing Reliant Scimitar (section)

=={{anchor|SE6|SE6A}}Scimitar GTE SE6 (1975–1976), SE6A (1976–1980) and SE6B (1980–1986)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE6/SE6A/SE6B)
| image = Reliant Scimitar GTE (1981) - 9188455136.jpg
| production = 1975–1986
| designer = 
| body_style = 2-door [[shooting brake]]
| related = 
| engine = 2,994 cc ''[[Ford Essex V6 engine (UK)|Ford Essex]]'' [[V6]] (1975–80)<br />2,792 cc ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#2.8|Ford Cologne]]'' V6 (1980–86)
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] ([[overdrive (mechanics)|overdrive]] optional)<br />3-speed ''[[Borg-Warner 35 transmission|Borg Warner 35]]'' [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] (SE6)<br />3-speed ''Ford C3'' automatic (SE6A on)
| wheelbase = {{convert|103.81|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|174.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|67.25|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|52|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|2762|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} (automatic transmission)
| predecessor = Reliant Scimitar GTE (SE5)
| successor = Middlebridge Scimitar
| sp = uk
}}
More of a luxury model than the SE5, the SE6 series was promoted to the executive market. These models were two-door sports estates, again with the Ford V6 3.0&nbsp;L engine as used in the SE5A with 135&nbsp;bhp,: the wheelbase was increased by {{convert|4|in|cm|0}} and the track by {{convert|3|in|cm|0}} making the cars correspondingly longer and wider than their predecessors.<ref name="Motor1976">{{cite journal |title =Road Test: Reliant Scimitar GTE |series=149 |journal=[[The Motor]] |volume=nbr 3833 |pages=2–7 |date=27 March 1976}}</ref> The extra length was used to improve rear-seat legroom and access which enhanced the car's credentials as a 'genuine' four-seater.<ref name="Motor1976" /> Noticeable changes from the earlier models were the increase in the outer headlamp size from 5.3/4" to 7" and the replacement of the chrome plated bumpers with rubber ones. A Laycock [[overdrive (mechanics)|overdrive]] on third and fourth gear was optional. The SE6 was replaced by the SE6A in late 1976. 543 SE6 models were produced.

The SE6A displayed a number of changes, including Lockheed brakes and suspension revisions. An easy way to spot a SE6A from a SE6 is the change to orange from red reflectors on the rear extractor vents, and the three vertical grooves in the front bumper (in front of the wheel arches) were removed. 3877 SE6As were made—making it the most popular version of all the SE6 shape.

Ford had stopped making the Essex engine for the Capri by 1981, and production stopped completely in 1988 so one of the major differences with the SE6B was the engine. The German-built [[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Ford Cologne 2.8&nbsp;L V6]] was used instead (thus the chassis on the 6B differs from the 6/6A at the front) and provided similar power, but rather less torque at low revs. The final drive ratio was lowered from 3.31:1 to 3.54:1 to compensate. When tested by Autocar in 1981, a Scimitar GTE with the 2.8 L engine and automatic transmission achieved a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of {{Convert|116|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1981-01-17 |title=Reliant Scimitar GTE AutoTest |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/triggerscarstuff/albums/72157625129018441/ |work=Autocar}}</ref> All SE6Bs (and the SE8) were equipped with the quite troublesome Pierburg/Solex carburetted engines (many owners have changed to the Weber 38DGAS from the Essex engine) and although the battery was moved from the SE6/SE6A position to allow for injection equipment to be fitted, none ever left the factory so fitted. Some late versions (around 1983 on) came with the galvanised chassis as standard but the exact numbers and chassis details are vague.

Introduced at the [[Geneva Motor Show#1980|1980 Geneva Motor Show]],<ref name="AR83">{{cite book |title=Automobil Revue '83 |editor-last=Büschi |editor-first=Hans-Ulrich |publisher=Hallwag AG |language=German, French |page=445 |location=Berne, Switzerland |volume=78 |date=10 March 1983 |isbn=3-444-06065-3}}</ref> only 407 SE6Bs were manufactured. Production ceased by 1986.
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