Discussion
I had a 1973 SE5a manual OD with webasto sunroof......in America. I bought it somewhat blind and flew from South Carolina to New Jersey to collect it and drive it back. It made it! Great journey. Had trouble selecting second gear but that was about it.
There are one or two main UK parts suppliers. I suggest using them because they know the nuances of parts. There are some very similar parts to other classics that almost but don't quite work.
Micro-blistering of the paint can be a problem, an expensive one.
I'd not get one with a folding sunroof because it means cutting out a roof support cross member that may or may not reduce roof strength. Also, repairing the sunroof isn't fun......(I had to completely replace the wood frame in mine due to wood rot)
Overall I really liked the car. Brought a smile to my face every time I started it and drove it. I liked the handling, it promoted a brisk/spirited driving style for me.
Some have already mentioned most of the issues.
I have often thought one would be great for a resto-mod project and making bespoke interior trim etc to improve on the slightly cheap original.
I think (and I might get some stick for saying this) that they suffer a lot from shall we say 'frugal' owners who run them on a shoestring. You rarely see what I would call really good and together examples. I agree that you need to be looking at around the 10k price range and then expect to have to sink a bit more in to make it what you want.
There are one or two main UK parts suppliers. I suggest using them because they know the nuances of parts. There are some very similar parts to other classics that almost but don't quite work.
Micro-blistering of the paint can be a problem, an expensive one.
I'd not get one with a folding sunroof because it means cutting out a roof support cross member that may or may not reduce roof strength. Also, repairing the sunroof isn't fun......(I had to completely replace the wood frame in mine due to wood rot)
Overall I really liked the car. Brought a smile to my face every time I started it and drove it. I liked the handling, it promoted a brisk/spirited driving style for me.
Some have already mentioned most of the issues.
I have often thought one would be great for a resto-mod project and making bespoke interior trim etc to improve on the slightly cheap original.
I think (and I might get some stick for saying this) that they suffer a lot from shall we say 'frugal' owners who run them on a shoestring. You rarely see what I would call really good and together examples. I agree that you need to be looking at around the 10k price range and then expect to have to sink a bit more in to make it what you want.
I've related this before lots of times over the years on PHs. I bought a Scimitar GT Coupe SE4 2.5 V6 around mid 1980s on a whim on my way home from work. I was driving past a packed garage forecourt of 'normal' cars for sale and caught just a top roofline glimpse of what had to be a sports car. I thought (wrongly) that it might have been the evasive Ginetta G11 Coupe (only 2 'genuine' G11 Coupes were ever made). I had, still have, chassis No. 2.
Number 1 has evaded me now (and others searching for it) for over 40 yrs: yes, still utterly convinced it's out there, in some lock up or garage.
Back to the Scimitar GT -
and even a Princess Anne connection! Her then Lady-in-Waiting, Rowena Brassey (maiden name) who was in the car when that gunman tried to kidnap Anne in 1974, lives but a stones throw from me.
I did a quick 3 point turn, parked up and walked onto the forecourt, only to then realise it was a Scimitar GT for sale. Before I could leave a salesman had confronted me but I told him I'd mistaken it for another GRP sports car. He did his job well and didn't give up and pushed me again, and let slip he needed it to go. It didn't fit in with the other cars on the forecourt. I like a bargain, so I knocked him down a few times and it was mine! Must have had it a year or two and enjoyed it, no problems really, then we moved house and decided something had to go, I sold it at a reasonable profit. Last I heard it's still on the road today but red not it's original gold colour.
This was the day I got home with it.
This is what I mistook it for but bear in mind I only got a fleeting glance at the top of the roofline.
Number 1 has evaded me now (and others searching for it) for over 40 yrs: yes, still utterly convinced it's out there, in some lock up or garage.
Back to the Scimitar GT -
and even a Princess Anne connection! Her then Lady-in-Waiting, Rowena Brassey (maiden name) who was in the car when that gunman tried to kidnap Anne in 1974, lives but a stones throw from me.
I did a quick 3 point turn, parked up and walked onto the forecourt, only to then realise it was a Scimitar GT for sale. Before I could leave a salesman had confronted me but I told him I'd mistaken it for another GRP sports car. He did his job well and didn't give up and pushed me again, and let slip he needed it to go. It didn't fit in with the other cars on the forecourt. I like a bargain, so I knocked him down a few times and it was mine! Must have had it a year or two and enjoyed it, no problems really, then we moved house and decided something had to go, I sold it at a reasonable profit. Last I heard it's still on the road today but red not it's original gold colour.
