Thursday 5th August 2004

Toniq R - First Runner Nearly Ready

Debut expected at Donington Show in September

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We've been following the progress of the Toniq R for some time now - since its conception by students a couple of years back in fact.

The project is now being worked on by the Toniq team in their spare time - everyone's got to earn a living!

Progress is such that they now hope to have a fully running car at the International Kit and Performance car show at Donongton Park in September.

Colin Williams, co-founder of Toniq comments, ‘A very exciting weekend for all of us as the culmination of almost 3 years hard work will finally be realised as a drivable car. I can’t wait!’ And we’ll be able to share this with the 12,000 expected visitors to the show. "

This month the team have been concentrating on fitting the panels perfectly with equal shut gaps so that it can soon be sent off for painting before the unveiling in September. The screen, interior side panels and centre section are all riv-nutted into place (so they can be quickly put on and off the car as needed).

The bonnet (shown here as yellow) has needed to be re-moulded as the 1st production one didn’t have enougth strength in it so it sagged in the middle.

[fuoriserie]

I wish them luck with this project.

I've followed it from the very beginning, and eventhough the design is not one of my favourites, (there were other proposals presented that I liked more), I think they've done a fantastic job.

I immagine with limited funds and very little help.................otherwise it would have taken less time to develop.

Good luck guys

[andyps]

I love the look of this car - a kind of modern Lotus 7 updated in a similar way to some of the Ford retro cars. You can tell where the origins are, but it looks modern - best of luck to the team.

[Lee J]

Hi Col as I know you are probably on pistonheads regularly checking, I thought I would say hello as you have not been up our way for a while now to keep us informed on how you are getting on.
The car is looking good mate when are you going to let me have a go in one, drop me a line if you get a chance if I dont see you before good luck at the show.

[Will Ferrari]

Thanks guys for all your kind comments. Lee, I'll pass on your message to Col.

Developing the car from a static show car has taken a little more time than expected, especially as when you get a 'proper' 9-5 day job you soon realise you only get a few holiday 'Toniq' work days a year (as well as the weekends). So the Donington Show on September 4th & 5th will be a massive achievemnet for Colin and myself, finally seeing the car in all it's glory. Interestingly enougth, I can't wait for the show in 2005 when we'll hope to have a few cars and owners cars lined up. A far cry from back in 2001 when we we're deciding weather or not to have a spare wheel on the back or not! How that would have ruined it.

The car will be available with the Fireblade engine for under £20k and we'll have kit prices announced at the show as well.

108hp at the wheels + 6 speed sequential paddle shif + 550kg = FUN