 1958 Courier MKI | 1960 Courier MK II  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
1959 Elva Courier MKII news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
The Elva Courier was designed by Peter Nott and Tim Fry. It featured a fiberglass body construction, making it one of the first vehicles to be outfitted with this lightweight material. The engine was a 1500cc MGA power-plant while the suspension was borrowed from the Riley 1500.
The engine was placed in the front of the vehicle, but pushed back as far as possible. This may have created some discomfort for the driver and passenger, but it allowed for a 50/50 weight distribution, enhancing the overall handling and response of the vehicle. The suspension followed this theme by favoring performance rather than comfort. The result was many racing career victories in the American production car circuit.
The Courier Mk2 was introduced in 1961. A 1600cc MGA engine was used and could propel the car to over 100 miles-per-hour. A new backbone tubular space-frame chassis and standard front disc brakes improved the ride and the handling.
In 1962, the Courier Mk3 was introduced. The engine and transmission were moved slightly forward. Options such as rear disc brakes and independent rear suspension could be ordered, improving the overall drivability of the car. Three body-styles were now available: the roadster, fastback, and coupe.
By moving the engine and gearbox forward, under-steer resulted. Frank Nichols was asked to helped rectify the problem; which he did so by moving the engine and gearbox back.
The Mk4 T type followed the Mk3. The chassis, suspension, and engine received modifications. A 1800cc MGB engine was now available as optional equipment. the front suspension and steering was borrowed from Triumph. A Sebring version was later introduced which featured a light-weight version of the MK4 T Type. A Lotus/Ford 1600cc was used.
A prototype Courier using a Ford V6 engine was built. In 1969, the prototype crashed and was never produced.
Throughout its lifespan the style of the Courier was virtually unchanged. It saw the company change hands three times, including Elva, Trojan, and McLaren. One of the greatest accomplishments achieved by a Courier during its racing career was with the famous driver, Mark Donahue. In 1961, the duo was the National Class Champion on the US Road Racing Championship (SCCA).
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2005
The engine was placed in the front of the vehicle, but pushed back as far as possible. This may have created some discomfort for the driver and passenger, but it allowed for a 50/50 weight distribution, enhancing the overall handling and response of the vehicle. The suspension followed this theme by favoring performance rather than comfort. The result was many racing career victories in the American production car circuit.
The Courier Mk2 was introduced in 1961. A 1600cc MGA engine was used and could propel the car to over 100 miles-per-hour. A new backbone tubular space-frame chassis and standard front disc brakes improved the ride and the handling.
In 1962, the Courier Mk3 was introduced. The engine and transmission were moved slightly forward. Options such as rear disc brakes and independent rear suspension could be ordered, improving the overall drivability of the car. Three body-styles were now available: the roadster, fastback, and coupe.
By moving the engine and gearbox forward, under-steer resulted. Frank Nichols was asked to helped rectify the problem; which he did so by moving the engine and gearbox back.
The Mk4 T type followed the Mk3. The chassis, suspension, and engine received modifications. A 1800cc MGB engine was now available as optional equipment. the front suspension and steering was borrowed from Triumph. A Sebring version was later introduced which featured a light-weight version of the MK4 T Type. A Lotus/Ford 1600cc was used.
A prototype Courier using a Ford V6 engine was built. In 1969, the prototype crashed and was never produced.
Throughout its lifespan the style of the Courier was virtually unchanged. It saw the company change hands three times, including Elva, Trojan, and McLaren. One of the greatest accomplishments achieved by a Courier during its racing career was with the famous driver, Mark Donahue. In 1961, the duo was the National Class Champion on the US Road Racing Championship (SCCA).
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2005
After World War II, Europe was ready to get back to auto racing. Many of the buildings and factories that had produced the engines and chassis before the War had been ruined or transformed into making military vehicles.
Club racing offered a competitive means for individuals to enter the racing scene and prove there skills while maintaining a level of affordability. Specialty vehicles were built that offered performance at a competitive price. Examples include Lola and Lotus.
In 1947, Frank G. Nichols left the Army with nothing more than mechanical skills and enough money to begin a business in a garage fixing vehicles. This proved to be a successful endeavor so he moved to larger facilities located in London Road, Bexhill. While there he became interested in racing. At first he only followed the sport, and then he began racing using a Lotus VI and later a 'CSM'. His success in racing stimulated others to mimic his racing style and his machinery. To stay competitive and as a business opportunity, Nichols decided to create his own chassis.