This was the day I got home with it.
This is what I mistook it for but bear in mind I only got a fleeting glance at the top of the roofline.
dandarez said:
I've related this before lots of times over the years on PHs. I bought a Scimitar GT Coupe SE4 2.5 V6 around mid 1980s on a whim on my way home from work. I was driving past a packed garage forecourt of 'normal' cars for sale and caught just a top roofline glimpse of what had to be a sports car. I thought (wrongly) that it might have been the evasive Ginetta G11 Coupe (only 2 'genuine' G11 Coupes were ever made). I had, still have, chassis No. 2.
Number 1 has evaded me now (and others searching for it) for over 40 yrs: yes, still utterly convinced it's out there, in some lock up or garage.
Back to the Scimitar GT -
and even a Princess Anne connection! Her then Lady-in-Waiting, Rowena Brassey (maiden name) who was in the car when that gunman tried to kidnap Anne in 1974, lives but a stones throw from me.
I did a quick 3 point turn, parked up and walked onto the forecourt, only to then realise it was a Scimitar GT for sale. Before I could leave a salesman had confronted me but I told him I'd mistaken it for another GRP sports car. He did his job well and didn't give up and pushed me again, and let slip he needed it to go. It didn't fit in with the other cars on the forecourt. I like a bargain, so I knocked him down a few times and it was mine! Must have had it a year or two and enjoyed it, no problems really, then we moved house and decided something had to go, I sold it at a reasonable profit. Last I heard it's still on the road today but red not it's original gold colour.
This was the day I got home with it.
This is what I mistook it for but bear in mind I only got a fleeting glance at the top of the roofline.
You can mention the G11s as much as you like Dan, having seen yours at the NEC show I’m really drawn to them. I rather like the Scim GT too, there was a yellow one at the NEC show recently which I thought looked really handsome.Number 1 has evaded me now (and others searching for it) for over 40 yrs: yes, still utterly convinced it's out there, in some lock up or garage.
Back to the Scimitar GT -
and even a Princess Anne connection! Her then Lady-in-Waiting, Rowena Brassey (maiden name) who was in the car when that gunman tried to kidnap Anne in 1974, lives but a stones throw from me.
I did a quick 3 point turn, parked up and walked onto the forecourt, only to then realise it was a Scimitar GT for sale. Before I could leave a salesman had confronted me but I told him I'd mistaken it for another GRP sports car. He did his job well and didn't give up and pushed me again, and let slip he needed it to go. It didn't fit in with the other cars on the forecourt. I like a bargain, so I knocked him down a few times and it was mine! Must have had it a year or two and enjoyed it, no problems really, then we moved house and decided something had to go, I sold it at a reasonable profit. Last I heard it's still on the road today but red not it's original gold colour.
This was the day I got home with it.
This is what I mistook it for but bear in mind I only got a fleeting glance at the top of the roofline.
I pass a Scim SE5 regularly on the way to and from work, a very tidy example in metallic burgundy with polished Wolfies and a black interior which looks nicely restored.
I have owned two SE6a's both auto one Lincoln green the other white,both had a lot spent on by previous owners so upkeep wasn't too bad.
Electrical system was a issue on both but sorted with a rewire but generally a enjoyable experience and a fun drive.
Had a lot of positive comments when out and about as they are a good looking car.
Electrical system was a issue on both but sorted with a rewire but generally a enjoyable experience and a fun drive.
Had a lot of positive comments when out and about as they are a good looking car.
Think they're a car you buy and keep. A pal has a GTC he's owned for close on 40 years, now with over 250k miles (on a replacement chassis). He previously had a SE5a for many years, into which he squeezed a RV8.
There's a well run OC for them as I understand
The Scimitar GT (as above post) was an attractive car, I recall RAC Scrutineer Sid Hanson had his for years, always looked smart.
Upsides, f/g body, reasonably well appointed interiors, bombproof engine & box, loads of torque for towing etc sits 4 comfortably
Downsides, steel chassis rots around outriggers and suspension mounts, fuel tank straps rot and leave the tank on the road, the bombproof Essex V6 is a heavy old lump, the later Cologne a bit better. front suspension (from a Triumph TR?) is close to it's design limit with the extra weight.
There's a well run OC for them as I understand
The Scimitar GT (as above post) was an attractive car, I recall RAC Scrutineer Sid Hanson had his for years, always looked smart.
