3 Minutes
Small British Startup Bets on Pure Driving Pleasure
As global automakers accelerate toward electrification, a little workshop in the Midlands is taking the opposite lane. Wales Motor Cars, a Warwickshire-based startup, has confirmed it will ramp up production of its featherweight mid-engine coupe, the Vertige. The plan: build 12 cars in 2026, then double output to 24 in 2027 — modest numbers by volume, but meaningful for a handcrafted specialist.
Heritage-inspired design, modern craftsmanship
Vertige was introduced to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2021 as a contemporary reinterpretation of a pure sports car. Its philosophy is deliberate and minimal: strip away the unnecessary to amplify the driving experience. The coupe tips the scales at under 848 kg dry, a weight that deliberately recalls classic British lightweights rather than today's tech-laden performance machines.
Key features and cabin details
- Butterfly doors that clear tight spaces.
- Hand-stitched Scottish leather and Alcantara trim.
- A wooden gear knob carved from a single block for a bespoke touch.
- Hidden 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Despite its analog spirit, the Vertige blends artisanal luxury with discreet modern conveniences: an uncluttered analog instrument cluster that moves with the adjustable steering column, complemented by a concealed infotainment screen for navigation and connectivity.
Performance and mechanical purity
At the heart of the Vertige sits a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Ford engine producing around 250 hp, routed through a six-speed manual gearbox. There are no electric power-assisted steering systems or intrusive electronic driving aids here — the car relies on a mechanical rack-and-pinion steering and double-wishbone suspension to deliver direct feedback and precise handling.
In an era where even hot hatches and compact sports cars balloon in complexity — and many EVs easily exceed two tonnes — the Vertige offers a refreshing alternative. It favors lightness, mechanical immediacy and the evocative soundtrack of a high-revving NA engine.
Market positioning and why it matters
This is not a mass-market play. Wales Motor Cars is targeting enthusiasts who value tactile engagement over headlines about battery range and software updates. The low production run reinforces exclusivity, while the car’s simplicity appeals to purists who still crave hands-on control and the unfiltered relationship between driver and machine.
"Vertige proves there's still appetite for mechanical joy — the kind you feel through the wheel, not a screen," says a company spokesperson.
For buyers seeking an analog oasis amid digital excess, the Vertige is a deliberate, charming rebellion: a modern-day lightweight that nods to Lotus minimalism but is unmistakably contemporary in finish and build quality.
Quick specs
- Weight: < 848 kg (dry)
- Engine: 2.5L naturally aspirated Ford, ~250 hp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Chassis: mid-engine layout, double-wishbone suspension
- Production: 12 units (2026), 24 units (2027)
The Vertige may be produced in tiny numbers, but its message is large: even as the automotive world leans heavily toward electrification and software-defined experiences, there remains a market for lightweight, driver-focused sports cars that celebrate mechanical purity.
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