2018 Westfield XI

Registration No: 535 XHW
Chassis No: SA9W11W11HX039043
MOT: June 2023

• Beautifully built homage to the classic Lotus XI race car of 1956
• Constructed by a retired marine engineer and passed IVA testing in 2018
• Under 300 miles since completion
• Only two owners, the builder, and the vendor who purchased the XI in 2019

Westfield founder, historic Grand Prix competitor and engineer Chris Smith, built his first XI in 1982 as a faithful copy of the Lotus Eleven, Colin Chapman's clever and very slippery sports-racer. Designed in 1956 by Chapman and clothed in a sleek aerodynamic body penned by Frank Costin, it was as advanced as anything on the race tracks. Of around 270 built in the two years to 1958, around 200 still exist and are at the forefront of historic racing today. Such was the accuracy and beauty of the car that Smith produced in his home garage at Westfield House, Armitage, he was immediately inundated with requests from enthusiasts wanting one for themselves, so in 1983 he formed Westfield Sportscars and put the XI into production in kit form. As the major components came from the MG Midget including the engine, gearbox, and back axle, Westfield XIs retained the donor Midget's chassis number and identity. Twenty years later, after concentrating on its 7SE model, the company relaunched the XI. In 2006, company ownership transferred to Potenza Sports Cars and in September 2022 Westfield was bought out of insolvency by Westfield Chesil Ltd, with XI continuing into 2023.

Constructed by a retired marine engineer and completed in 2018, the Westfield XI was successful in its IVA testing on the 9^th of March 2018. Utilising an MG Midget 1275cc straight-four engine allied to a Type 9 Ford five-speed manual transmission, and Midget back axle, the superb replica of the 1956 Lotus XI race car is finished in period British Racing Green with Red leather interior upholstery. Purchased by the vendor, a friend of the builder, in 2019, the Westfield has been used sparingly with less than 300 miles covered since its completion. Starting readily and running well during our photography session, the Westfield is now ready to be pressed into use. Created on a spaceframe chassis (as per the originals), with aluminium lower panels, this example features Minilite style wheels, racing decals (adding to the period appearance), a discretely located USB port in the cockpit, and a Maroon tonneau cover. ‘535 XHW’ is offered with a history file that contains a Builders Guide, Sales Brochure, current MOT certificate until June 2023 and a current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452