Westfield SEiW Kits

In addition to the PRB range, PRB dealers on the East Coast now offer genuine Westfield UK kits to the prospective kit car purchaser.

Background of Westfield Sportscars UK

In the spring of 1982 historic grand prix competitor and engineer, Chris Smith decided to design and build a replica of one of his all-time favourite race cars, the gorgeous 1956 Lotus XI Le Mans car. Such was the accuracy and beauty of the car he produced in his home garage at Westfield House, Armitage he was immediately inundated with requests from enthusiasts wanting one for themselves.

By the following Easter in 1983 the company Westfield Sportscars had been created. Further demand for the new Westfield XI replica kit meant bigger premises and staff were required and the fledgling sportscar company was under way.

From the outset Chris and business partner and wife, Eileen recognised the importance of constantly reinvesting in product development.

After the introduction of a new car, the equally well received Westfield 7SE, a decision was taken to fade out the XI allowing the team to concentrate on production of the new kit. The company continued expanding rapidly to cope with ever growing demand, which became even stronger after the bodywork was redesigned and modernised. Westfield were now firmly established.

In 1991, Westfield expanded again moving to the impressive factory and office block in Kingswinford where they are still manufacturing today. It was here that the incredible V8-powered SEIGHT first caused the earth to shake. With monster power and an incredible 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds it was Westfield’s fastest machine thus far and received critical acclaim from the motoring press.

It would be hard to follow a car like that but Westfield went on to become one of the first car manufacturers to harness bike power. The small, but very powerful and high revving machines enabled incredible feats of speed and agility and offered fantastic performance at a low price.

Since production on the XI ceased in 1986 there was always a constant flow of enquires and eventually Chris Smith bowed to pressure and reintroduced the car in October 2004. The XI has proved a massive hit all over again with an instantly full order book and rapturous praise from new owners.

In December 2006 ownership of Westfield Sportscars transferred to Potenza Sports Cars. Potenza are continuing the development and expansion of the business into new markets, with investment to meet ever stringent more legislation, Euro IV compliance, and research and development into exciting new products for the future.

Westfield have sold over 8500 cars world wide since 1983 and currently produce over 400 cars a year for driving enthusiasts the world over. In an age of manufacturing imports Westfield are proud to boast high quality British craftsmanship in every aspect of production, and they build them in the heart of the United Kingdom.

Features of the Westfield SEiW

In the late 1990s Westfield regognised the need for a wider-bodied car, with a modern independent rear suspension, and the SEiW was born, and sold in conjunction with the live axle car in both narrow and widebody form. Still under continual development (watch for some imminent announcements), the SEiW is now the cornerstone for kits sold in Australia.

Why should kit car buyers look closely at a Westfield kit?

• They are slightly longer and wider than any other widebody kit car, and can easily accomodate those of us who are taller and perhaps a bit bigger
• While we can supply all parts to make up a car, it is also possible to purchase some components secondhand to achieve a significant reduction in costs.
• The body, which is removeable from the chassis, comes gel-coated in a variety of colours; as well as providing an excellent finish, the fact that painting is not required saves the builder a great deal of money.
• Kits are supplied ex-factory with aluminium panels, fuel and brake lines installed
• All components in the kit have been tested over many years of production, and in many countries and environments - the builder can be assured of the necessary strength and reliability.
• Upgrades such as widetrack front-end, upgraded brakes, bias pedal box and CAMS rollbar are available for those wishing to take their car on the track
• Delivery can be made within 30 days if the colour you wish is in stock.
• Three modern engines are supported, with the first two registerable in all states
  • The 2-litre or 2.3 litre Ford/Mazda Duratec, which provides excellent torque at town speeds, for the most comfortable driving experience. Yet the Duratec is easily modified to achieve well over 200 bhp.
  • The Honda S2000 motor/6-speed box, a high horsepower (245bhp) standard engine giving supercar performance straight out of the box
  • The Nissan SR20 in turbo (up to 220bhp) or naturally-aspirated form (140bhp) as shown below

As can be seen from the preceding and later photographs, the SEiW engine compartment and transmission tunnel will take quite large engines; even a V8 is offered in the UK, but here in Australia 2.0 to 2.5 litre engines provide more than enough power.

Westfield cars are delivered with aluminium panels, brake and fuel lines and the body installed. Approximately 100-150 hours of further assembly is needed to complete the kit, which is normally done by the kit purchaser often with a number of family members or mates! Westfield agents can assist with part or all of the assembly process, having each completed at least one kit in the past.

The final photo shows a completed kit with widetrack front, V8 bonnet (in this case enclosing a Honda S2000 engine), CAMS rollbar, full windscreen and carbon-fibre look rear stoneguards.

To view Australian brochure on SEiW kits please click here

Specifications table
 

Factory options
 

Motec Dashboard (Race cars only)	Motec digital dashboard. Bar graph tachometer, gear detection, speedometer, odometer and programmable warning system. Includes data logging and analysis software. User programmable for an extensive range of functions. Can be upgraded with lap timing beacon and car to pits telemetry
Koni dampers	Koni double adjustable (bump and rebound) dampers Allows for precise tuning of dampers to suit circuit conditions and driving style. Supplied with EIBACH race springs.

Model comparison