Reliant

In 1964 the Reliant Scimitar GT was introduced. It was a coupé based upon the styling of a Daimler SP250 prototype (renamed the SX250) and the chassis of a Reliant Sabre, with a fibreglass body. It was powered by the 2,553cc six-cylinder engine from the Ford Zephyr and Zodiac. In late 1966 Ford replaced their engine with a new 2,994cc 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. 

In 1968 the Scimitar range was expanded with the GTE, with a remarkable shooting brake body style. It was an instant success; GT production was cut down and the proportion of GTE's to GT's being built was four-to-one. In 1972 several improvements were included in an upgrade, including a 7hp boost in power. The flat dashboard gave way to a curved and moulded plastic one.

In 1975 the GTE was updated. The wheelbase was increased by 10 centimeter and the track by 8 centimeter. The extra length was used to improve rear-seat legroom and access which enhanced the car's credentials as a genuine four-seater. Noticeable changes from the earlier models were the increase in the headlamp size and the replacement of the chrome plated bumpers with rubber ones.