Etienne Psaila
From a small factory in Tamworth came one of Britain’s most distinctive grand tourers - the Reliant Scimitar GTE. Part sports car, part estate, it defied every convention of its age and carved out a loyal following that still thrives decades after the last example left the line. Royal Drive: The Reliant Scimitar GTE and Its Cult Following tells the complete, fact-based story of how a company best known for three-wheelers created an icon of practicality and performance that captured the imagination of a nation.Through detailed narrative and first-hand historical research, the book traces the Scimitar’s evolution from the original GT of 1964 to the legendary GTE shooting brake, the elegant GTC convertible, and the refined Middlebridge revival. It chronicles its engineering innovations, royal endorsement by Princess Anne, and enduring appeal across generations of enthusiasts. Along the way, it explores how a small manufacturer achieved what many giants could not: a car that combined luxury, individuality, and timeless design in equal measure.This is more than an automotive history-it is a portrait of British ingenuity at its most resourceful. Drawing from decades of ownership stories, factory records, and club archives, Royal Drive celebrates the passion that keeps the Scimitar’s legend alive. From factory floor to concours field, it reveals how this unique sports estate earned its place as one of the most beloved cult classics in motoring history.
