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James Winstanley

James Winstanley

New bloke who likes big BMWs. Also building a Lotus Xl replica out of junk from Kev's loft and bits of motorbike.

Website URL: http://www.ppcmag.co.uk/james-winstanley.html E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 19:10

Windy XI

Windy XI

After becoming slightly besotted with the idea of owning a classic-look race car in the form of a Westfield’s Lotus XI replica, James looked for a way to do it a bit differently and for a more realistic cost.


Sensing that variety is the spice of project life, he sourced the chassis and some suspension components from an MK Indy kit car that a friend was selling. Next, he found one of the only secondhand Westfield bodyshells in existence (in Kev’s garage) and set to work combining them together, with the plan to power the lot by fitting a slightly obscure BMW bike engine.

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Wednesday, 28 July 2010 18:38

Expensive Track Toy

Expensive Track Toy

When James Winstanley decided that a budget track car was to be the order of the day in 2008, a BMW E30 was the only option that was considered seriously. With a penchant for old Bavarian motors, James quickly bought the first suitable rolling project he could find within 200 miles.

Since this turned out to be little more than a textbook example of rust held together with beige carpet, it was lucky that this second car turned out to be in rather nice condition, especially considering it lived by the sea in deepest Scotland.

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Practical Performance Car (PPC) is a monthly magazine aimed at real car enthusiasts interested in affordable performance tuning. At PPC we pride ourselves in providing the most entertaining, informative and inspiring features for petrolheads everywhere. Each month we feature an eclectic mix of affordable performance cars, great driving adventures and world-class technical features for the DiY tuner. Our editorial team is headed up by well known Will Holman who has a deserved reputation for 'stick a V8 under the bonnet' attitude to life. His editorial team is stacked with experience including Dave Walker (speciality engine management), of the sadly missed Cars and Car Conversions (CCC) magazine, David Vizard, the legendary engine tuning guru, and Kevin Leaper - ex technical editor of Practical Classics.

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