1962-Elva-Courier Mk. III

Description

1962 Elva Courier Mark III
s/n 100/165, engine no. 48G-157-RS16671
British Racing Green with Yellow Accents and Black Interior

Elva’s first and only car intended for road use, the Courier was also at home on track, and indeed Mark Donohue’s first race car was a Courier. Combining known mechanical components with unique and lightweight bodywork, the cars brought surprising performance and excellent value. The suspension and steering components are from Triumph, and the engines and gearboxes were from MG (MGA and later MGB), making the cars capable and durable, and represented the quintessential British sports and racing car.

This particular car was comprehensively restored about ten years ago to high standards under the care of noted racer and owner of Virginia International Raceway, Harvey Siegel. The car was capably prepared with high quality parts including Accusump, fuel cell, Weber carburetor, and Panasport wheels. A complete engine rebuild of the 1800cc engine was performed by Baurle Auto Sport and has almost no time on it. The cost was approximately $17,000 and the engine has break in time and a few laps only on it. Additionally, considerable suspension work was also performed and the car fitted with GT 6 uprights with larger bearings. This work was performed in 2002-2003, and the car has not been run since, though it has benefited from a service to the hydraulic system and a new battery in 2011 so that the car runs and drives well at this time.

The car is in very nice condition, with excellent racer cosmetics. The paint is attractive and was done to high standards. It shows a handful of blemishes: some marks on the cowl from the full width windscreen and side mirror, and a few scratches on the top of the left rear fender and near the left rear lamp. Wheels and tires are in excellent shape, and the trim and lights are as well. The car is currently fitted with a Brooklands aero screen (which has some cracks) and roll bar.

The interior is unusually well-trimmed for a race car, with leather upholstery on the bucket seats, as well as carpets. The dashboard is also upholstered, and there is a full complement of gauges and indicator lights, including modern tachometer and Momo steering wheel. The car has a plumbed in extinguisher system and 5-point Willans harness for the driver.

The engine compartment is very tidy and reflects the high level of preparation of the car. The car has a host of modern equipment to keep the car safe and reliable on the race track including accusump, braided stainless steel lines, spin on oil filter conversion, and alternator conversion. The trunk is tidy and contains the fuel cell.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a car that has been professionally prepared to high standards and thus represents a great car to vintage race at a reasonable cost without having to compromise on preparation or quality. The car has almost no time on a thoroughly rebuilt Weber’d 1800cc motor, which should make it quite quick as Couriers go, and the cosmetics are quite nice and sure to make its new owner proud in the paddock or in the garage. The car comes with invoices for the engine rebuild and most recent suspension preparation work.