Wells Vertige

We almost missed the premiere of the Wells Vertige. This compact sports car was already shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed three weeks ago. However, its styling, technology and rarity are reason enough for us to post the newcomer from Great Britain here. The story behind this vehicle goes back to 2014. Back then, British entrepreneur Robin Wells looked around the sports car market, but couldn’t find what he had envisioned in his mind. Unwilling to compromise, he began developing his own sports car. Compact dimensions and a mid-engine layout for the best possible driving dynamics were important to him. In addition, the design had to be classically beautiful and the price in the affordable range. “It was a long journey, but I loved it,” admits company founder Wells.

Compact sports car with good power-to-weight ratio

While the rounded design took shape on the computer, a steel monocoque chassis with double wishbone suspensions all around was created to match. A composite material was chosen for the bodywork. The Vertige is just four meters long and 1.75 meters wide. It also weighs just 850 kilograms. This is also made possible by the choice of a relatively small engine. Behind the two passengers sits a four-cylinder naturally aspirated Ford engine with just two liters of displacement. This transmits its 211 hp and 210 Nm two the rear wheels via a manual six-speed gearbox. Despite this, the Wells Vertige accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in under five seconds and reaches a topspeed of over 140 mph. Performance upgrades are said to be available upon request, but Wells didn’t yet provide more details.

Classic design with modern elements

Not everything about the Vertige’s appearance is as classic as it seems at first glance. For example, the doors open forward and upward in a butterfly-like fashion, as they are mounted to the A-pillars and the roof. This takes up less space in tight parking spaces than conventional doors. Under the front hood and behind the engine, the compact sports car offers small luggage areas and space for a full-size spare wheel. Sitting in the wheel arches are 17-inch alloy wheels from Speedline. These are covered with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires in the dimension 205/45 R 17. The cockpit also features a classic design with four chrome-framed analog instruments behind the three-spoke steering wheel. An infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen display is integrated below the central air vents.

Maximum 25 units per year

Robin Wells was able to sell seven examples of the Vertige to family members and friends before the start of small-scale production. He wants to produce a maximum of 25 units per year to maintain exclusivity. The price list starts at £ 45,000, which already includes a choice of five paint and four leather colors. Further color options are, of course, available at extra cost. In addition, there are further options up to tailor-made luggage or an umbrella matched to the interior. It isn’t yet known whether there will also be a LHD version.

Images: Wells Motor Cars