The name 'elle Va' means 'she goes'. Nichols began producing formula junior cars and sports racers. The vehicles he produced were not confined to one city, or continent, but rather many were exported to the United States where they proved to be very competitive and captured many victories.
The Elva 100 series was powered by a BMC A-Series (Sprite or Mini) engine or a two-stroke DKW engine tuned by Mitter in Germany. The Elva became the first mass-produced British Formula Junior car.
The success of the vehicles on the race tracks and as a business prompted Nichols to expand Elva Engineering to another level. In 1958 the Elva Courier prototype was produced. It featured a ladder frame type chassis with aluminum bodywork. This vehicle was a car that could be driven on the road, compete at the race track, and be driven back home. Even though these were hand-built vehicles, it was easy to manufacturer, maintain and repair.
A 1500 CC. MGA engine and gearbox were used to power the vehicles. With this configuration, the vehicle was capable of achieving a top speed of 100 miles-per-hour and a zero-to-sixty time of 11.2 seconds.
With the success of the vehicle brought an increase in demand. A larger factory was built in Hastings and the staff of builders had grown to over sixty individuals. Assembly of a Courier took eighteen hours and approximately three vehicles per week were produced.
An unfortunate incident occurred when a shipment of cars were sent to the United States only to encounter problems. The distributor had financial difficulties so the shipment sat dockside in New York. The vehicles were unable to be recovered by Elva Cars and they were forced into voluntary liquidation. In 1961, Trojan Limited acquired the rights to the Courier and assumed production.
Trojan Limited revised the chassis, implemented a production line, and began mass-producing the Couriers. In place of the previous tubular chassis, a stiffer square section frame was used to make the cars more practical. A MGA 1622 cc engine now powered the vehicle; disc brakes were incorporated to add extra stopping power and the front suspension was supplied by Triumph. In an attempt to create more interior room, the engine was moved forward in the chassis. This caused handling problems and the vehicle suffered from poor balance. The Courier was loosing its sports-car roots.
In 1963, the MK. IV entered the scene. Power was provided by an MGB 1798 cc or Ford 1500 GT engines. The suspension was enhanced by incorporating an independent 'Tru-Track' suspension. For the price, the performance was unmatched.
Trojan Limited began turning their attentions to other endeavors and the Elva name was eventually dropped. Nichols continued to produce sports cars and was involved in projects with Carrol Shelby and Len Terry. Later he produced boats for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Ken Sheppard took over production of the Courier and produced an additional thirty-eight cars on-top of the 210 couriers produced by Trojan. Sheppard had a passion for motor racing and the improvements made to the Courier were evident of a true sports car. The build quality and service was enhanced.
In an attempt to create the most versatile Courier and to revitalize sales, prototypes were created using a Ford V6 engine. They were successful at creating a vehicle that had excellent handling and ample power but they were unable to acquire necessary funding to sponsor their endeavor. This would be the final attempt at creating Couriers in the sixties.
Today, Elva vehicles can be found at many historic and vintage racing scenes. Their agility and performance are still being experienced by drivers and admired by fans.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007
Club racing offered a competitive means for individuals to enter the racing scene and prove there skills while maintaining a level of affordability. Specialty vehicles were built that offered performance at a competitive price. Examples include Lola and Lotus.
In 1947, Frank G. Nichols left the Army with nothing more than mechanical skills and enough money to begin a business in a garage fixing vehicles. This proved to be a successful endeavor so he moved to larger facilities located in London Road, Bexhill. While there he became interested in racing. At first he only followed the sport, and then he began racing using a Lotus VI and later a 'CSM'. His success in racing stimulated others to mimic his racing style and his machinery. To stay competitive and as a business opportunity, Nichols decided to create his own chassis.
The name 'elle Va' means 'she goes'. Nichols began producing formula junior cars and sports racers. The vehicles he produced were not confined to one city, or continent, but rather many were exported to the United States where they proved to be very competitive and captured many victories.
The Elva 100 series was powered by a BMC A-Series (Sprite or Mini) engine or a two-stroke DKW engine tuned by Mitter in Germany. The Elva became the first mass-produced British Formula Junior car.
