The Story of the Booze Bus

Some classic cars collect trophies. Others collect stories. 
This Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5, affectionately known as the Booze Bus, has managed to collect both. 

Today the car is campaigned by Alan Cavendish-Tribe and his son James, but its history spans several enthusiastic custodians, each helping shape what has become one of the best-known competition Scimitars in the country. 

Building A Reputation 

One of the most significant chapters in the car's history came under the ownership of John Louch, who spent around a decade developing and campaigning the Scimitar in sprint and Hillclimb events across the UK. 

During that time, the car evolved from a classic grand tourer into a highly capable competition machine. It became a familiar sight in paddocks around the country and earned a reputation for both its performance and the engineering that underpinned it. 

Many Scimitar enthusiasts still remember the car from those years. Long before Alan became involved, the Booze Bus had already established itself as something special within the community. 

A Car Worth Following 

Like many enthusiasts, Alan had followed the car's progress for years. He knew the names associated with it, recognised its competition pedigree and admired the way it was used. 

The Booze Bus earned its reputation by being driven, developed and enjoyed exactly as a competition Scimitar should be. 

For Alan, that has always been the essence of classic vehicle ownership. The adventures, friendships and shared experiences often become just as important as the vehicle itself. At the time, he had no idea that one day he would become its custodian. 

Enter Team Booze Bus 

Following John Louch's stewardship, the car passed through the hands of fellow competitors before eventually finding its way to lifelong Scimitar enthusiast Nigel Duffield. 

For Nigel, the purchase represented the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. Having owned Scimitars for decades and admires the sprint and Hillclimb scene from afar, the opportunity to acquire a proven competition car with genuine pedigree was simply to good to miss. The Scimitar quickly became known as "Duff's Booze Bus".

Around the same times, Nigel and Alan met through their shared enthusiasm for the marque. What started as a chance conversation soon developed into a strong friendship built around motorsport, engineering and Scimitars. Not long after acquiring the car, Nigel offered Alan the opportunity to co-drive at selected events, and Team Booze Bus was born. 

Between 2022 and 2023, Nigel and Alan travelled the length and breadth of the country competing in sprint and Hillclimb events. Together they enjoyed success in both the Scimitar Sabre Speed Championship and the Classic Marques Speed Challenge. 

Yet ask either of them about those seasons and they'll probably talk less about the silverware and more about the experiences. The long journeys, paddock conversations, late-night repairs and shared meals are what made those years memorable. As Nigel often said, Alan's calm engineering logic was the perfect counterbalance to his own fiercely competitive nature. Together they made a formidable team. 

Passing The Button 

By the end of the 2023 season, Nigel had decided to step back from a full competition programme and spend more time with his family. There was never any doubt that the Booze Bus should remain active. For Nigel there was only one obvious person to take the wheel. Alan already knew the car, understood its significance and appreciated everything that made it unique. 

When ownership passed to him, the intention was never to preserve the Scimitar as a museum piece. The plan was simple: use it, enjoy it and keep on building on everything that lad come before. This time, however, there should be a new addition to the team: Alan''s son, James. 

For many enthusiasts, one of the greatest pleasures of classic vehicle ownership is sharing the experience with the next generation. Whether it's passing on practical skills, creating family memories or simply spending time together, it is something truly special. The Booze Bus had entered a new phase in life. 

Refusing To Give Up

As every classic vehicle owner known, not every chapter is straightforward. during a Hillclimb event at Harewood in 2024, the Booze Bus suffered a significant accident. Faced with extensive damage, the future of the car suddenly looked uncertain.

Back home, discussions began. Over fish and chips and a few beers, three options were considered: break the car for parts, rebuild it using a donor shell, or repair the damaged bodywork. 

Given the car's history breaking it simply didn't feel right. This wasn't just a competition car. It represented decades of effort, passion and memories shared by a remarkable group of enthusiasts. 

The decision was made. The Booze Bus would be saved. 

Back Where It Belongs 

What followed was a reminder of everything that makes the classic vehicle world special. 

Support arrived almost immediately. Fellow enthusiasts sourced parts, offered advice and shared expertise. Specialists inspected the damage and delivered encouraging news. Although the bodywork had suffered heavily, the chassis and running gear had survived remarkably well. 

The rebuild began, and slowly but surely the Booze Bus returned. What could have been the end simply became another hurdle to overcome. By 2025 the car was back where it belonged - competing, attending events and being enjoyed once again. 

The Journey Continues

Like all great classics, the Booze Bus remains at work in progress. Alan and James continue to enjoy the car, uncover more of its remarkable history and create new memories along the way. Alan, who is also a member of the Reliant Sabre and Scimitar Owners Club, is still researching the car's past, and new information continues to emerge. 

We'd like to give a very warm welcome to Booze Bus as our latest Vehicle of the Month. If you'd like to learn more, you can read the full extended history below, including additional photographs, competition results and owner trophies. 

The Booze Bus in Action

You can also read the full extended history of the Booze Bus here: 

THE STORY OF THE BOOZE BUS 

After all, with classics like the Booze Bus, the story is never really finished. 

Long may it continue.