Onyx started in lockdown, when Chris and Heather bought a van to convert for themselves. Chris brought the design background — he'd worked in industrial design and exhibition vehicles. Heather learned to use a power drill. By the end of that first summer, they had a van they loved.

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Then Chris sold it to buy Heather an engagement ring.

 

They missed it immediately. So they built another. And then another. A few iterations later, it was clear they weren't just building vans for themselves anymore — and Onyx was born.

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In late 2024, after three years of building to other people's briefs, they decided to build the van they'd always wished someone would commission. The result was the Summit 2.0 — rugged enough to throw kit into after a long day in the hills, and refined enough that you actually want to spend time in it. A van that's the start of the adventure, not the end of it.

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We're based on a farm in West Sussex, in a 3,000 sq ft workshop where every van is designed and built. We're still a small team - Chris, Heather, Ryan and Tom. It means we know every van inside and out, and we build the vans to suit our customers. 

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When we're not in the workshop, we're out running, riding, or generally in the great outdoors.