The Reflex, an 80's kit from Wales

Gareth Atkinson's Reflex sportscar from Wales

In 1987 former Davrian development engineer, Gareth Atkinson founded a new company that carried his name and made an exciting kitcar called the "Reflex". The firm was based in Cardigan, Wales.

The Reflex was a mid-rear engine, two seat, coupe with modern styling that recalled contemporaries such as the Lotus Esprit. It was an angular shape with crisp edges and a wedge-like profile. 

Atkinson, in his shop

Unlike many cars of this type, it also offered good visibility from the driver's seat and all the mod cons, thanks to its use of interior components from a Ford Escort RS including the full dashboard and all switch-gear. It was a very well designed package with impressive fit and finish.

The Reflex - Rear subframe, engine, and boot

The prototype Reflex was built on a GRP and Kevlar reinforced monocoque, with tubular steel subframes front and rear, an approach also taken by makes such as Lotus. However, the production cars were built on a tubular backbone spaceframe chassis, with box section subframes at the front and rear. It is my understanding that the body was bonded to the spaceframe for added rigidity.

The front suspension utilized parts from the Ford Fiesta XR2 while the rear came from the FIAT X1/9. A variety of motors were used, including the aforementioned FIAT as well as mills from Lancia and Ford.

A pair of Reflexes at a UK car show

The kit was met with rave reviews in the motoring press, but its introduction was unfortunately timed. This was because a mass-produced alternative had made its debut from Japan, the Toyota MR2. That car shared a lot of the same ethos and styling inspirations as the Reflex and didn't require a shed and tools or manual assembly by its owner. 

Economic conditions at the time also played a role. The UK saw a general downturn in the specialty car industry and a number of other makes shared the same fate during this time period. 

In the end, approximately 18 examples of Gareth Atkinson's car were produced. Production ended in 1993.

Special thanks to Gareth Atkinson, himself, for images and relevant information. 

Gareth Atkinson, during his time at Davrian

Gareth Atkinson and the Reflex

A pair of Reflexes

A trio of Reflexes

A pair of Reflexes in white

A Reflex in white