Company overview
Donkervoort Automobielen BV is a manufacturer of hand-built, ultra-lightweight sports cars based in Lelystad, Netherlands. The company was founded in 1978 by Joop Donkervoort. Initially, Donkervoort imported kit cars, but began building the first S7 automobiles in 1978 using a design derived from the Lotus Seven. Production moved to larger facilities in Loosdrecht (1983) and then Lelystad (2000), with chassis production brought in-house at the latter location in 2003. Donkervoort’s motto – “No Compromise” – reflects its commitment to driving without electronic aids. The company has transitioned between engine suppliers, beginning with Ford and later using Audi engines from 1999 until 2025, with the current F22 model. Key models include the S7 (1978-1983), S8/S8A (1983-1993), D8 Zetec (1993-1998) and D8 Audi (1999-2008). The company has produced several limited editions, including the D10 (1988), D20 (1998), J25 (2003), and the D8 270 RS (2005). More recently, Donkervoort introduced the F22 (2022-present), a new model designed to be lighter and faster than its predecessor, the D8 GTO. Production is limited to 150 units of the P24 RS (2026-present). Control of the company has remained with Joop Donkervoort until 2019, when his son Denis succeeded him as Managing Director in 2021.
