Middlebridge Scimitar GTE

 

In 1987 the Scimitar GTE name and design was bought by the Middlebridge Company.  Middlebridge, owned by a Japanese businessman, wanted to give the Scimitar a new lease of life and further develop the car further.

The Middlebridge Company set up a small modern factory in Beeston, Nottingham.  Using an existing Reliant Scimitar SE6B, Middlebridge engineers set about modifying it and after some 450 modifications were made, a prototype Middlebridge Scimitar GTE was built.  Some of these modifications included using Ford's latest engine (2.9 litre Scorpio engine with fuel injection), a revised interior, 15" Australian 'Performance Wheels' with lower profile tyres, colour coded bumpers, colour coded electric mirrors, central locking, rear anti-roll bar and upgraded suspension by Harvey Bailey LTD (Suspension Specialists to the Motor and Motor Racing Industries), stainless steel exhausts, galvanised chassis and a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions.  The car was simply called the Middlebridge Scimitar.  

The Middlebridge Scimitar GTE was launched at the 1989 Earls Court Motor Fair to rapturous applause.  Princess Anne was loaned a Middlebridge Scimitar until her own car was built to order.

Sadly in 1990 the Middlebridge Company went into liquidation (due to a court battle over the "Number 1 Bentley", which they lost) and as a result only 77 Middlebridge Scimitars were produced.

HRH Princess Anne still owns the 5th ever built Middlebridge Scimitar.