In 1975, the SE6 series was promoted to the executive market. These models were two-door sports estates, again with the Ford V6 3.0 L engine used in the SE5A with 135 bhp. The wheelbase was increased by 4 inches (10 cm) and the track by 3 inches (8 cm), making the cars correspondingly longer and broader than their predecessors. The extra length improved rear-seat legroom and access, which enhanced the car's credentials as a 'genuine' four-seater. Noticeable changes from the earlier models were the increase in the size of the outer headlamps and the replacement of the chrome-plated bumpers with rubber ones. 543 SE6 models were produced.
In 1976, the SE6A was introduced. An easy way to spot an SE6A from an SE6 is the change to orange from red reflectors on the rear extractor vents, and the three vertical grooves in the front bumper (in front of the wheel arches) were removed. 3877 SE6As were made, making it the most popular version of all the SE6 shape.
Ford had stopped making the "Essex" engine by 1981, and production stopped completely in 1988, so one of the major differences with the SE6B was the engine. The German-built Ford "Cologne" 2.8 L V6 was used instead. The SE6B failed to replicate the success of the earlier models. The design may have aged gracefully, but demand tailed off. The last models were a real improvement over the earlier SE6s, though, as they were lighter, stiffer, and more comprehensively equipped. Only 437 SE6Bs were manufactured. Production ceased by 1986.
1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE
1980 Reliant Scimitar GTE
