Buyers can choose between 1.6 and 1.8-litre Ford engines, a screaming 1.8 Rover K-series motor, and a monstrous 3.9-litre V8-engined rocket. Even the entry-level 1.6 with 105bhp provides amazing acceleration, cracking 60mph in 7.2sec, thanks to Westfield's light weight. Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range.

The Westfield rides bumps and ruts well, providing decent comfort. The handling in the dry is equal to that of a Caterham's Seven, although a Lotus Elise or Vauxhall VX220 outpoints the Westfield. Cornering ability is impressive in the dry, but if it's wet, the rear tyres will break away, albeit progressively, especially in the more powerful models.

A simple open-top roadster is never going to be the most refined piece of kit. Throw in raucous sporting engines, and long-distance travel is not the Westfield raison d'être. However, the Westfield is no worse than any car from the same mould.

This is one of those cars that if you want one, you'll have it - then the only choice is which engine to go for. A one-year warranty is included. Although the price can seem steep, Westfields hold onto their value well in the used market due to strong demand for this sort of car for summer jaunts and track days.

Reliability should not be an issue for the mechanical parts, as all of the engines and gearboxes come from proprietary sources and are covered by the warranty. The general finish of the glassfibre body is good, but much of the detail finish lets the car down.

Security equipment is non-existent and you'll need to garage any Westfield to put your mind at rest. Even the canvas doors do not have locks fitted. There are no airbags or anti-lock brakes on any of the Westfield range, but they have been crash tested to prove their sturdiness in an accident, and all come with hefty roll hoops.

Simplicity is the watchword. The rev counter and speedo sit straight ahead of the driver, with minor instruments clustered in the centre of the dash above rocker switches for lights, wipers and heater fan. Once installed in the car, which requires some yogic ability, the driving position is good, with fore and aft seat adjustment, but the footwell's cramped.

You’d never buy a car like the Westfield for its practicality. There is a small boot space behind the seats, but that's about it. So pack light and make sure you're on good terms with the passenger.

In keeping with the basic nature of the Westfield, equipment is kept to a minimum to keep weight on the low side of a supermodel's. However, you can add sports seats, leather trim, or chrome details. A hood and sidescreens are included in the price of all Westfield models.