1959 Elva MK IV Sports Racer

1,098cc SOHC Coventry Climax 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Weber Carburetors
Est. 120bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Close-Ratio Gearbox
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Alfin Drum Brakes - Inboard Rear

*Impressive period race history including Sebring 12 Hours in 1959
*Well-documented and genuine example with FIVA A/3 rating
*Light and nimble vintage racer eligible for many spectacular events
*Featured in many books and period literature

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THE ELVA SPORTS CAR

Brainchild of garage owner Frank Nichols, the first Elva sports car (from the French elle va, she goes) was built in the mid-1950s. The Elva Mk I was based on Nichols' first effort, the CSM, which had been designed by Mike Chapman, and used a spaceframe chassis showing Lotus Mk 6 influence. Like many 'specials' of the time, its power unit was the popular Ford 1,172cc sidevalve, in the Elva's case fitted with an overhead-valve conversion. A low-volume competition car, the Elva Mk I achieved a fair degree of success in amateur racing in the UK, paving the way for further models, many of which were exported to the USA where they proved immensely popular, and successful, in SCCA racing. The company branched out into the manufacture of single seaters in 1959 with the introduction of its first Formula Junior design, the Elva 100, having introduced its first road car the previous year. This was the Courier, a conventional spaceframe-chassis sports car graced by a particularly attractive fiberglass body.

By the time the Elva Mk IV was introduced, the cars had become much more sophisticated. The Mk IV had a fully independent suspension and was also the first Elva with a tubular space frame chassis. The aluminum undertray was riveted to the chassis frame, increasing rigidity and strength. Engine options varied depending on use, but a common setup was the 1,100cc Coventry-Climax engine backed by an MGA gearbox with specially made Elva close-ratio gears. Braking was by transversely finned Alfin drums, with the rear being inboard.

The engine was installed as far back in the frame as possible, providing optimal weight distribution. An alloy body was fitted with there being very little overhang, and the entire front of the body hinges about the nose. There were curved and lightweight perspex windscreen, and in the back was the fuel tank and spare wheel. For longer races, the second fuel tank was available, mounted on the right of the scuttle. The entire package rested on Elektron wheels designed by Elva.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This sporting little Elva Mk IV Sports Racer is a well-known competitor in both period and contemporary vintage racing. Chassis no. 4L 100/61 offered here, had its first outing at the 1959 Sebring 12 Hours race where it was entered by Elva Engineering as a factory racer. It faired remarkable well, finishing 2nd in class, and 23rd overall at the competitive international race. Burdette Martin would race the Elva in five SCCA races in 1959, at the Regional Lawrenceville, Wilmot where he finished 3rd, the SCCA National race at Road America where he finished 17th and later that year at the same famous track where he had a DNF, but finally finished 1st at the November 1959 SCCA regional Wilmot. In 1960, Martin continued to campaign 4L 100/61, with outings at Bridgehampton, and again Wilmot and Road America, racking up two further 1st place finishes in SCCA competition.

Bob Leiss had acquired the competitive Elva Mk IV in 1960 and appears to have kept the car until 1983, when it came into the hands of Jerry Schoultz. The consignor, a prominent Mid-Western collector of sports, racing and special interest cars, purchased the car in 2017, and has since shown the Elva at events including the Amelia Island Concours. Power is from a 1,098cc Coventry Climax FWA SOHC engine breathing though two massive Weber twin-choke carburetors, which, combined with the Elva's very light constriction, excellent handling and braking capabilities, makes it a very competitive sports racer.

The impressive history file accompanying the Elva contains its FIVA ID card, categorizing it with an impressive A/3 rating, old letters and paraphernalia including a period Walker's Bourbon advertisement featuring the Elva on two wheels, and many lovely photos of the car competing in period. One of the most attractive, aggressive and aerodynamically effective front-engined, drum-braked sports racers, this Elva Mk IV Climax sports racer should prove immediately competitive and a valued entrant in the most desirable historic racing events.