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£ 69,995

1963 Ex Works Reliant one off Special Sports Racing car

Le Mans Sale

Description:

Reliant were the second largest British motor manufacturer in the 1970s whilst manufacturing the Reliant Scimitar. 

The Sabre is where they started their sports car aspirations, with their very successful rally programme and this car built with Le Mans as the goal. 

Described in the works chassis records, which are with the car, as a  'special sports racing car', this car differs extensively from the standard car, with lightweight chassis, independent rear suspension, redesigned aerodynamic body, special wheels, ZF gearbox , two plate clutch, large radiator, etc etc. 

Sold by the works in mid 60s, the new owner raced the car in race events, (new info turning up all the time) with class wins, and also sprints, hills etc. We have several programmes etc, from period showing activity.

In 1968, the car passed into the hands of the late Robin Rew, a very well known character and luminary in the competition scene. Robin campaigned the car in historic racing, mostly through the then new HSCC. With many published results in the 70s as the 'Monsieur Rochas' series was reported extensively. A lot of the photos show the car in Robin's hands. Thanks also to Mike Dodman for period pics. When I obtained the car in 1985, Robin told me his favourite place was 'in front of an Aston!'  Probably not possible now with the power Aston engines are generating.

Robin actually won the 'Pomeroy Trophy' with this car in 1982.

There have been many magazine appearances, one notable, is Michael Bowler, the editor of CSCC driving the car for a full colour spread in 1978.  We have an extensive history file, dozens of photos and magazine articles recorded. The Reliant Sabre & Scimitar Club historian has taken quite an interest in this car, helping enormously with research.  Thankyou Dave Poole.

Bought by myself from Robin in 1985, I competed for a couple of years, when an engine blow up at Donington put paid for a while. 1n 1990, the car passed to a private collector who commissioned a full rebuild of the car, with the instructions to keep as much of the original as possible.  The car remains extremely original with its 1960s chassis and body, even the dash and the Corbeau seats are period! The car was restored by marque specialists NNG Ltd, and remains in excellent form. The car had a couple of incidents in the 70s with Robin Rew, which resulted  in the odd looking bonnet in a few of the photos. The bonnet fitted to the car is a new moulding (in 1983!) and included with the car is the original bonnet and the mould to make replacements. Also for the unique rear wings.

The engine in period was tuned for the works by Les Ryder with Raymond Mays Mk.3 head, Weber 42 DCOEs, (yes!) and all remains original. The engine sports all the well known club mods that Robin developed in the 70s. No steel crank, and it is a Mk.3 213E block with later stiffening.  

Should you wish to race the car in these  regulated days you would no doubt need to install latest spec., belts, roll cage et al.  I have always avoided doing so, as the car remains so original.

Two sets of brand new wheels and tyres are included, along with many bits and pieces of historic interest.

876 HWD returned to my ownership in 2007.  To my shame I've done very little with the car due to all the usual family, work, etc.  I now find, approaching 70 years old, that there is little chance of me doing the car justice.  This is a chance for someone to make a return to the spotlight for the car. Remember, it's a genuine one off, works Le Mans attempt. With continuous competition/ownership history. Can you imagine if Jaguar had done this? Or did they?

I hope this famous old car and war horse can find a decent owner to take her further into the 21st Century.  HWD is in fact 60 years old this year.

I am available on whatsapp if further pics/proof etc are of interest.

Many thanks for your attention.




Keyword Search Terms:

One off, ex works, extensive history, Reliant, Sabre, Le Mans, racer, racecar, scimitar, not FIA

Details:

Item Location: Norfolk, UK
Seller: classicfibre
Joined June 2015
  David Womack
Seller's other ads
Country: United Kingdom
City: Norfolk
Phone: (44) 7885957328
Condition Rebuilt
Trade or Private: Private
Currency:
Price: £69,995
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Added: 06/03/2023
Views: 2113

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