Sampath’s custom pavement-pounder

THE measure of a car’s ability to thrill is more often than not judged by its popularity. This is not always a true gauge, especially in the case of the Ford Laser Tonic.

It’s true Samcor, which merged Mazda and Ford car production in the mid-1980s and probably cost Ford the loss of many “true blue” purists who weren’t pleased about the merger.

The Tonic is an example of the Eastwest union. An underrated vehicle, it’s an easy car to love. It’s frugal, has more than enough power and is more fun to drive than you’d expect.

Vitesh Sampath, 23, owns this week’s featured vehicle, a 1999 Tonic.

Sampath, who lives in Shallcross, south of Durban, is both a fitter’s apprentice and a photographer. He is also studying engineering.

His car has a standard engine, gearbox and differential. The suspension was enhanced by customised lowered coilover springs. These are mated to TSW 13-inch mag wheels and standard tyres.

Aesthetic upgrades include a “selfmade debadged” front mesh grille, a set of red brake callipers, a Golf 3 front spoiler lip, a set of aftermarket windshields and mesh inserts in the bumper. A set of smoked headlights, tail-lights and indicators also feature along with yellow tinted parking lights.

The car has super black window tinting, Polo-style wipers, a set of universal mudflaps, carbon fibre door handles, beading and interior panels.

The interior also received attention with the addition of a sports steering wheel, eight-ball gear knob and customised under-dash and boot lighting set-up.

Acoustically, this Samcor “steed” rocks an accomplished sound kit comprising an XTC audio MP3 USB media unit, an XTC audio pre-amp, a Targa 2.4kz monoblock amplifier, a Targa Thump four-channel amplifier, 4X8 gauge wiring, Pioneer 6-inch mids fitted to the fibreglass doorpads and Pioneer 6x9 speakers.

There is also a set of JVC 4-inch mids, a Targa 12-inch Street series D4 subwoofer and a Big 3 wiring upgrade.

Sampath personally installed a black leather boot set-up with side panels and a model car display.

It was not disclosed how much was spent on this build. SERVICE PROVIDERS: V S Photography. Vishaan’s Window Tint.