Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Elva Mk V Sports Racer
Chassis no. 100/94

Frank Nichols' first Elva sports-racer was built in 1954 and was designed by Mick Chapman. The cars competed immediately and successfully, against the similar small displacement Lotus sports-racers of Colin Chapman. Its success encouraged Nichols to emulate its design with the first few Elva live rear axle sports-racers. Mk II featured a deDion rear axle, and the Mk IV had fully independent suspension and was the first Elva with a tubular space frame.

Nichols continued small displacement sports-racer development with the Mk V, the ultimate front-engined, drum-brake Elva sports racer. Only thirteen were built, but with power from the magnificent Coventry-Climax FWB single overhead camshaft engine, they were the equal, if not the better, of Chapman's Lotus 11 in England, Europe and the U.S.

This particular cars is Elva Mk V chassis 100/94. Front-engined with independent rear suspension and inboard drum brakes, it is meticulously prepared to SVRA specs, and has raced successfully against Lotus XIs, Lotus 17s, Merlyns and Lola Mk 1s. Its current owner acquired it in 2005 from Harvey Siegel, owner of Virginia International Raceway who had raced it successfully for several years. In recent years, it has been campaigned in SVRA events at important historic racing meetings at VIR, Roebling Road, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, Road America, Mid Ohio and Sebring. At Sebring in 2008, driven by Alex Quattelbaum II it won its class on the 49th anniversary of Elva's class win in the 1959 enduro with a Mk IV driven by Bill Jordan and Chuck Dietrich.

Power is from a 1,490cc long stroke Coventry Climax FWB with dual Weber carburetors through a Taylor Race Engineering rib-case Sprite-type close ratio 4-speed gearbox. The engine was built in 2006-2007 with an aluminum girdle plate to join the block and bearing towers for strength and reliability in its long stroke configuration. The rebuild was done by VDS Engines at a cost of over $40,000, including a $15,000 re-engineered head, camshaft and valves from Sid Hoole Racing, and the engine has only four race weekends since. It was thoroughly inspected by VDS Engines in September 2008 (and has had no competition since), and found to be in excellent condition.

It is supplied with comprehensive documentation of its restoration, maintenance, preparation, setup and rebuilds as well as its current SVRA logbook and transponder. Shocks, brakes and tires were rebuilt or replaced during its last (2007) season of competition. The chassis and critical parts were crack tested in 2005-06. The fuel cell, wiring and Koni adjustable shocks were new at the same time. The gearbox was refreshed by Taylor in mid-2008. Toe adjustment bars, differential and engine parts are included in the sale, as is the original chassis frame (to be picked up by the buyer in Ohio.) A Traqmate GPS data system, Chase camera and Sampson radio configured to this Elva are available by separate agreement.

The car displays good race cosmetics, with presentable paint and bodywork. There are some chips and surface cracks, but the overall exterior presentation is very good. The interior is functional and tidy, with the requisite equipment including a full set of modern instrumentation, modern steering wheel and modern mirrors. There is a fuel cell mounted in the passenger side footwell, and a modern harness installed as well. The engine is impressively clean and is mounted well back for optimum weight distribution. It has been appropriately updated for vintage racing events with high performance filters, custom catch tanks, and stainless steel lines with aeroquip fittings.

Prepared without regard to cost, maintained to the highest standards, track-ready and one of the most attractive, aggressive and aerodynamically effective front-engined, drum-braked sports racers, this Elva Mk V Climax sports-racer will be immediately competitive and a valued entrant in the most desirable historic racing events. Sold on a Bill of Sale.


Text courtesy of Bonhams and Butterfield.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608