Classic Car Catalogue

Reliant 1978

Scimitar GTE
Kitten
Robin

Great Britain

 

Scimitar GTE

SE6 (V6 cyl, 2994 ccm, 136 bhp; wb: 2638 mm)
  Estate

RELIANT SCIMITAR GTE £7,014
With a three-litre Ford V6 under its shapely reinforced glass-fibre bonnet, the Scimitar GTE is an attractive proposition for the enthusiastic driver who likes to be able to carry plenty of impedimenta as well. Ideal for seasoned tourists, sportsmen and women, anglers, and whoever, the GTE has fine handling qualities as well as a top speed of more than 120 mph. There are two large doors for easy entry and egress, plus a lift-up rear door and a folding rear seat which transforms the car into a near-estate. Manual model has an overdrive as standard-for quiet, economical, fast cruising, but there is an automatic model on option.

London report

 

Kitten

Kitten (R4 cyl, 848 ccm, 40 bhp; wb: 2146 mm)
  Saloon
  Estate

RELIANT KITTEN £2,235
Ultra low weight and high gearing form the Kitten's recipe form very low fuel consumption. Like its larger relative, the Scimitar GTE, the Kitten has a separate steel chassis frame and a glass fibre-reinforced body, so there are few corrosion problems to beset the owner, and there are both three-door saloon and estate models, the latter having a larger body. Both have folding rear seats to provide flat load floors in addition to normal boot space, and both are propelled by Reliant's own 848 cc light-alloy engine which has detachable cylinder liners for easy overhaul. Some owners claim 60 mpg from their Reliants but they are lively Kittens.

London report

 

Robin

Robin (R4 cyl, 848 ccm, 40 bhp)
  Three wheeler saloon