RELIANT SCIMITAR SS1

There’s one for sale in this week’s ads. Here’s what to watch out for

CHECK THE BODY CAREFULLY

The SS1’s bodywork is a cocktail of GRP (main tub, doors, bonnet) and reinforced injection-moulded plastic produced by Dunlop (wings and nosecone), and they need thorough checks as repairs are neither cheap nor straightforward. Split bumpers and nosecones are especially problematic, so anything more than superficial scrapes need caution, while corrosion of the metal reinforcing sections leads to cracks and delamination. Doors that drop when opened could be a minor hinge issue or a sign that the shell is collapsing. Panel fit was often wonky, too.

HAS THE ROOF LEAKED?

Be wary of a decrepit cabin as limited supply means broken seats, and faded velour trim is a pain to sort. Leaks from a tatty hood or from the seals of the optional hard top won’t do it any favours, so check for evidence of water creeping in. Check the condition of the hood itself too for any signs of obvious rips, scuffs or badly taped-up repairs. Leaks can damage the door cars; they’re formed from vinyl-covered moulded foam, and they aren’t easy to source even secondhand.

HOW’S THE SUSPENSION?

Front wishbones in the Vauxhall Chevette-derived suspension are prone to corrosion and cracks so check them carefully, and make sure that the rear trailing arms haven’t been weakened due to rot. Otherwise, you’re looking for perished bushes and tired springs and dampers that are likely responsible for a car listing or sitting too low.

LOOK UNDERNEATH IT

The coated steel chassis on early models - around the first 850 cars from 1985/86 – are notorious for rot so check thoroughly. Outriggers and sills are normally the first to go. The later galvanised items are much better – later swaps aside, cars fitted with a single wiper arm almost certainly have them - but scrutinise them for patching and bodges; low values means replacement is a major investment.

WATCH FOR ENGINE WOES

Ford CVH engines are well understood and spares are plentiful, but look for smokiness, neglect, and missed cambelt changes. Lack of oil changes lead to a worn camshaft and thrashy valve-gear. The Ford carburettors weren’t great either – an aftermarket Weber works well – and check the fuel system for leaks from perished pipework.