A North Berwick couple’s race car manufacturing company has sped off with a prestigious award.

Kirstin and Andy Entwistle’s Raptor Sports Cars operates from a factory based at Gilmerton, near Athelstaneford.

Their drive saw them win Vehicle Manufacturing Specialists of the Year 2021/22 at the Prestige Awards, run by Corporate Livewire, last month.

Kirsten runs the office while Andy and two other employees, Michael McLarty and Gavin Lovie, operate on the factory shop floor, building petrol-powered race cars.

Andy, who has been building race car engines since 2002, wanted to develop a sports car with a strong but lightweight chassis using cutting-edge technology from the motorsport industry, such as F1-style pushrod suspension.

​In 2012, he was asked to supply and fit one of his engines into a kitcar.

This kicked into gear a desire by both Andy and his customers to build an entire car powered by his bespoke race engines.

The first Raptor Sports Car rolled off the production line and was delivered to the first customer in 2015, which “brought car manufacturing back to Scotland which we are very proud to have achieved”, according to Kirstin.

The Prestige Awards recognise small and medium size businesses and individuals that consistently offer excellent products and services but are overlooked by most international award programmes.

All shortlisted companies are asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work and positive feedback from their clients.

Raptor Sports Cars’ market is UK based, though it has a chassis heading to Norway shortly.

Kirstin added that the team “hopes to source more overseas orders once Brexit settles”.

She added: “I’d say most of our customers use the Raptors on the road but we do sell a dedicated track-going model only.”

Factory-built cars are available from £22,000 up to £50,000 depending on chosen options.

To appeal to DIY enthusiasts, the team also offers the car in a modular kit form, so people can buy as they build or as they can afford.

Kirstin said: “Our team are very passionate about what they do and know exactly how to deliver maximum performance from the combustion engine.

“Andy has been building race car engines since 2002 and his expertise in this field has gained him two British Rallycross Championship wins.

“Every Raptor that is produced is powered by one of our hand-built performance engines.

“A self-build option is also available, using their modular options.

“Customer care is a key focus, with close attention being paid to Raptor sports car owners, offering them servicing and upgrade options.

“As a Raptor sports car owner, you become part of the Raptor family.”

For more information, visit raptorsportscars.com