Upsides, f/g body, reasonably well appointed interiors, bombproof engine & box, loads of torque for towing etc sits 4 comfortably
Downsides, steel chassis rots around outriggers and suspension mounts, fuel tank straps rot and leave the tank on the road, the bombproof Essex V6 is a heavy old lump, the later Cologne a bit better. front suspension (from a Triumph TR?) is close to it's design limit with the extra weight.
Allan L said:
I had an SE5a as my normal transport for a while around 1980. I came to it via several Daimler SP250s which also had the TR-type front suspension and the heavy Salisbury rear axle, but handled better than the Reliant. The heavy Ford Essex motor can't have helped the latter.
However, on the crowded roads of today, I suspect that handling is less important than it was, so if the Reliant suits you, get one!
Oh and check that the carburettor petrol pipe has been fixed in position, to avoid fires!
Good point & for anyone that's got one with the Essex V6 who isn't aware of the problem best have a look.However, on the crowded roads of today, I suspect that handling is less important than it was, so if the Reliant suits you, get one!
Oh and check that the carburettor petrol pipe has been fixed in position, to avoid fires!
Mine had the problem - mentioned in the club monthly magazine 'Slice' as it was long before the internet & the forum - & a gentle pull on the carb inlet pipe saw the metal pipe pull straight out.
Cure involved drilling a small hole vertically from the top of the carb into the metal fuel pipe then, after cleaning up the swarf, inserting the pipe with sealant & a self tapping screw to lock it in position.
P5BNij said:
<snip>
I pass a Scim SE5 regularly on the way to and from work, a very tidy example in metallic burgundy with polished Wolfies and a black interior which looks nicely restored.
Was never really a Wolfrace fan, but I've changed my mind on them over the years, especially on Scimitars.I pass a Scim SE5 regularly on the way to and from work, a very tidy example in metallic burgundy with polished Wolfies and a black interior which looks nicely restored.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HigEjWSKfyA&pp=y...
Burgundy with polished Wolfies you say. This looks and sounds gorgeous.
Sound only comes in after about 2.30 or so for some reason.
dandarez said:
I've related this before lots of times over the years on PHs. I bought a Scimitar GT Coupe SE4 2.5 V6 around mid 1980s on a whim on my way home from work. I was driving past a packed garage forecourt of 'normal' cars for sale and caught just a top roofline glimpse of what had to be a sports car. I thought (wrongly) that it might have been the evasive Ginetta G11 Coupe (only 2 'genuine' G11 Coupes were ever made). I had, still have, chassis No. 2.
Number 1 has evaded me now (and others searching for it) for over 40 yrs: yes, still utterly convinced it's out there, in some lock up or garage.
Back to the Scimitar GT -
and even a Princess Anne connection! Her then Lady-in-Waiting, Rowena Brassey (maiden name) who was in the car when that gunman tried to kidnap Anne in 1974, lives but a stones throw from me.
I did a quick 3 point turn, parked up and walked onto the forecourt, only to then realise it was a Scimitar GT for sale. Before I could leave a salesman had confronted me but I told him I'd mistaken it for another GRP sports car. He did his job well and didn't give up and pushed me again, and let slip he needed it to go. It didn't fit in with the other cars on the forecourt. I like a bargain, so I knocked him down a few times and it was mine! Must have had it a year or two and enjoyed it, no problems really, then we moved house and decided something had to go, I sold it at a reasonable profit. Last I heard it's still on the road today but red not it's original gold colour.
This was the day I got home with it.
This is what I mistook it for but bear in mind I only got a fleeting glance at the top of the roofline.
These are rarer than I knew of, a guy round here races/tracks an SE4 with a modded 2.9 Cosworth fitted , you could say he is a bit of a Scimitar anorak Number 1 has evaded me now (and others searching for it) for over 40 yrs: yes, still utterly convinced it's out there, in some lock up or garage.
Back to the Scimitar GT -
and even a Princess Anne connection! Her then Lady-in-Waiting, Rowena Brassey (maiden name) who was in the car when that gunman tried to kidnap Anne in 1974, lives but a stones throw from me.
I did a quick 3 point turn, parked up and walked onto the forecourt, only to then realise it was a Scimitar GT for sale. Before I could leave a salesman had confronted me but I told him I'd mistaken it for another GRP sports car. He did his job well and didn't give up and pushed me again, and let slip he needed it to go. It didn't fit in with the other cars on the forecourt. I like a bargain, so I knocked him down a few times and it was mine! Must have had it a year or two and enjoyed it, no problems really, then we moved house and decided something had to go, I sold it at a reasonable profit. Last I heard it's still on the road today but red not it's original gold colour.
This was the day I got home with it.
