Author Topic: The Reflex - Beta Kit Car (Read 43607 times)

MattNoVAT · « **on:** November 15, 2012, 12:23:08 PM »

I know a while ago someone enquired about the Reflex (I think after the brochure popped up on Ebay).

I've exchanged emails with Graham, the owner of the last known Reflex, which is SORN at the moment and in need of a bit of restoration. The owner has given his approval for me to share these pictures and some of the history.

Three cars were completed, he was not sure how many kits were sold, nor was he sure what happened to the other two cars.

The other two cars were owned by a friend of Grahams and the pair of them did buy the original moulds and tried to revive the kit, but sadly Graham does not recall what happened to the moulds, so its doubtful that there will ever be another Reflex built again.

Here are the pictures graham kindly sent me....... the cars look very 1980's to me. A hint of X/19 and Jaguar XJS....

Would be interested in what people think, anyone recall seeing one at a show or on the road?

thecolonel · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2012, 12:49:08 PM »

Definite hint of Mazda I think.

MattNoVAT · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2012, 01:25:36 PM »

A dash of early MR2 and bits of a Mitsi Starion Turbo...

You can certainly see plenty of influences from other marques...

Hawk · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2012, 05:45:09 PM »

They look better from behind.

The fronts remind me of 80s 'wedge' TVRs

peteracs · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2012, 10:52:58 PM »

And the first version of the Toyota Supra

Peter

GreenVti991 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2013, 06:17:53 PM »

Hi guys I'm resurrecting this thread as I have found one of these cars just up the road from me. It caught my eye on my way home from work so I stopped and had a closer look. It has no number plates and appears to have not seen the road for a very long time - if ever. It's a shame to see such a rare & unusual car in poor condition.

HFStuart · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2013, 06:38:32 PM »

Pics?

GreenVti991 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2013, 07:13:00 PM »

Here's the only one I took

peteracs · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2013, 10:28:15 PM »

Hi

Looks like the same as the red one in the pics posted by Matt from earlier shows, the wheels are the same at least.

Is it likely to be up for sale or is the owner likely to get it back on the road, do you know?

Out of interest as well, where is it located?

Peter

HFStuart · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2013, 10:35:24 PM »

I've seen worse - I wonder if that's the one Matt referred to when he said Graham had the last known one which needed some TLC.

If not you've just doubled the known population!

GreenVti991 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2013, 07:20:46 AM »

Yes it does look remarkably like the one in the pics and it has the perspex light covers, not pop up headlights like the white one. What makes me wonder if it is the same one is the fact that it doesn't have a number plate, nor could I find one in the car.
It definitely would need a ground up restoration as it looks like it has been stored outside for a considerable time. From what I could see from the underside everything would need stripping back and most likely welding to the chassis.
Not sure if it is for sale. What price do you put on something so rare?

MattNoVAT · « **Reply #11 on:** May 29, 2013, 07:59:30 AM »

Try registration Q458 JFL or Q458 JPL

Certainly looks like the red car from the pictures Graham sent us.

Would be nice to see something like this bought back to its former glory.

peteracs · « **Reply #12 on:** May 29, 2013, 08:00:57 AM »

Quote from: GreenVti991 on May 29, 2013, 07:20:46 AM

Yes it does look remarkably like the one in the pics and it has the perspex light covers, not pop up headlights like the white one. What makes me wonder if it is the same one is the fact that it doesn't have a number plate, nor could I find one in the car.
It definitely would need a ground up restoration as it looks like it has been stored outside for a considerable time. From what I could see from the underside everything would need stripping back and most likely welding to the chassis.
Not sure if it is for sale. What price do you put on something so rare?

I suspect its rarity has little to do with the price and more to do with if someone is prepared to take it on and its desirability. After all this time and the fact that it needs a full restore and it was a relative unknown kit car, hence not that desirable, I would not have thought it was worth any more than a normal scrap/parts car. The restore will cost at least a few £1000s given everything will need doing inc full respray etc.

Just my 10p worth

I do however think it should be saved/restored, as an interesting application of a donor Beta, anyone fancy a group buy? I can probably find some dry storage for it (no not your barn Matt....!)

Peter

peteracs · « **Reply #13 on:** May 29, 2013, 08:04:02 AM »

Quote from: MattNoVAT on May 29, 2013, 07:59:30 AM

Try registration Q458 JFL or Q458 JPL

Certainly looks like the red car from the pictures Graham sent us.

Would be nice to see something like this bought back to its former glory.

Looks like Q458JFC

DVLA report

Date of Liability   01 08 1998
Date of First Registration   19 06 1992
Year of Manufacture   1992
Cylinder Capacity (cc)   1995cc
CO2 Emissions   Not Available
Fuel Type   PETROL
Export Marker   N
Vehicle Status   Unlicensed
Vehicle Colour   RED
Vehicle Type Approval   Not Available

Peter

MattNoVAT · « **Reply #14 on:** May 29, 2013, 08:29:13 AM »

So it's had 15 years of sitting around, so not as bad as some Betas !!

GreenVti991 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 29, 2013, 08:45:42 AM »

Its located near Ashford in Kent. If any of you are definitely interested in rescuing it I'd he happy to go back and try to glean some more info on it. I'm not out to make a profit, it'd just be nice to see a very rare car go to someone who has the time, tools and expertise to restore it.

peteracs · « **Reply #16 on:** May 29, 2013, 09:24:57 AM »

Quote from: GreenVti991 on May 29, 2013, 08:45:42 AM

Its located near Ashford in Kent. If any of you are definitely interested in rescuing it I'd he happy to go back and try to glean some more info on it. I'm not out to make a profit, it'd just be nice to see a very rare car go to someone who has the time, tools and expertise to restore it.

I would be up for it, obviously depends on owners view ie its worth and if they are willing to part with it etc.

Peter

GreenVti991 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 29, 2013, 09:38:49 AM »

Peter, I'm happy to stop again on my way home today and try to get more info for you - as long as you're sure you want it?

peteracs · « **Reply #18 on:** May 29, 2013, 10:52:09 AM »

PM Sent

peteracs · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2013, 09:21:56 PM »

Hi All

First thanks to Tom who took time out to call in again and ask about the car.

The upshot is that the guy who owns it does not want to be contacted and it has been left for the guy who owns the adjacent business is selling it for him. Tom gave me the number and I rang him to discuss. he is rather abrupt on the phone and appeared not that interested or knowledgeable. Interestingly he claims the car has never been registered, which is where I decided to duck out as going through IVA is not something I have any interest in. The asking price for the car is £750 which for me is way too much given it probably needs a full strip down and then rebuild inc any mods for current IVA.

If anyone wants further info, PM me for the tel number.

Peter

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Author Topic: The Reflex - Beta Kit Car (Read 43607 times)

thecolonel