West Midlands-based Westfield Sportscars is defying the current economy by boosting its export business by 80% over the past year.

Producing 400 cars a car, either as kit-car or ready-built models, the company has been finding new markets around the world.

This is expected to expand further after the company’s recent acquisition of Swedish firm Roadster Bil, makers of the AC Cobra-inspired Saperas.

Westfield managing director Julian Turner said: "We still have lots of interest from the UK market, more now than a year ago, but people seem to be waiting to see what happens with the economy before making the final decision with their money.

"International sales made up just 20% of our business a year ago. Since then we now have dealers in the Middle East, France, Malaysia and Holland, and we're confident our growth will continue abroad."