Just sat here thinking.
Are there any inline transaxle Gearboxes out there which could possibly be used on a Zetec for road application with some effort? such as the Renault however i heard there fragile? or the Porsches?

Are you planning on a mid engine'd set up, or a "normal" 7 set up but with the gear box in the boot to alter weight distribution?

Looking at the possibilities of a mid-engined setup but I’ve never like the idea of putting the engine on its side in this configuration not that’s there’s anything wrong with it i just like seeing everything symmetrical and Inline.

In which case have a chat with Zilspeed above! Sounds like he's got everything you're looking for.

there is a company who do these for their lotus 23 copy (i think thats what it was). I asked about a price and managed to stop myself choking.

I suspect Zil will be a little cheaper. Let me know how you get on, i've got a long term dream of making a lotus 49esq copy.