Reliant Scimitar GT SE4

Manufacturer	Reliant
Production	1964 to 1970
Class	Sports car
Body style	two door coupe
Engine	2553 cc I-6 (1964 - 1966) 2495 cc V-6 1967 - 1970 2994 cc V-6 (1966 - 1970)
Transmission	4 speed manual
Wheelbase	92 in (2,337 mm)
Length	167.5 in (4,255 mm)
Width	62 in (1,575 mm)
Height	51 in (1,295 mm)
Kerb weight	2,380 lb (1,080 kg)
Designer	Ogle Design

The Scimitar GT SE4 was a British sports car first built in the 1960. It was produced between spring 1965 and 1970.

History

The Scimitar GT SE4 was introduced at the 1964 Earls Court Motor Show. At first the car was a success, with also the presentation of the GTE combi-coupé, which was produced at the same time for a time. Technically, the GT SE4 was based on the chassis of the Saber. As with all Reliant models, the body was made of plastic.

The first Scimitar GT SE4 was a 2+2-seater sedan coupé designed by Tom Karen for Ogle Design. The design was based on a draft that Karen had developed shortly before for an ultimately unrealized successor to the Daimler SP250.  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 with a box-type ladder frame. The proportions of the design quoted the well-known sports car pattern: a long bonnet was followed by a narrow passenger compartment and a short rear section. 

In the period from 1965 to 1970, four versions of the GT were created, which differed from each other primarily in technical aspects.

2.6 litre straight six engine version (SE4) (1965)

The base model was the Scimitar GT (SE4). It was powered by a 2.6 litre straight - six engine derived from the Ford Zephyr/Zodiac that had been used in the AC Greyhound a few years earlier fitted with triple SU type HS 4 carburettors as standard it produced a good 120 bhp.  In order to keep cost down, other components from cars existing at the time were also used. 59 examples of this the early basic model were built in the first year of production but as with many first run cars they had their faults.

2.6 litre update (SE4) (1965-1966)

In the summer of 1965, the chassis was changed. The rear axle received two parallel thrust struts; furthermore, the Watt's linkage was modified and a different differential was introduced the front suspension was independent, wishbones. coil springs and telescopic dampers the 
rear suspension came with rigid axle a modified Watt linkage. coil springs and telescopic dampers. From then on, the model was called SE 4a internally and was produced until the summer of 1966. Optional extras included a ZF gearbox and De Normanville overdrive unit on 3rd and 4th gears, also sunshine roof with manual or electric open, in total Reliant produced around 300 straight-six Scimitar GTs Price new from around £1,292 inc.

PERFORMANCE: 2.6L (SE4)

• Engine Capacity 155.78 cu in, 2,553 cu cm
• Fuel Consumption 20.9 m/imp gal, 17.4 ml US gal
• Max Speed 121 mph, 194.8 km/h
• Max power (DIN): 120 hp at 5,000 rpm
• Max torque (DIN): 140 1b ft, 19.3 kg m at 2,600 rpm
• Max number of engine rpm: 5.000
• Specific power: 47 hp/l
• Power- weight ratio: 18.3 lb/hp, 8.3 kg/hp
• Speed in direct drive at 1,000 rpm: 18.6 mph, 29.9 km/h.

3.0-litre Ford Essex V6 engine (SE4a) (SE4b) (1966-1970)

In the summer of 1966, it was further revised. The heavy all steel, unsportsmanlike 2.6-litre powerplant was replaced by a 3.0-litre Ford Essex V6 engine that produced 128 hp used in the large Ford Zodiac MK IV. Cars of the last two years received the front suspension of the Triumph TR6 along with anti-roll bar was fitted to obtain best performance and handling for the heavy engine that was now, moved further back in the bulkhead to help improve weight distribution a higher-ratio rear axle was needed with 3.58:1. The interior was also updated with black interior and improved ventilation. Options wire wheels; various axle ratios; electrically or manually controlled sunshine roof; overdrive on 3rd and 4th (0.820 ratio) 

This version, which received the designation SE4b, the 3 litre versions had a small badge on the boot (trunk) and was produced from 1966 to 1970.Scimitar Coupe with 3 Litre V6 Essex engine (approx. 600 built)

PERFORMANCE:3-litre Scimitar (SE4a) (SE4b)

• Engine Capacity 182.69 cu in, 2,994 cu cm
• Fuel Consumption 25 ml imp gal, 20.8 ml US gal
• Max Speed 125 mph, 201.2 km/h
• Max power (SAE): 144 hp at 4,750 rpm
• Max torque (SAE): 192 1b ft, 26.5 kg m at 3,000 rpm
• Max engine rpm: 6,200
• Specific power: 48.1 hp/l
• Power-weight ratio: 15.4 lb/hp, 7 kg/hp
• Acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 17 sec, 0—50 mph (0—80 km/h) 7.1 sec
• Speed in direct drive at 1,000 rpm: 20.2 mph, 32.5 km/h.

2.5L version of the Essex engine (SE4c) (1967-1970)

The Final version released, in September 1967, the cheaper Scimitar GT SE4c, which received a slightly less powerful Scimitar GT.2.5L version of the Essex engine. It was £105 cheaper than the SE4b, which was further produced in parallel but the car could still reach speeds of over 110 mph. It was equipped with an alternator, while the Ford Zephyr 6 had to make do with a DC dynamo. Apart from that, the SE4c technically fully corresponded to the SE4b. It was on sale from 1967 to 1970 Just over 1000 SE4s were produced.

PERFORMANCE: 2.5-litre Scimitar (SE4c)

• Acceleration standing 1/4 mile 18.1 sec, 0—50 mph (0—80 km/h) 8.1 sec
• Max speed 110 mph, 177 km/h
• Fuel consumption 30 m/imp gal, 25 m/US gal
• Max power (SAE) 119 hp at 4,750 rpm
• Max torque (SAE) 146 1b ft. 20.1 kg m at 3,000 rpm