During its 22-year production it evolved from a coupe (GT) into a sports estate (GTE), with a convertible variant (GTC) launched in 1980.

In order to keep cost down, many components in addition to the engine were existing ones originally designed for competitor models, a point emphasized for buyers of the early Scimitars in which unfolding the sun visor involved knocking the rearview mirror out of adjustment.

Scimitar Coupe with 2.6-litre straight six engine As the Sabre 6 began looking a bit dated, managing director Ray Wiggin started looking for a new design.

The car had been privately commissioned by Boris Forter, managing director of the Helena Rubenstein Company (UK), who later had another one built for his girlfriend.

Some subtle changes were made to the bodyshell and it was further modified to fit the Reliant Sabre chassis and running gear.

It was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1964; it was praised for its elegant lines and performance figures for a price of £1,292.

Optional extras included a choice of De Normanville overdrive unit, electric sunroof and ZF gearbox.

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.

The lower wishbones were re-positioned, the tower structures and cross members were reinforced and an anti-roll bar was fitted.

Lusty, low revving engine in conjunction with high gearing gives effortless cruising at three-figure speeds.

Using Ford's 2.5-litre version of the V6 Essex engine meant that the car could still reach speeds of over 110 mph (177 km/h), have slightly better fuel economy, but ultimately reduce the cost to the public by approx £120.

For the SE5 John Crosthwaite and his team designed a completely different longer chassis frame, revised suspension, new and relocated fuel tank, a rollover bar, new cooling system, spare wheel mounted in the nose to give increased rear space and a 17+1⁄4 imperial gallons (78 L) fuel tank.

[5] When designing the chassis Crosthwaite worked closely with Ogle body stylist Peter Bailey to modify and refine the prototype.

[16] It was Air Force blue in colour with a grey leather interior and registered 1420 H in recognition of her position as Colonel-in-Chief of the 14th/20th Hussars.

[18] Noticeable changes from the earlier models were the increase in the outer headlamp size from 5.3/4" to 7" and the replacement of the chrome plated bumpers with rubber ones.

The German-built Ford Cologne 2.8 L V6 was used instead (thus the chassis on the 6B differs from the 6/6A at the front) and provided similar power, but rather less torque at low revs.

Tom Karen adapted his earlier GTE design and created a four-seater convertible with a good-sized boot.

This was slightly down on torque compared to the Essex engine, so to improve performance Reliant changed the final drive ratio from 3.31 to 3.54.

[20] While it was well received by the motoring press, in 1980 the country was heading into a recession and Reliant struggled to sell its £11,360 convertibles in great numbers.

By 1986 the Scimitar GTC cost 20% more than a Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, a similar offering in respect of seats and performance.