A doff of the hat to the NW chapter of FCOA for arranging a tour of the Ron Tonkin collection last Saturday. Here's a vid of it I found, for those who haven't seen it, and for those who want to see it again. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWub5jMmub0
Is there a listing of what cars (not necessarily with VIN's, just models and colors) that are or were part of the collection over the years? Enjoyed the YouTube link. Would love to see the collection sometime. Jon
I was surprised to see a Vector. Seems he invested in the company, and as only about 17 cars were made, his invested bombed. To salvage something, he took a completed car. FWIW, his favorite car was his yellow 330, per the tour guide. Not a bunch of garage queens, either: these got driven.
The yellow 330 was the first Ferrari he bought. He answered a classified ad in Automotive News seeking dealers, and in order to get the dealership, he had to order a car. The yellow 330 is that car.
I know his service manager in the late 90s (Rich I think) did not like the Vector, putting it in reverse was an issue.
Rich hated the Vector! They were never able to get it to work correctly, even when the factory was still around to offer advice. Every one of those Vector cars was unique and had it's own issues.
Would be fun to see the collection. Here is his 575 Superamerica in Palm Springs in 2008. https://flic.kr/p/4w2AfC
Yes, a great collection. Mr. Tonkin obviously had impeccable taste. The FCA tour last weekend was the second time I saw it - same cars, but I would gladly go back again. And again. And again . . . . Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
It was an extraordinary and enjoyable event. He had great affection and enthusiasm for each car in a very eclectic collection.
Actually they don't really have any issues. Ron's car never really had any problems. He drove it occasionally. I keep in touch with them still as the family still has the car. In 25 years my car has had one issue. The contact for the air bag went bad. Other than that I have not had any issues with mine. I have been in touch with most of the current owners and knew all of the original owners. The cars continue to live on in collections. Many these days are on their second owners. Ron, JP, were still original owners. I worked for Vector Aeromotive for many years right up to the hostile take over. I am the only Vector Employee that owns a W8. They are getting up there in age. Mine will officially become a classic next year. Hard to believe that 25 years has gone by since we built her. But we all get older. For a 25 year old car she still shows well. I wont claim she is flawless, but I will say for 25 year of ownership, she is very well built and has had little go wrong in that period of time. Regardless of miles things continue to age, you cant stop time. But I would put her up against any Ferrari or Lamborghini or any other exotic for money spent over time maintaining her.
Nice collection, the Diablo SV , Miura is great to have an specimen, but I will exchange some cars: maserati,Alfa,corvette. I regret a Daytona with Plexiglas.