This is what I mistook it for but bear in mind I only got a fleeting glance at the top of the roofline.
there is little he dont know about the marque and his daily is an SE6 also Robscim said:
I've had a number, but not sine I replaced mine with the Cerbera.
My advice would be to do some research - there have been some issues over the years, mostly as a result of a lack of maintenance, and can be easily and cheaply fixed with a bit of time (and not too much money!!). Paint is expensive as it is fibreglass and needs doing properly.
I'd suggest looking at the difference between a SE5(a) and an SE6(b) as they are quite different and have both a different feel and handling characteristic.
I loved all of mine and would have another if I didn't have the Cerbera.
There are a few items you MUST check have been done if you do get one, but nothing too terrible and easily fixed. The Scimitar forums are great for advice.
For info, the early cars had the Essex 3.0, later ones the Cologne 2.8 and the Middlebridge ones the 2.9.
Cheers
Rob
That's really helpful. IIRC the 2.9 was designed to run on that new-fangled Unleaded petrol.My advice would be to do some research - there have been some issues over the years, mostly as a result of a lack of maintenance, and can be easily and cheaply fixed with a bit of time (and not too much money!!). Paint is expensive as it is fibreglass and needs doing properly.
I'd suggest looking at the difference between a SE5(a) and an SE6(b) as they are quite different and have both a different feel and handling characteristic.
I loved all of mine and would have another if I didn't have the Cerbera.
There are a few items you MUST check have been done if you do get one, but nothing too terrible and easily fixed. The Scimitar forums are great for advice.
For info, the early cars had the Essex 3.0, later ones the Cologne 2.8 and the Middlebridge ones the 2.9.
Cheers
Rob
I always liked them but back in the 80s I found 2.8i Capris more affordable!
Brinyan said:
I’ve had my se5a for 18 months & would certainly recommend, if considering one.
Easy to maintain, good to drive & useable.
Mine is 50 years old this month. They’re a good looking car & always get positive comments from others.
Just spotted this '71 Scimitar SE5 GTE for sale at Percival Motors down in Kent...
https://percivalmotorco.co.uk/1971_Scimitar_Gte_Se...
https://percivalmotorco.co.uk/1971_Scimitar_Gte_Se...
P5BNij said:
Just spotted this '71 Scimitar SE5 GTE for sale at Percival Motors down in Kent...
https://percivalmotorco.co.uk/1971_Scimitar_Gte_Se...
Been eyeing that up for a couple of days before starting the thread. https://percivalmotorco.co.uk/1971_Scimitar_Gte_Se...
vixen1700 said:
P5BNij said:
Just spotted this '71 Scimitar SE5 GTE for sale at Percival Motors down in Kent...
https://percivalmotorco.co.uk/1971_Scimitar_Gte_Se...
Been eyeing that up for a couple of days before starting the thread. https://percivalmotorco.co.uk/1971_Scimitar_Gte_Se...
roca1976 said:
This looks fantastic
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1988-middlebridg...
I really like the look of this too. It didn't sell, but you can "buy it now" for £23k. When you think what some 80's cars go for these days, that doesn't sound too bad to me depending on actual condition, but it certainly looks great in the photos.https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1988-middlebridg...
Is this the going rate for a Middlebridge, or are they normally even less?
This also looked good to me, does anyone know what it sold for (or if it sold)?
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/humbert-ellis-auctioneers-ltd/catalogue-id-srjp10563/lot-7cdd9920-55eb-4d50-b2e6-b06201541f82
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/humbert-ellis-auctioneers-ltd/catalogue-id-srjp10563/lot-7cdd9920-55eb-4d50-b2e6-b06201541f82
I bought the Banana Butty (BAP) last year, my fourth 5/A. Realised that if I were to get another I'd need to hurry up as prices are on the rise with people realising what useful, characterful motors they are.
Had a body-off resto in 2010ish which is holding up pretty well, paint is Maserati Giallo Ginestra. Jag Powerlok LSD axle, 3.1 Essex with flowed/ported heads, steel timing gear, 286 cam, stainless exhaust, new Spax coilovers all round. Goes and handles very well indeed. Paid a smidge under £5k for her.
Had a body-off resto in 2010ish which is holding up pretty well, paint is Maserati Giallo Ginestra. Jag Powerlok LSD axle, 3.1 Essex with flowed/ported heads, steel timing gear, 286 cam, stainless exhaust, new Spax coilovers all round. Goes and handles very well indeed. Paid a smidge under £5k for her.
Gassing Station | Scimitar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff