Scimitar GTE in N.Z.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 17

Scimitar GTE in N.Z.

The 3-litre Reliant Scimitar GTE is now being imported into New Zealand by Anziel, Ltd, the firm which planned to make the Reliant-designed Nova saloon.

So far 10 of the cars have been imported. The Scimitar GTE, which is powered by the Ford V 6 engine, has been described as the world’s only family sports car, and it is also the vehicle chosen by the Queen and Prince Philip as a Christmas present to Princess Anne. The 120 m.p.h. GTE has a fibneglass body designed to carry four adults. In New Zealand the car will cost $6600 with manual trans-

mission and overdrive, and $6BOO for the automatic transmission version. Safety features in 'the GTE include collapsible steering and steering wheels, built-in roll-bar, chassis outriggers for side protection, and a two-speed wiper fitted to the large rear window. “The mechanical components are all standard production parts, mostly Ford,” said Mr I. Gibbs, the managing director of Anziel. “Unlike many comparatively rare cars, therefore, spare parts and servicing will present no problem in New Zealand.” The car’s body, ■ being fibreglass, cannot rust and is easily repaired in the event of an accident. The Scimitar has independent front suspension,

and the rear suspension is by a live axle located by trailing arms and Watts linkage and suspended on coil springs. Disc brakes are fitted to the front wheels, drum brakes to the rear. The front seats are fully reclining and all seats are upholstered in leathercloth.' The car has a full set of instruments as well as warning lights, a heater and fresh air ventilators on the dash are standard, and a heated rear window is one orthe options. The Scimitar has a 55in front track, 53in rear track, is 171 in long, 64in wide, 52in high, and has ground clearance of sjin and a turning circle of 36ft. Mr Gibbs said his company was investigating the possibility of building the GTE in New Zealand, and that the car could be built here within a year. The fibreglass body would be built locally, and an Australian engine would be fitted. The company would hope to sell the car in Australia and the Pacific area as well as in New Zealand, he said.