Lot details Registration No: AFK166X Chassis No: SCD200166AC000224 Mot Expiry: None
Conceived as a rival to the likes of the Triumph Stag and Mercedes-Benz (R107) SL range, Reliant began working on a convertible version of its popular Scimitar range in 1978. Unveiled to the public two years later, the GTC followed established company practice by using a rigid box-section chassis to underpin its lightweight, rust-free fibreglass bodywork, yet it was lighter than the GTE SE6 on which it was based and could still seat four. With independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a Watt linkage located rear axle plus rack-and-pinion steering, handling was a strong point. Powered by the 2792cc Ford 'Cologne' V6 engine developing a quoted 135bhp and 159lbft of torque, the GTC could be had with either four-speed manual overdrive or automatic transmission. One of the faster four-seater convertibles of its generation, the Reliant was reputedly capable of 119mph and 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds. Produced from 1980 until 1986, just 442 were made.
This particular example is the 224th of those 442 convertibles produced, and remained in the hands of the Reliant Motor Public Co Ltd until 1983. With both soft and factory hardtops, it was exported to France eight years ago by its third owner, and used for many continental trips. However, the recorded mileage remains low for its age, which the owner says is verified by old MOT certificates. He describes the coachwork as "mint and unmolested", and the paintwork as "excellent except for little scratches on the wing arches and stone chips". The recently converted to unleaded engine, manual 4-speed plus overdrive transmission and four-seater interior are all deemed to be "excellent" too, while the electrical equipment is apparently "all OK except for the right-hand door mirror". The vendor further informs us that "the chassis was Waxoyled last year and there is a stainless steel exhaust. It is only being sold because the children have left home and to make way for a new two-seater project".
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