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Don't agree... very much depends on spec, but given you can pick up a very usable used Westfield for 10-12k and second hand Caterhams seem to start at around 20k, what does the extra 10K get you? Both will be impractical, noisy, respectably quick and huge fun. What's the big difference? When people ask if my Westie is a Caterham my stock answer is no, it's a Westfield, kind of a poor man's Caterham.... I don't care about the badge, what I do care about is the smile on my face when I drive it... Which is the whole point of owning any 7 type car.

As with many things time changes expectation. People used to see kit cars as a cheap hobby, nothing is cheap now and people do not expect it to be, You are correct the expense of a Westfield now is much higher but there are reasons for that. Legislation, Labour, materials, buildings, energy costs have all shot up but that is the same for all manufacturers, but quality also. When I looked at the cost of the newest demonstrator from AK for the GT40 it was £180k !! Robin Hood was the cheapest you could buy even a Dutton was more expensive but now the GBS, that was RH is knocking up in price when you add it in. However you can buy a used Westfield for a fraction of the cost of a new one and will get as much fun as driving the latest. For many a full build is daunting but restoring or modifying a used one is easier and cheaper. It is horses for courses. With the Caterham it is a bit like VW campers, you pay a scene tax to be part of the group, is a Caterham better, no just different

I agree, the same fun and experience for half the cost. Plus you build a westfield, caterhams come pretty much built in kit form. I do also agree though, everything’s much more expensive now (including the kit I bought 3-4 years ago) But I think that’s the same for every brand… However you could easily still find a good westfield out there for a good price, a project westfield or even re build an older car for much cheaper than a caterham.

I think that sort of entry level is very reasonable, and would be a good target for Westfield. If they want to engage with the younger generation then an affordable start point for a self build is essential. I have my own reasons for buying my car fully built, but I wouldn’t consider spending £30k or £40k on one to build! As has been said, plenty of affordable and well built cars to buy used, but they don’t help the factory’s sales so I do agree that they need to avoid pricing themselves out of the market.

I’ve had a suggestion from a Spanish friend that you have a look at this https://newlifeinukblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/tomate-un-respiro-comprate-un-kit-car/

I only joined the Westfield fold last year, I bought a 5 year old car from Toybox. After 6 months of use in Scotland last year I am convinced you cannot buy or access a lightweight performance oriented drive like it for the money. I can’t comment on how much more sorted a Caterham is but have been in an Avon Tiger, they are very cramped. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s getting driven hard or buzzing around traffic islands, the feeling is mega. I would not fancy swallowing the depreciation from costs of a new build though. That part is definitely a labour of love.

I’ve only just got my Westfield on the road but I have loved the few drives I’ve had. I’m smiling ear to ear after them. I briefly looked at Caterham and dismissed them due to price and I wanted to build it all. I would pass on the comments from the IVA test centre re Westfield vs Caterham … Westfields seem much better built, with care by their owners, and safe for 1st drives at the test centre however many Caterhams just don’t seem to be as well build and sometimes just don’t feel safe. Happy I chose Westfield despite the difficulties the closure of ‘old’ Westfield caused me in registration.

Had a change of mind, or rather @Tricky persuaded me, and went along. Wasn't too cold and not a great deal of cars there. Also the pub didn't open until 12 meaning no coffee or loo!

As someone once said to me - Westfield = 95% Caterham but half the price. I bought a very well put together Westfield that has more power to weight than a 420R. I would have to pay twice what I paid for my Westie PLUS another 3 to 6k on top for a 420R. It's a no brainer for me, Westfield all the way. I also happen to think my Westfield looks better than most Caterhams too. A lot of people I know think Caterhams are quote 'for middle aged men with more money than sense' They might think so, I couldn't possibly comment. 😂 Caterhams are generally great cars, but they are vastly overpriced in my opinion

Meeting organised by the Kirklees Classic car club at the Blacksmiths Arms, WF4 4DS. We can meet at the Red Kite, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3BB at 10am for the short drive ( around 15minutes) over.

I reckon @Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO you just felt guilty cos I'd taxed mine 😉

I guess to some extent it partly depends if you really love the building process as well. I'm very firmly in the - 'go out and buy a ready made one with as high spec as you can afford' camp. It saved me thousands, probably at least ten! I just have no urge to build one despite having the skills, I just love to drive the damned things!

If you really wanted to dig in, you would need to see what the average income was in 1990 and then look at the cost of a Westfield as a percentage and a Caterham. Then do the same with todays average wage and price of a Westfield and a Caterham to see how that much has moved. Low price wasn't a USP of Westfield back then as I have stated Robin Hood, Dutton were far cheaper. I would have said the USP back then was Caterham performance at less cost.

I'd say a sensible man's Caterham!

Can you add Julie and myself to the list please Marcus !

I’m not really comparing used Westfield vs used Caterham - just wondering the economic sense of spending 20k plus on a Westfield kit of parts vs the kind of ready built 7s .