I just found out that the Westfield XI is going out of production very soon. That's the Lotus 11 replica. They'll take orders until the end of 2010 and will build one more batch for shipment in March. And that's it.
Who wants to park a replica of a Le Mans winner in their garage?
I used to dream of one of those. Peter Egan's article about driving cross country with his wife in one was inspiring. But every time I see an 11, it's usually at the same place as some Lotus 23's and that's when I realize I'd really much rather have a 23.
Ah, I see what you mean - nicer yet.
My heart is set on an 11. The 23 is more refined and quicker, but the 11 is my heart throb.
Either the 11 or the 23 are incredibly low. Every time I see one I am amazed all over again that these cars are so low.
There's a great 5th Gear clip comparing the 11 with a Porsche 550 replica. I've wanted one since seeing that.
Here it is - http://www.dpccars.com/car-movies/11-04-06page-Porsche-550-replica-vs-Westfield-XI.htm
Can you actually register them in the US? Anybody got more info (despite me being broke as usual?)
Yes, you can. They're a kit car, so all the usual kit car registration rules apply. It varies by state, so ask your local DMV for details. Seriously, a phone call to the DMV will get you real first-hand info from the folks who make and enforce the rules. Asking internet forums mostly gets you what people who have only read about the process remember vaguely 
Damn.... I still want one. But with a G13B...:D
In reply to Keith:
Nah, I wasn't after information on how to register a kit car (the DMV in Carson City is rather helpful), the question regarding information was more about getting more info about cost & stuff for one in the US, even though that is likely to be a moot point as I don't think I'll have enough money for a while anyway.
Didn't realize they had Eleven-style kit cars. Now I'm wanting to get my hands on one of those kits and a Chrysler 170 to make a replica of this. As if I had the time to finish it...
Ok... since the Westfield website seems to be above me... how much?
I can get the full details from the importer when I'm back at work next week, but the kits start at $18,990 plus shipping according to the US site. Shipping for a "Seven" kit is $4100 right now, so expect it to be somewhat similar. You'll also need the rusted-out remains of a chrome bumper Midget.
http://www.westfieldeleven.com/
To be clear, while Flyin' Miata can source these for you, we usually let the importer take care of it. This is a public service announcement as it's the only XI kit I know of, and like TJ I bonded with it over Egan's article years ago. That was the first LHD Westfield XI, I think.
Needs more 4AG.
Needs a more modern parts-source car.
Keith wrote: I can get the full details from the importer when I'm back at work next week, but the kits start at $18,990 plus shipping according to the US site. Shipping for a "Seven" kit is $4100 right now, so expect it to be somewhat similar. You'll also need the rusted-out remains of a chrome bumper Midget.
It is tempting, but I don't think I'll have that sort of cash around; that said, there's a good chance that I have to sell my 911[1] and in that case I might even have the cash.
[1] It's beginning to prove hard to insure in the UK because I'm not living there anymore. This international mobility thing really hasn't made inroads quite as far as it's supposed to.
The XI uses a Midget as a donor because the A-series engine is tiny. These cars are small, and the kit originally hit production in 1986. The age of the donors is a problem now, yes, as is the low power level in a world where minivans are expected to sprint to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
Of course, if you want one with a vintage Toyota motor instead of a vintage British motor, feel free. That body pretty much shrink-wraps the engine though. To put the size in perspective: the Westfield is 7" longer, 10" wider and 14" lower than a Midget.
I think a bike engine would be the dog's danglies in one of these things and I know some of the guys at the Westfield factory agree.
If you are considering one, you have until the end of 2010 to order one. I think you need a 20% deposit to place an order, with the balance due upon shipment from the factory.
Haven't they been in and out of production a couple of times now? Maybe there's just not enough demand to keep making them all of the time.
I had a chance to buy an un-assembled kit for a good price a couple of years ago and I, perhaps foolishly, passed. It wouldn't be very practical as a road car (even less so than a Caterham/Locost) and, as a reproduction, it wouldn't be legal for many vintage racing clubs. That pretty much leaves autocross, and it just seemed like a lot of work for a cone carver.
-Chris R.
MadScientistMatt wrote: Now I'm wanting to get my hands on one of those kits and a Chrysler 170 to make a replica of this. As if I had the time to finish it...
How about an aluminum 225? 
Keith wrote: To be clear, while Flyin' Miata can source these for you, we usually let the importer take care of it. This is a public service announcement as it's the only XI kit I know of, and like TJ I bonded with it over Egan's article years ago. That was the first LHD Westfield XI, I think.
Doesn't Curtis Unlimited make the fiberglass bits? It's not comparable to the Westfield in terms of completeness, but if you have the chops to build what goes underneath....
Wikipedia says the original Lotus 11 weighed 920 pounds. Holy swiss cheese! That's less than a Club Ford! The Westfield XI was estimated at 1200 pounds with fiberglass rather than aluminum bodywork. That's still super light.
David
I've been building one for my friend...
I have a lot of pics and even more advice on the build...
later, matt
In reply to xFactor:
Matt, Looking good. Post some more pics and your thoughts on the kit if you would.
Here is a Lotus 23 inspired kit. They call it the ERA30 because it is 30" to the top of the windscreen.
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