Westfield Seven classic cars for sale

Introduction and history of Westfield Seven

Westfield Sportscars began producing the Seven as both factory-assembled and kit-built two-seaters. Chris Smith, Westfield's founder, was inspired by the original Lotus Seven—an idea from Colin Chapman to prioritise driver connection by minimising weight and unnecessary comforts. While Caterham secured exclusive rights to the Lotus Seven, Westfield entered the market with its own interpretation. Their distinct path led to a legal dispute with Caterham in the late 1980s regarding design rights, but the brands diverged after an out-of-court settlement. Westfield then invested in technical evolutions and distinctive features such as glass fibre reinforced plastic bodywork, differentiating it from Caterham’s aluminium approach. Today, the Seven remains the nucleus of Westfield’s catalogue, representing the commitment to delivering direct, involving driving for both street and track use.

Model history

Initially, Westfield offered the Seven in configurations that mirrored the Lotus concept, but quickly began to adapt with technical innovations. The original SEi utilised Ford or Vauxhall components, later extending to Single Donor Vehicle (SDV) kits based on Mazda MX5 or Ford Sierra donors. Engine choices expanded dramatically, including the highly regarded Mega S2000 kit using Honda powertrains. Throughout, the chassis and suspension design evolved, notably with independent rear suspension and wider frames. Production figures—such as the annual build of approximately 450 SEi and XTR chassis—underscore the Seven’s strong presence in the kit car segment. Unique to Westfield, the brand has offered both left- and right-hand-drive models, catering to different driving cultures.

Highlights of Westfield Seven

Few vehicles encapsulate the ethos of raw, analogue driving like the Westfield Seven. Characterised by low kerb weight, a stripped cabin, and a chassis that emphasises feedback, the Seven is engineered for driving precision. Use of lightweight GRP panels allows custom builds and creative colour schemes. The model line offers broad drivetrain diversity, and the Seven’s modularity means almost every example tells a different engineering story, from donor choices to performance upgrades. Westfield also introduced notable technical innovations ahead of some competitors, such as standardising independent rear suspension and chassis reinforcements.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Westfield has released a number of special kit versions, including the SDV (Single Donor Vehicle) kits utilising popular donor cars like the Mazda MX5 or Ford Sierra for ease of build and registration. The Mega S2000 kit stands out as a high-performance option, delivering exceptional power-to-weight ratios thanks to the Honda S2000 engine and transmission pairing. The Sport Turbo achieved official recognition as a European small-series production vehicle, highlighting Westfield’s ability to meet modern regulatory standards while retaining the Seven’s ethos. In recent years, electric variants like the iRacer and hybrid Sport Turbo showcase Westfield’s engineering ambitions beyond traditional combustion builds.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With curb weights around 520 kg and a variety of strong four-cylinder engines, the Westfield Seven delivers immediate throttle response and high agility. Rear-wheel drive and a direct manual box ensure a classic sportscar feel. Later chassis introduced independent rear suspension for superior grip and adjustability. The lightweight body and focused suspension translate into vivid steering and little isolation from the road surface, which suits aggressive road and track driving. Notably, the XTR2 version, powered by motorcycle-derived engines, outpaced the Pagani Zonda around the Top Gear test track, underlining the performance credentials of optimised Westfields. - SEi: Ford or Vauxhall power, classic kit appeal.

• SDV: Single donor, easy build/update path (Mazda MX5, Ford Sierra).
• Mega S2000: Honda S2000 powertrain, high peak output.
• XTR/XTR2: Lightweight, motorcycle-engine versions rated for top-level circuits.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and design

The Westfield Seven’s appearance echoes Chapman’s minimised original, with low, wide bodywork, cycle wings, a small windscreen (if fitted), and classic upright headlights. The GRP body panels allow for unique and vibrant colours; owners often customise stripes, badges, or wheels. Cockpit design is intentionally basic: direct-action switches, exposed tubular frame, sparse instruments. Some models include extras like race harnesses, removable weather gear, or reinforced roll bars. Bespoke interiors are typical, with seats and steering wheels chosen to suit driver preference, comfort, and use case. Westfield’s design offers both left- and right-hand drive, and roll-over protection structures are enhanced for safety.

Other relevant features

Westfield’s manufacturing flexibility enables owners to specify unique features or pursue left-hand-drive conversions. Running costs remain low due to robust, widely available donor mechanicals. The Seven’s use as a track car or road-legal toy means that parts, upgrades, and tuning communities are robust throughout the UK and abroad. Certification as a European small-series production vehicle with the Sport Turbo demonstrates Westfield’s regulatory compliance for road use, and the introduction of electric variants signals commitment to alternative propulsion within a classic package.

Summary

No other vehicle expresses the British kit car tradition and hands-on sportscar engineering quite like the Westfield Seven. Evolving from a Lotus-inspired concept, the Westfield has become a standard bearer for accessible, thrilling, minimal driving—uniquely adaptable as a road or track tool. Proven mechanicals, immense tuning possibilities, and a strong support network solidify the Seven as the core of Westfield’s presence—reflected by its 100% share in current supply and demand statistics on Classic Trader. For drivers who value pure feedback and modular upgrades, the Seven stands as a compelling proposition.