Produced since 1983 in extremely limited numbers as either a ready-to-run car or complete kit, the Xi is largely based around an A-Series engine and running gear, with a fibreglass body that is almost identical to the Lotus Eleven at a glance, but tweaked to meet modern safety requirements (such as different lights) and a few other minor alterations.
Initially, the production of Westfield Xi kits and cars ceased in 1986 (kits were available until 1988) though the company was revitalised in 2004 and sold off in 2011, with kits still being produced to this day in minute quantities - around five per production batch - making the Westfield Xi not only one of the best-loved home-built tribute cars available, but also one of the rarest.
First registered in 2011, this is not only one of the last factory-built Westfield XI’s but was also the personal car of Westfield CEO Chris Field, and has the honour of being the last car produced by the marque prior to being sold in 2011.
Having specified the car with the Classic A-series engine and running gear, Mr Smith - the sole former keeper of the car - put around 8,000 miles on the odometer enjoying it in his local area, around town and taking it to shows.
Unfortunately, following an accident during a race at Goodwood which resulted in Chris breaking both of his legs, making getting in and out of the Westfields cockpit very tricky indeed, resulting in its reluctant sale.
That’s where our vendor comes in - purchased in 2018, the car was shipped to Belgium (all taxes paid) and has since sat in his climate-controlled showroom as a fantastic centrepiece and conversation point.
Thanks to its purpose-built, driver-focused nature, there isn’t too much to speak of in the XI’s open cockpit, with only the bare essentials in terms of gauges and creature comforts, giving all attention to the driving experience.
That said, the cockpit on this particular example looks to be in wonderful condition, in keeping with its limited use and mileage. Both seats - the driver’s sporting a high-level headrest for added comfort and safety - are in excellent condition, with no rips, tears or major damage that we’ve seen.
The carpets, centre console and dashboard are also in excellent shape, with the latter only having a couple of small marks and indentations.
The area around the entry/exit points of the cockpit will likely have some typical wear-and-tear such as minor scuffs, whilst the windscreen was previously cracked (due to the aforementioned access issues by the previous owner) though this has now been repaired and is largely invisible until up close.
Arresting is an understatement when it comes to the bodywork of this XI - you’ll certainly turn a few heads driving it down your local high street! This XI is in fantastic condition and presents wonderfully well, with no dents, dings, major scratches or impact damage to speak of on the bodywork.
There are, naturally, a few stone chips to the front end and exposed edges, but this will always occur on a high-performance, low-slung car such as this. Otherwise, the paintwork is excellent and retains an impressive, deep shine.
On the lower half of the body, the exposed metal sections are in good order with no sign of any impact damage or major marks, though there is some corrosion noted behind the NSF wheel arch, on the leading edge of the bare metal panel.
Other than the crack in the windscreen, there is no damage to any of the light lenses or glass.
Since landing in Belgium, the car has not been used on the open road, meaning a general assessment and tune-up would be advisable before it turns a wheel in anger once again. That said, the car is running according to the vendor, and there are no known faults with the engine, transmission or running gear.
From a visual standpoint, the A-series engine looks to be in good health, with no obvious oil or fluid leaks, nor any alarming signs seen on the engine, ancillaries or in the bay.
Underneath, the box-section chassis and exposed suspension components all present wonderfully well and are exceptionally clean, thanks to the car’s minimal use. From what we can see, there are no obviously heavily-worn bushes and no concerning signs on the chassis or its components.
Offering classical looks, styling and a distinctly analogue driving experience but with more modern reliability, usability and engineering than that seen in Lotus examples (along with a far more attainable price tag!) the Westfield XI has been rightly praised by the press and drivers alike, including by the likes of Evo magazine, who know a thing or two about reviewing cars, to say the least...
This particular 2011 example also benefits from additional provenance thanks to its connection to the late Mr Smith, making this XI even more of a collectors piece for enthusiasts and drivers alike.
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