Popular Post Phil Nelson Posted February 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted February 14, 2021 (edited) I am approaching sixty and have owned and driven many classics, hot rods and sports cars. It is the anniversary of my Westfield purchase in 2018, so I thought I would celebrate by writing this. I was looking for a "classic" car but the purchase price, poor handling, inherent corrosion and poor performance had put me right off anything that fit my budget. In desperation I purchased my "project" (wreck) of a 1990 Westfield SEIW (Q823 DSA) because for the money, I believed it to be the best British sportscar I could buy. Today, after a complete body off restoration I am still of that opinion. And when I say "best" I don't just mean the driving experience. As opposed to most classics, the Westfield is a delight for the home mechanic to maintain and modify. For a Crossflow engined Westie the parts are cheap and plentiful with great support from this forum and vendors alike. The Westie is really easy to set up for everyone's individual requirements. I have lightened mine to a shade over 500Kg and changed the springs at both ends several times (because there cheap) to achieve the most delightful ride. Adjusting most of the suspension settings takes just a few minutes with a basic toolkit to achieve the levels of grip and handling "feel" you desire and that surpass nearly all moderns. I have also modified my Westie to look "older" replacing all the black plastic bits with chrome items together with using older style lights and instruments. I was at my mates body shop Friday night and someone had asked him to sort out his "restored " MGB Midget, which he was selling for £7,500. What a coil of dogs mess! Apart from the wheezy 1275cc "A" series and live rear axle on cart springs, the panel gaps were the worst I have ever seen! And I won't even mention the corrosion bubbling up under the terrible paint job. 30 year old Westfield SEIW with Crossflow - when all things are considered, easily the best British classic sports car for the money! Edited February 14, 2021 by Nel spelling mistake 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigHew Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Nice write-up. Love the colour scheme of your car. Cant help thinking it would look exquisite with gold wheels.....👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigib76 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Colours are very lotus elan-esk it is very nice though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hunter - Club Secretary Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Love the Gold Leaf tobacco colour scheme! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyn Vann - Warwickshire AO Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Great reading and a great looking car, well done! This would be a great article for inclusion in the magazine, particularly with some before and after pictures. I would suggest sending to your local AO but there isn't one for your area. Nothing stopping you sending it to the editor yourself though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Nelson Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share Posted February 18, 2021 Thanks for the replies. I am continuously improving the car on all fronts and the colour scheme is a work in progress, sprayed in cellulose on a workmate in the front garden. I am currently working on the aerodynamics and experimenting with "wrapping" as it is cheaper and not as messy or smelly. My build diary is at www.10-42.com/westfield; if anyone gets really bored during lockdown. I have been involved in the custom car scene in Norfolk for decades and have thought of becoming the WSCC Norfolk AO. I am in a good location close to Norwich and attend local meetings and some Snetterton track evenings with PistonHeads. If there are any local members who want to meet up after Lockdown, then I could stretch to writing an article each month for the magazine. Recognise the "Sit up n Beg" pop? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyn Vann - Warwickshire AO Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 That is a great selection of cars, lots of different styles, era's and even continents, quite an eclectic collection I'd say! It would be good to have an AO for the Norfolk area and you appear to have all the credentials. @Ian Tolfree (tolf) - WSCC AO Rep is the man to contact if you want further information about the role. BTW the Westfield World magazine is a quarterly publication so not so much to do! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hunter - Club Secretary Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 Wow, some stunning cars there! I love the 105E and that Camaro is stunning! 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolf Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 12 hours ago, Nel said: Thanks for the replies. I am continuously improving the car on all fronts and the colour scheme is a work in progress, sprayed in cellulose on a workmate in the front garden. I am currently working on the aerodynamics and experimenting with "wrapping" as it is cheaper and not as messy or smelly. My build diary is at www.10-42.com/westfield; if anyone gets really bored during lockdown. I have been involved in the custom car scene in Norfolk for decades and have thought of becoming the WSCC Norfolk AO. I am in a good location close to Norwich and attend local meetings and some Snetterton track evenings with PistonHeads. If there are any local members who want to meet up after Lockdown, then I could stretch to writing an article each month for the magazine. Recognise the "Sit up n Beg" pop? What a great selection of cars. If you want to have a chat about the AO role, please get in touch and we can talk it through. thanks Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 Some awesome cars there! We can never have too many details! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 13 hours ago, Nel said: Recognise the "Sit up n Beg" pop? No, but were these ever in Street Machine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Nelson Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 (edited) OK, I have messaged Ian. Regarding WYD 143, I guess none of you watched "Wheeler Dealers" 😉 HYD 902 was on the cover of the "resurrected" Street Machine with a double page spread and I believe the Camaro was also reported on much later? The HYD902 Austin Gasser was originally a 1951 four door Devon, but the award winning John Stearman converted it into a two door "Dorset" for me, as these were all exported and used in drag racing in the USA. I built it to 1961 NHRA drag racing rules, which allowed the crankshaft to be up to 24" above the deck = "Old Skool" traction control! The original 40hp 1200cc "A" series engine was replaced with a 440hp N/A 6,300cc stroked Chevrolet small block with Edelbrock big valve aluminium heads etc. The legendary Ford 9" with Cone and Ramp (Detroit Locker) rear axle coped with the power and with 33" tyres and a 1:3.9 differential I could suck the doors of most moderns. Edited February 20, 2021 by Nel spelling mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Hi Nel Just seen this.. I think there are a few Westys out there around Norfolk and north Suffolk who could have a get together when we are allowed and the sun is shinning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryD1971 Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 I'm up for that @Mole! Just let me get the rolling road session done. Then IVA'd. Then registered. Apart from all that, I'm in! 😂😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 1 hour ago, GaryD1971 said: I'm up for that @Mole! Just let me get the rolling road session done. Then IVA'd. Then registered. Apart from all that, I'm in! 😂😎 Glad you are nearly there Gary, you put in some hard work..and it will be worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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