Specifications
| Engine | In-line four-cylinder, 1587cc (see text) |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Body Work | Roadster |
| Colour | Burgundy & Silver Blue |
| Interior | Black |
| Trim | Vinyl |
| Wheels | Cast Alloy |
| Brakes | Discs |
Description
The clubman concept - that of a high performance, low cost sports car - began with the Lotus Seven back in 1957, with only the most minimal concessions to comfort - cycle guards, a bolt-on windscreen and the lack of rain protection ensured the Seven's weight was kept to an absolute minimum. By selling his new Lotus in kit form, Colin Chapman managed to offer unrivalled performance for the price and the model ultimately inspired generations of clubman builders around the world. One of the best-known names in the business is Westfield, a company established by Chris Smith in England in the early 1980s. Smith built himself a high quality replica of the Lotus Mark XI sports-racing car and was soon inundated with requests for copies, eventually turning his hobby into a business with the launch of Westfield Sportscars - named after his garage at Westfield House, Armitage - in 1982. Westfield began turning out Seven-inspired Clubman models and have now had more than 30 years experience and technical development in building high quality kits and turn-key cars. Despite the proliferation of models, including various motorcycle-engined variants, it is Westfield's SE that remains the closest in conception and appearance to the original Lotus Seven, utilising the same fibreglass body panels and a variety of drivetrain options. Perfect for track days or exhilarating weekend runs on country back roads, the Westfield Clubman SE is an intoxicating mix of speed and handling. Testimony to the quality of the Westfield is the numbers sold - the company makes over 400 cars a year and there are now in excess of 12,000 worldwide.
