Donkervoort began in 1978 with a practical problem: the Lotus Seven-inspired car Joop Donkervoort wanted to sell could not be type-approved for Dutch roads as it stood. He changed the design to meet local rules, then spent the decades that followed turning that adaptation into a distinct Dutch sports-car identity—one built around light weight and driver involvement, but repeatedly reworked in chassis, engineering and model range.
Why Donkervoort began with a changed Lotus Seven idea
Joop Donkervoort’s starting point was the Lotus 7. After acquiring Dutch rights to the design, he found it could not receive type approval and be driven in the Netherlands in its existing form. Rather than abandon the idea, he drew up chassis changes and chose to develop the concept himself. The resulting S7 was built in Tienhoven, and the company dates its founding to 1978. Donkervoort’s official history
That origin helps explain the company’s defining tension: it retained the appeal of a simple, lightweight, driver-focused sports car while changing the engineering to suit new requirements and ambitions. The S7 was not simply a Lotus Seven sold under another name; it was the beginning of Donkervoort’s own evolving interpretation.
From the S cars to the D8: a changing chassis and identity
S8: a more substantial technical step
As the business outgrew its Tienhoven premises, it moved to larger premises in Loosdrecht. The S8A marked a significant change from the original car, with an all-new chassis, independent suspension and electronic fuel injection, according to the company. The family resemblance remained, but the underlying engineering was advancing.
#1 Best Overall
- V8 POWER: The model features a 400 cubic inch V8 engine, reflecting the muscle and power that defined the GTO's reputation.
- DETAILED SUSPENSION & EXHAUST: The kit incorporates separate rear suspension and exhaust detailing, adding to the realism of the model.
- BUCKET SEATS & CONSOLE: The model's interior features bucket seats and a floor shifter with a console, capturing the iconic look and feel of the GTO.
- OPTIONAL SUPERCHARGER: For those seeking more power, the kit offers an optional supercharger, allowing you to customize your model.
- CLEAR & COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS: The included instructions are clear and user-friendly, making the kit accessible to modelers of different skill levels, from beginners to experienced hobbyists.
D10 and D8: new names, new packaging
Unveiled at the 1988 Paris Motor Show, the D10 ended the company’s “S” naming reference. The D8 Zetec followed when the Ford Zetec engine proved unsuitable for the existing S8 chassis, prompting Donkervoort to design another chassis. The company says its collaboration with Audi began after a meeting at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. These shifts show how the model line developed through engineering decisions, not just successive badges. Donkervoort’s official history
How a small maker brought chassis production in-house
Donkervoort says it moved to a purpose-built facility in Lelystad in 2000 and brought chassis production in-house in 2003. Its history describes that step as the point at which it became a full ground-up sports-car maker. The move from adapting an established idea to producing more of the car’s structure itself is central to the company’s story: the lightweight formula endured, while the capacity to shape its own engineering grew.
Rank #2
- 1:25 scale, skill level 2, paint & glue required 169 parts Molded in white, clear and transparent red, with chrome-plated parts. Black vinyl tires Metal axle Built size: 7.125 inches long Ages 10+
Racing claims and the limits of the record
Donkervoort’s history reports that Michael Düchting took 15 seconds off the Nürburgring production-car lap record in a D8 RS in 2004, then recorded a 7:14.89 lap in the same model in 2006. The company also says a D8 GT finished first and third in class at Spa in its first race in 2008, and that the D8 GTO-JD70 crossed the 2G cornering barrier in 2020. These are company-reported claims; the official history is not independent corroboration of the records or results. Donkervoort’s official history
A family business enters a new generation
Joop Donkervoort retired from active leadership in January 2021, after more than 42 years in charge, according to the company. His son Denis, who had been active in the business since 2008, took over management. The change in leadership did not end the family connection; it shifted responsibility to the next generation.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Revell Model Kit #14576, Skill Level 4, Contains 74-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- High-rise four-wheel-drive suspension. Detailed small-block Chevy V-8 engine.
- Old-school spoke “wagon” wheels with oversize off-road tires.
- All-new decal sheet.
- Molded in white and clear with soft black tires. Paint and glue required(not included).
The F22 arrived in December 2022 and, in Donkervoort’s timeline, marked the end of the D8 GTO era. The company’s current model list names the P24 RS as its 2026 latest model. Donkervoort’s official history Donkervoort’s models
What the P24 RS says about Donkervoort now
In its 2026 release, Donkervoort presents the P24 RS as a limited-run, highly customizable, driver-focused car. The company specifies a 780 kg dry weight and a production limit of 150 cars. Its listed features include custom turbochargers developed with Dutch supplier Van der Lee, Conflux charge-air coolers, an Ex-Core carbon-fibre structure, active dampers, adjustable ride height, manual roof panels and an optional track aero kit. Those specifications and descriptions come from the company, not an independent assessment. Donkervoort’s P24 RS release
Rank #4
- A PERENNIAL CLASSIC FOR EXPERIENCED MODELERS: AMT’s 1/25 scale 1967 Shelby GT-350 is the perfect project for muscle car builders. Add it to your collection today!
- FEATURE PACKED: The 1967 Shelby GT-350 is a historical muscle car that stands alone! Fully paintable, it features authentically detailed water-slide decals. Build it up right with a Ford 289 V8 engine and all the Shelby touches—custom rear lower pan, chrome wheels, custom taillights and front grille, bucket seats, and more. Wrapped up nicely in retro-styled packaging!
- QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale, 123 Parts, 7 inches long once assembled. Parts molded in white, clear and transparent red, with black vinyl tires. Some parts are chrome plated. Plastic model kit paint and cement required (Testors or Tamiya brands recommended). Paint guide included in kit. Skill Level 2. For ages 10+
- THE PERFECT PRESENT: Don't know what to get dad for his birthday? Or maybe you have an avid hobbyist or collector in your life. This model kit makes an ideal gift for any occasion!
The release said deliveries were due to start in April 2026. That is a published schedule, not confirmation that deliveries began or that any cars remain available. Donkervoort calls the P24 RS its “most Dutch supercar ever created”—promotional language that captures how the company frames the car, rather than an objective category.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A story of continuity through change
Donkervoort’s history is not one of preserving an unchanged Lotus Seven replica. It is a story of retaining a lightweight, direct-driving premise while adapting the car to Dutch approval requirements, new engines, new chassis designs and in-house production. The S7, S8, D10, D8 family, F22 and P24 RS belong to different technical moments, but the company presents them as chapters in a single design tradition.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Best Value
- ICONIC 1982 CAMARO BERLINETTA - Build a piece of 80s automotive history with this Chevy Camaro Berlinetta, recreated with its signature front and rear bumper styling.
- HIGHLY DETAILED 100-PIECE KIT - Includes 100 precision parts for an immersive and rewarding advanced-level building experience.
- CUSTOM STREET MACHINE FEATURES - Optional parts include headlight covers, pro-stock hood scoop, and aero-disc wheel covers for a personalized build.
- V8 PERFORMANCE UNDER THE HOOD - Features a detailed blown small-block Chevy V8 engine, capturing classic street machine power and style.
- POSEABLE FRONT WHEELS - Chassis allows front wheels to turn left or right, adding realism and dynamic display options.
Scale figures should be read with care: Donkervoort’s models page says it has built more than 1,500 hand-built cars, while the P24 RS release says approximately 1,700 have been sold. The company does not explain the difference, so the figures should not be combined or treated as the same measure. Donkervoort’s models Donkervoort’s P24 RS release
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
