A REPLICA sportscar built by a Bridport company is playing a starring role in the box office smash Wimbledon.

Built by Chesil Motors of Burton Bradstock the Porchse 356 Speedster lookalike is used to transport stars Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany throughout the movie.

Classic car fans say it is as good to watch as the tennis action - and the exposure looks set to net the company another big sales boost.

Joint managing director Jerry Baker said the script called for the use of a 356 Speedster but getting hold of a 1950s original would have proved difficult and costly for the film makers.

Fortunately the producers learnt that Chesil Motors had been making replica Porsche 356s since the early 1990s and got in touch.

In fact they hired two cars - one for long shots and the other for close ups.

The vehicles were cunningly disguised and distressed to look just like an original. They even added rust, flies, dirt and general grime to add to the realism.

Now the car used by the stars of the romantic comedy has been returned to the firm and is attracting a great deal of interest from potential buyers.

"We took it to the motor show at the NEC last weekend and lots of young ladies wanted to get into in the driver's seat where Paul Bettany had sat and have their pictures taken," said Mr Baker.

"We are definitely guarding the bum prints on these seats."

Chesil Motors currently makes around 60 Speedsters a year. They are sold either in kit form or ready-made, and can cost up to £25,000 depending on specifications.

Mr Baker said finding an original could have cost the film makers up to twice that amount - they are "rare and precious" vehicles.

"Ours was the perfect solution because the 356 is as much a part of the story as the stars," he said.

Mr Baker and his team only took over Chesil Motors last month from Peter Bailey who founded the company.

He said: "Our team is delighted to have concluded a deal with Peter to continue the work he has achieved in the past 12 years.

"We have a good team of people here and we are really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

With its combination of speed, beauty and power, the 356 Porsche replica Chesil Speedster will be one of the star attractions at the two day kit and specialist car show next month.

It can be seen at Exeter's Westpoint showground starting on Saturday, November 20.

Mr Baker added that next year the company plans to start production of another replica car although he would not reveal which one.

"But I can say it will be a much more a high speed racer type at home as much on the track as the road."