1987 Reliant Scimitar SS1

Offered by Brightwells | Leominster, U.K. | March 25, 2023

Photo – Brightwells

The Reliant Scimitar debuted in 1964 and was restyled multiple times and produced across various generations through 1986 (and then by Middlebridge through 1990). Most of those were shooting brakes.

The Scimitar SS1 was a mostly unrelated two-seat sports car styled by Giovanni Michelotti and produced from 1984 through 1990 before being renamed the Scimitar SST and later the Scimitar Sabre.

Various engines were offered, and this car has a 1.6-liter Ford inline-four that was rated at 96 horsepower. The car also had pop-up headlamps, independent suspension, and a composite body. Including the successor models, just over 1,500 of these were made. Click here for more info.

Update: Sold $3,708.

1935 SS1 2.5-Litre Tourer

Offered by Bonhams | Chichester, U.K. | April 10, 2022

The Swallow Coachbuilding Company started building their own cars in 1932. The first model launched was the SS1. Bonhams quotes a total of 2,503 examples produced through 1936. SS, of course, would become Jaguar after WWII and the resulting new associated connotations with “SS”.

The SS1 was powered by a choice of inline-six engines, with this car being powered by the later, larger 2.6-liter unit. There was an SS2 that featured a four-cylinder powerplant. Output in this car was rated at 68 horsepower.

Five body styles were offered, including the tourer shown here. It remained with a single family for about 50 years, being restored early in their stewardship. Now it has a pre-sale estimate of $78,000-$105,000. Click here for more info.

Update: Sold $73,188.