1963 Reliant Sabre 6 Rally Car

Lot details
Registration No: WGV 287
Chassis No: SS300124
Mot Expiry: April 2011

"Why do Reliant take part in tough International rallies? Because we feel that if a car will stand up to the pounding and buffeting (and they do you know) of a really tough event - whether on a craggy Alpine Pass or through Scottish mud and slime or hundreds of miles of sheet ice and snow - when time is all important - the lessons learned will ensure that a quality of inbred toughness will be built into the production models" (Advertisement - The Reliant Engineering Co Ltd, 1963).

As a newcomer to the world of sports car manufacture during the early 1960s, Reliant was keen to demonstrate the strength and durability of its fibreglass-bodied products. Conscious that International Rallying had changed the buying public's perception of the Mini forever and given the Triumph and Austin-Healey ranges a considerable 'halo effect', the Tamworth-based marque was keen to prove its mettle in the same arena. Helmed by former trade sales manager Arthur Rusling, the nascent Reliant Competition Department fielded various Sabre 4 cars over the course of the 1962 season. Results were mixed but the team achieved an impressively high finishing rate.

For 1963 Reliant decided to focus its efforts on the Sabre Six GT and to this end three early chassis were taken off the production line and converted into purpose-built rally cars. Subsequently road registered as '648 GUE', '649 GUE' and '650 GUE', the trio boasted an integral roll cage, limited slip differential, modified double-wishbone independent front suspension, Jaguar overdrive transmission and dual circuit / four-wheel disc brakes. Powered by the same 2.6 litre Ford Zodiac engine as their roadgoing siblings, they benefited from Raymond Mays alloy cylinder heads and specially homologated triple Weber carburettors.

Although not as successful as some of the better funded teams, the Works Sabre Six GTs recorded some highly creditable International level results including: 1963 Monte Carlo (3rd and 4th in class), 1963 Alpine (1st and 2nd in class), 1963 Circuit of Ireland (3rd in class), 1963 RAC (3rd in class), 1964 Monte Carlo (4th in class) and 1964 Welsh (2nd in class). The lightweight fixed-head coupe was also notable for being the first car in which the legendary Roger Clark had a Works drive. Although better suited to tarmac than gravel stages, the design's inherent toughness was amply demonstrated during the closing stages of the '64 Monte when Bobby Parkes and Arthur Senior were able to walk away from '649 GUE' after it had plummeted some eighty feet.

As the proprietor of a Reliant dealership - The Steering Wheel Garage of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk - Graham P Warner had close ties to the factory. A keen competitor, he obtained Works support for the preparation of a privateer Sabre Six GT. Interestingly, the 'Remarks' column of an accompanying copy build sheet for his car - chassis number SS300124 - reads: 'GT, Overdrive, Wire Wheels, RAC Rally'. Painted blue and road registered as 'WGV 287', the Reliant duly undertook the gruelling British event only to be forced into retirement. Undeterred, Warner and co-driver John Spiers secured an entry for the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. Electing to start from Minsk so as to maximise their points potential, the intrepid duo finished a remarkable fifth in class behind two Ford Falcons, a Chrysler Valiant and '650 GUE'.

Rendered uncompetitive by changes made to the FIA's Appendix J regulations during 1964, 'WGV 287' never contested another International event but is rumoured to have run on various national and club level rallies. Said to have belonged to a succession of marque enthusiasts, the Sabre Six GT spent several decades in Northern Ireland. Apparently taken off the road there following an incident with a police car, it was repatriated in 2006 and entered the current ownership some twelve months later albeit as a dilapidated non-runner. Substantially complete and boasting its original chassis frame and fibreglass bodywork, the Reliant was entrusted to W. Beattie of Kilmartin Garage, Argyll for a £27,000 restoration.

Completely disassembled 'WGV 287' had its chassis repaired and repainted, while its fibreglass bodywork was similarly rejuvenated via a full gel coat respray. To the interior, the original dashboard, roll cage, seats and instruments were all preserved (though, the Halda is a correct type replacement). A heated windscreen and new Perspex sliding windows were fitted. Thoroughly overhauled, the 2.6 litre engine gained a new crankshaft, gas-flowed cylinder head, tubular exhaust manifold, lightened flywheel, fresh pistons and refurbished triple SU carburettors (all with the intention of generating 170bhp plus).

Not quite period but very usable the five-speed manual gearbox is allied to a semi-competition clutch and balanced propshaft. Located via a five link set-up, the rear axle plays host to a limited slip differential and upgraded drive shafts. Considerable attention was also paid to the rack and pinion steering, double-wishbone independent front suspension, fuel tank, disc / drum brakes, bushes, brake lines and wheel bearings etc. Much of the existing wiring loom was reused if only because the vendor did not want to overly modernise the car or compromise a future custodian's options.

Finished in Powder Blue with Red upholstery, the Reliant is described by the seller as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, bodywork and paintwork, while the interior trim and electrical equipment are rated as "original / minimal" and "good" respectively. Said to have done a mere 200 - 300 miles since work was completed, mainly around the Knockhill and Caimes circuits, 'WGV 287' is said to be "very quick". Indeed, the owner tells us that it proved faster around the latter track than his rally-prepared Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7! Pleasingly retaining one of its original '64 Monte plaques, this historically significant privateer rally car would grace many a collection. Alternatively, it could be used for stage raiding once more or as a formidable sprint / track car.