Lot details
Registration No: Q203FDF
Chassis No: 89WSE714
Mot Expiry: Oct 2008

Founded in 1983 by historic grand prix competitor and engineer Chris Smith, Westfield Sportscars first made a name for itself with the Westfield XI. A beautifully crafted facsimile of the Lotus XI sports racer, it attracted numerous orders prompting the fledgling company to ape another of Colin Chapman's famous creations, the Lotus 7. However, Smith's attention to detail and thirst for authenticity brought him into conflict with Caterham Cars who owned the industrial design rights to the Lotus 7. Threatened with litigation, Westfield introduced the SE model in 1988 which not only lacked the 'Seven' moniker but also sported new 'swage line' demarcated fibreglass bodywork (thus differentiating it from the otherwise similar Caterham). Great fun to drive and still true to the spirit of the original Lotus 7, the Westfield SE was configured to accept a variety of Pinto, Crossflow or CVH Ford powerplants. Also known as the 'Narrow Body', it utilised independent front suspension, a five-link 'fixed' rear axle, disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering. A staple part of the Westfield range, the model remained in production until the mid 1990s.

Finished in green with a yellow noseband and black upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "OK" (interior trim), "fair" (paintwork), "good" (bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (1600cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis) condition. Said to have been "built by a Formula 1 mechanic with resultant attention to detail", 'Q203 FDF' apparently boasts a "Ford Crossflow 1600cc engine tweaked with fast road camshaft, flowed cylinder head, dry sump lubrication and twin 40 DCOE carburettors". While, other nice features reportedly include "a F1 pedal box and steering wheel". Further benefiting from "a roll bar, tonneau cover, brake balance and aeroquip hoses", the Westfield is understood to have recorded "108bhp @ 5,652rpm" during "a recent rolling road tune by Mech Repairs". Riding on alloy wheels, this invigorating two-seater is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until October 2008.