Reliant Scimitar SE6 Polycarbonate Windows

The Reliant Scimitar SE6 wasn’t just another British coupe, it was something different. A stylish, practical, and surprisingly quick grand tourer, it blended performance, comfort, and practicality in a way that few cars of its time could match. While Reliant was best known for its quirky three-wheelers, the Scimitar was proof that they could build a proper sports car, and one that still turns heads today.
By the time the SE6 was introduced in 1975, the Scimitar was already an established name. The earlier SE4 and SE5 models had won over enthusiasts with their fibreglass bodies, strong performance, and distinctive shooting brake design, but Reliant wanted to push things further. The SE6 was designed to be larger, more refined, and better suited to long-distance touring, offering a mix of style, speed, and everyday usability that was rare for a British sports car of the era.
Under the bonnet sat a 3.0-litre Ford Essex V6, producing 138 horsepower and giving the Scimitar strong performance for its time. With a 0-60mph time of around 8.5 seconds, it wasn’t a supercar, but it had enough grunt to keep up with contemporary sports cars like the Triumph Stag and Jaguar XJ-S. More importantly, the torquey V6 made the SE6 a relaxed, capable grand tourer, perfect for covering long distances in comfort while still offering plenty of punch when needed.
One of the Scimitar’s standout features was its fibreglass bodywork, which not only kept the weight down but also meant no rust issues, a huge advantage over its steel-bodied rivals. The chassis was steel, though, so while the body remained solid, corrosion in the frame could be a problem over time. Still, for those who looked after them, the Scimitar was a surprisingly durable machine.
Handling was a strong point, with the SE6 featuring rear-wheel drive, well-sorted suspension, and a balanced chassis that made it fun to drive without being overly aggressive. It was more of a high-speed cruiser than a razor-sharp sports car, but it had excellent road manners, good grip, and enough power to make it engaging when pushed.
Inside, the SE6 was comfortable and well-equipped for a British sports car, featuring luxury touches like a wood-trimmed dashboard, deep bucket seats, and plenty of space for luggage. This practicality made it a favourite among those who wanted a sports car they could actually use every day, rather than just take out for weekend blasts.
The Scimitar also had a royal seal of approval, with Princess Anne famously owning several over the years. Her love for the Scimitar helped boost its reputation, proving that it wasn’t just a car for enthusiasts, it was a genuinely desirable British grand tourer.
Despite its strengths, the SE6 faced challenges. Rising fuel prices and increasing insurance costs in the late ‘70s hurt sales, and by the time the SE6B was introduced in 1980, the market for hand-built British GT cars was shrinking. Production eventually ended in 1986, but the Scimitar had already left its mark.
Today, the Scimitar SE6 is a hidden gem among classic British cars, offering V6 performance, classic GT styling, and a level of practicality that few sports cars of its time could match. It may not have the prestige of a Jaguar or the raw performance of a TVR, but for those who appreciate something unique, stylish, and full of character, the Scimitar remains one of Britain’s most underrated classics.