HJA 796E
If BUE is the first and perhaps the most famous straight six SE4 and if CAND has perhaps the best detailed history then HJA must come a close second in both categories. HJA 796E is the very last registered SE4 straight six GT coupe and with chassis number 295 it is one of the very last made by Reliant. Previously owned by Trevor House who had the car for some 40 years there is a huge file full of correspondence with the great and good of the Scimitar world including fascinating items from Chris Lloyd and Don Pither as well as some lengthy discussions with the then editor of Slice. Trevor did not phone or do emails but instead sent handwritten letters that thankfully we still have. This file is not just a history of the car it is also an important history of the Scimitar and the RSSOC. We received the car from Simon House who after his father’s passing came to the conclusion that although his dad had amassed numerous parts there was just too much for him to do to resurrect the car that had meant so much to the family. What followed was a complete body off, nut and bolt restoration. Andy spent several weeks just cutting out and replacing every bit of rust in the chassis.
We received the car from Simon House who after his father’s passing came to the conclusion that although his dad had amassed numerous parts there was just too much for him to do to resurrect the car that had meant so much to the family. What followed was a complete body off, nut and bolt restoration. Andy spent several weeks just cutting out and replacing every bit of rust in the chassis. It would have been easier to change the chassis but then it wouldn’t have been 295. The refurbished chassis was then fitted with overhauled suspension, transmission, and a 2.8 straight six prepared by Trevor. We endeavored to use every part that Trevor had obtained for the rebuild of the body and the interior as well as using as many original items salvaged from the car as possible. Finished in the original Manhattan Blue HJA 796E after many decades once again is a fine example of these pretty GT cars which first hit the roads in the 1960’s and which subsequent variations never quite managed to equal.
All SE4 Coupes are rare and this special Reliant Scimitar along with BUE is available for exhibitions, shows and charity events. Please contact Straight Six for availability.
