I recently bought a 1980 Reliant Scimitar for £5750. One of the attractions of this car was that it had been owned by the deceased Don Pither who wrote the definitive book ‘The Scimitar and its Forebears’. The car was advertised in its original Champagne paint. I spoke with the vendor about the paintwork and was categorically told that the car had not been resprayed during or since Don Pither’s ownership.

I drove it 100 miles home and noticed on arrival there was blistering on the wings and bonnet, that an independent bodywork expert has stated was caused by a re-spray when water was present in the separator when the car was re-sprayed. I spoke to the previous owner who sold the car to Don Pither and he has stated that he sold the car in original Champagne paint. I also have evidence through an advert that Don Pither attempted to sell this car at a later date advertised with Champagne paint. So the car was sold to me as part of a lie. I have asked the vendor to refund me £750 as a part payment for a correct re-spray, which was refused. In your opinion is it worth taking this to the small claims court to either have the £750 awarded or return the car and claim the £5000 small claims limit.