Westfield XI History
History
In spring 1982 historic grand-prix competitor and engineer Chris Smith hand-built a replica of the 1956 Lotus XI Le Mans car in his garage at Westfield House, Staffordshire. Demand from enthusiasts was immediate, and by Easter 1983 Westfield Sportscars was officially established as a company.
The XI was sold as a self-build kit or factory-finished car, designed to accept the 1,275 cc BMC A-Series engine from a donor MG Midget or Austin-Healey Sprite, along with the donor's axle, gearbox, and steering rack. Factory cars were sometimes fitted with Ford Kent units. Original production ran to around 1986 with kits available to approximately 1988.
Westfield revisited the XI nameplate in 2004, restarting limited production until approximately 2010, giving a new generation of enthusiasts access to its pared-back Le Mans aesthetic.
Generations
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First generation · Original XI
Garage-built fiberglass Lotus XI replica; donor MG Midget / Sprite mechanicals; kick-started the Westfield marque.
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Revival · XI Revival
Limited production relaunch catering to period-correctness enthusiasts alongside the contemporary SEi range.
Body styles
- Roadster
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