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The Scimitar GTE came in 1968 as the SE5 was born with a more extended all-new chassis and revised and improved suspension. This new Scimitar was constructed as a sporting estate car and proved highly successful. Designed by Ogle’s Tom Karen, the SE5 was powered by a Ford 3.0 liter V6 engine, so performance was good with close to 140 bhp under the bonnet, and the body styling was so well received other manufacturers raced to produce their versions such as Volvo’s P1800ES and Lancia’s Beta HPE.
The GTE SE5 was an instant success for Reliant, with production increasing by 20% in the first year, power and performance continued to improve over the next two years, and in 1972 the SE5A was introduced with performance statistics being much better with a top speed of over 120 mph and 0-60mph times a staggering 8.5 seconds.
1970 Reliant Scimitar GTE
1972 Reliant Scimitar GTE
1974 Reliant Scimitar GTE