A day with AMS and Arden Automotive
Posted by Madabout News on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 at 10:34 PM |
 Hands up… Who’s been to Cornwall? I have and I can vouch that it’s a long way. Even starting from neighbouring Devon it takes some time to reach the west of the county. If, on the other hand, you happen to be coming from somewhere like London the inevitable procession of caravans between you and the Cornish Riviera can be akin to medieval torture.
This is a great shame – and even if you don’t fancy going on holiday. Cornwall harbours not one, but two rising stars of the kit car industry in the form of the Toniq R and Murtaya from Adrenaline Motor Sport. Fortunately Arden Automotive, based in Didcot, has recently been appointed as their official agents for the South East of England. To celebrate this, they held an open day on Sunday 28th July.
Centre-stage went to the familiar AMS demonstrators. The Murtaya sat menacingly with the bulges and vents of its deep blue bodywork perfectly complimenting its large gold alloys. Opposite it, the razor-sharp lines and paired-back stance of the Toniq R seemed equally purposeful - poised, ready for attack. Both looked sensational in the bright summer sunshine.
 Murtaya Demonstrator at Arden Automotive, Didcot.
 ToniqR getting lots of attention at Arden Automotive
Sometimes, however, looking just isn’t enough and to guarantee complete sensory overload Arden were offering passenger rides in both cars throughout the day. Meanwhile, there were also a number of stationary exhibits. A customer-owned Murtaya rally car continued the Adrenaline theme, looking suitably purposeful in its blood red livery. Also present were a number of cars from the nearby Top Gear Technology Centre including the diminutive Peel P50 microcar, Richard Hammond’s immaculate Ford Mustang GT-390 and the Britcar BMW 330D Endurance racer that Clarkson and co drove round Silverstone.
It wasn’t just a chance to get acquainted with the cars either. John Pick and Russell Cort of Arden Automotive may be new faces on the kit car scene, but between them they have an impressive track record. John has led a successful career in project management, focusing on prototype development and special vehicles for the likes of Ford, Jaguar and MG Rover. Russell has had an extensive career in engineering consultancy with assignments ranging from military vehicle winterisation to an exact working replica of James Bond’s DB5.
In mid 2006 John took over Didcot Auto Centre - a substantial and well equipped MOT testing and servicing facility. Russell was recruited as the general manager in June of this year, adding to the company’s three technicians. Subsequently they reached an agreement to supply the Murtaya and work is currently underway on their official demonstrator in a dedicated area of the workshop.
 Arden Automotive workshop facility
Although there are no plans as yet to have a permanent Toniq R presence at Arden, their unique tie-up with Adrenaline means they are able to arrange test drives and take orders if required. They can also carry out full or partial builds for either car along with MOT testing and servicing. Their well-thought out, professional approach to the specialist car industry perfectly fits that shown by Adrenaline. All in all it has the makings of a great partnership and we look forward to seeing more from both companies.
You can find out more about Arden Automotive at http://www.ardenautomotive.co.uk/ or by contacting them on 01235 813331.
Article and pictures by Chris Pickering.
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