SteveRST Posted July 17, 2003 Posted July 17, 2003 I am trying to learn as much as I can about Westfield seven type cars with a view to buying one next year, and I often see cars advertised as 'pre-lit'. What does that mean? When did productions of the pre-lit cars stop? What differences are there? Also, what are the benefits/downsides of a wide-bodied car? Are they just more comfortable for larger people? Thanks, steve Quote
adhawkins Posted July 17, 2003 Posted July 17, 2003 When Westfield first started making cars, they were basically a copy (I think) of the original Lotus 7, which Caterham now own the rights to. Caterham sued, and Westfield had to significantly change the design. Cars made before this are called 'pre-lit'. Not sure when this was, but I guess sometime in the 80s? Someone more knowledgeable will be able to answer that. Wide body cars are a few inches wider and longer than the standard SE. I can't drive an SE, but my SEiW is driveable, and with a few minor mods would be a bit more comfortable (I'm about 6'2" with long legs). SE - Standard 7 SEi - Standard 7 with Independant rear suspension SEW - Wide body SEiW - Wide body with Independant rear suspension. I think all new cars are either SEW or SEiW. Not sure when the changeover took place though, guessing mid-90s. That should give you a basic idea. Andy Quote
Camtwister Posted July 17, 2003 Posted July 17, 2003 Westfield (Chris Smith) began making replicas of Lotus Elevens in the early Eighties. These cars predominantly used A-series motors and well built examples are still regarded as competitive cars in their class. Westfield then began to manufacture a car 'very' similar to the Lotus Seven series II and III. It had chassis improvements, particularly in the tunnel area, marginally different dimensions and different rear axle location. The press at the time regarded the car very highly. It had removed some of the shortcomings of the Lotus design. Bear in mind that were very few Se7en inspired kits around at this time (none? I think Jeffrey had folded by then) and you can understand why Caterham got uppity about the competition. Caterham had legal rights to manufacture the Lotus Seven derived car. Caterham threatened Westfield with legal action in 1987. I have a letter to the original builder of my car from Chris Smith which explains the situation, and the initial intention to defend the case. However, after the beginning of the litigation, Westfield and Caterham arrived at a some sort of settlement, the details of which I don't know, but it resulted in Westfield changing the design of their kit. Hence 'Pre-Lit'. Obviously, some Pre-Lit cars were completed and registered after this date. It was not long after this that Caterham redesigned the front suspension of their cars and then the development of the model began in earnest, after not changing much for fifteen years. Westfield introduced the independant rear suspension version, Caterham stuck with the De-Dion arrangement. Westfield only manufacture the wide-bodied car now. Quote
Camtwister Posted July 17, 2003 Posted July 17, 2003 If you consider purchasing a Pre-Lit, then you should consider: - that body panels are not available off the shelf - only a couple of hundred kits were supplied - aftermarket components may need to be adapted to fit - they were designed for Triumph and Ford drivetrains of 60s and 70s vintage - they are very narrow but the cars with aluminium panels look superb and are rare, they have more 'classic' style, they are an important part of kit car history, they are often cheaper than contemporary models and with a little work...they can handle and drive superbly. Have fun with your research... Camtwister. Quote
SteveRST Posted July 18, 2003 Author Posted July 18, 2003 Thanks very much for your replies - thats cleared that up for me. So... I'll be considering a 'post-lit' car preferably with IRS and a LSD Hopefully this dream of Westfield ownership will become a reality by next Spring! steve Quote
bootleboy Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 Yes i can confirm that pre-lit cars are very compact!! Im just over 6,2, and can just about fit into the car - im not exactly the smallest framed guy in the world either - not a bloater though I did have to remove the lovely high back leather sports seats, and fit a bench seat though. Got an extra couple of inches in the length by doing this!! What a laugh though! Havent stopped smiling since its been on the road Quote
adhawkins Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 Hopefully this dream of Westfield ownership will become a reality by next Spring! Why wait that long? I bought my car in December. Andy Quote
SteveRST Posted July 18, 2003 Author Posted July 18, 2003 Yes i can confirm that pre-lit cars are very compact!! Im just over 6,2, and can just about fit into the car Well thats not a problem for me at all... I'm only 5'6" ! one of the benefits of being small I guess Quote (SteveRST @ July 18 2003,10:24) Hopefully this dream of Westfield ownership will become a reality by next Spring! Why wait that long? Well I turn 25 in November and I recon that I'm gonna have a much better chance of getting a reasonable insurance quote at 25, and more importantly I don't have enough money yet At the moment I have an Escort RS turbo (1600 CVH) making a (genuine) 200+ BHP and over the last few years I've really started getting into airfield days... also recently split up with girlfriend after 6 yrs, so... its time to get rid of the tin-top and induldge myself with a proper full-on RWD boys toy. No excuses steve Quote
adhawkins Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 Well I turn 25 in November and I recon that I'm gonna have a much better chance of getting a reasonable insurance quote at 25, and more importantly I don't have enough money yet Might be worth ringing around for a few insurance quotes now. You might be pleasantly surprised. Westy's aren't all that expensive to insure. Do a search on here for some recommendations. Andy Quote
chrisbin Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 Well I turn 25 in November and I recon that I'm gonna have a much better chance of getting a reasonable insurance quote at 25, and more importantly I don't have enough money yet Might be worth ringing around for a few insurance quotes now. You might be pleasantly surprised. Westy's aren't all that expensive to insure. Do a search on here for some recommendations. Andy I would be prepared to put money on the insurance for a Westy being cheaper than the Escort, providing you are prepared/able to limit your mileage Quote
MARSDALEBEAR Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 Just had a quote for 3k miles/year £112.50.From Roadsure. Quote
RICHARD+PHILIP Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 I'm 26 insurance is only £330 fully comp 3000 miles limited Quote
Bob Green Posted July 18, 2003 Posted July 18, 2003 MARSDALEBEAR Have you the number for Roadsure, please. Kind regards Bob Quote
bootleboy Posted July 19, 2003 Posted July 19, 2003 I got fully comp insurance with only a £50 excess for £190, from Adrian flux. Limited to 4000 miles though Oh and they'll throw in FULL breakdown cover, including home start for an £51! Quote
Messer Posted July 21, 2003 Posted July 21, 2003 I am only 22 and my insurance is 5k Miles Fully comp £620 with no no claims! (with VX XE Engine) Quote
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