The success of the vehicles on the race tracks and as a business prompted Nichols to expand Elva Engineering to another level. In 1958 the Elva Courier prototype was produced. It featured a ladder frame type chassis with aluminum bodywork. This vehicle was a car that could be driven on the road, compete at the race track, and be driven back home. Even though these were hand-built vehicles, it was easy to manufacturer, maintain and repair.
A 1500 CC. MGA engine and gearbox were used to power the vehicles. With this configuration, the vehicle was capable of achieving a top speed of 100 miles-per-hour and a zero-to-sixty time of 11.2 seconds.
With the success of the vehicle brought an increase in demand. A larger factory was built in Hastings and the staff of builders had grown to over sixty individuals. Assembly of a Courier took eighteen hours and approximately three vehicles per week were produced.
An unfortunate incident occurred when a shipment of cars were sent to the United States only to encounter problems. The distributor had financial difficulties so the shipment sat dockside in New York. The vehicles were unable to be recovered by Elva Cars and they were forced into voluntary liquidation. In 1961, Trojan Limited acquired the rights to the Courier and assumed production.
Trojan Limited revised the chassis, implemented a production line, and began mass-producing the Couriers. In place of the previous tubular chassis, a stiffer square section frame was used to make the cars more practical. A MGA 1622 cc engine now powered the vehicle; disc brakes were incorporated to add extra stopping power and the front suspension was supplied by Triumph. In an attempt to create more interior room, the engine was moved forward in the chassis. This caused handling problems and the vehicle suffered from poor balance. The Courier was loosing its sports-car roots.
In 1963, the MK. IV entered the scene. Power was provided by an MGB 1798 cc or Ford 1500 GT engines. The suspension was enhanced by incorporating an independent 'Tru-Track' suspension. For the price, the performance was unmatched.
Trojan Limited began turning their attentions to other endeavors and the Elva name was eventually dropped. Nichols continued to produce sports cars and was involved in projects with Carrol Shelby and Len Terry. Later he produced boats for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Ken Sheppard took over production of the Courier and produced an additional thirty-eight cars on-top of the 210 couriers produced by Trojan. Sheppard had a passion for motor racing and the improvements made to the Courier were evident of a true sports car. The build quality and service was enhanced.
In an attempt to create the most versatile Courier and to revitalize sales, prototypes were created using a Ford V6 engine. They were successful at creating a vehicle that had excellent handling and ample power but they were unable to acquire necessary funding to sponsor their endeavor. This would be the final attempt at creating Couriers in the sixties.
Today, Elva vehicles can be found at many historic and vintage racing scenes. Their agility and performance are still being experienced by drivers and admired by fans.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007
| Corvette Shines in the Big Apple | |
 | All-new Corvette Stingray comes to New York City 60 years to the day after Motorama debut 2013-01-16 Sixty years ago tomorrow, spectators lined New York City's posh Park Avenue, waiting to get a glimpse of the ground-breaking Chevrolet Corvette on display at the General Motors' Motorama show. On Thursday, the Corvette will be back in The Big Apple, marking the historic milestone with the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The all-new Corvette Stingray debuted earlier...[Read more...] |
| THE VIPER GTS-R IS BACK IN 2012 | |
 | •Two identical SRT Viper GTS-R race cars will compete in this weekend's American Le Mans Series event at the 2.54-mile Road Atlanta circuit. •The driver lineup for Petit Le Mans: Tommy Kendall and Marc Goossens will be joined by Jonathan Bomarito in the No. 93 Pennzoil Ultra Viper GTS-R. Dominik Farnbacher and Kuno Wittmer will share driving duties with Ryan Hunter-Reay in the No. 91 Hewlett Packard Viper GTS-R. •This is the first on-track, factory-based participation for the SRT Viper GTS-R...[Read more...] |
| Corvette's Chassis Innovations Refined on the Race Track | |
 | Zora Arkus-Duntov's racing-bred development legacy continues to improve Corvette It's been said that racing improves the breed, and when it comes to the Chevrolet Corvette, nearly six decades of checkered flags are the proof. As Corvette marks its 60th anniversary in 2013, the design of the chassis, suspension and other drivetrain features are rooted in the rigors of competition. 'Candidly, Corvette was not a high-performance car until Zora Arkus-Duntov fitted it with a V-8, and be...[Read more...] |
| 1967 Can-Am Road America: The Beginning of the 'Bruce and Denny Show' | |
 | While Formula One will be forever considered the pinnacle of motorsport, from a period between 1966 and 1986 there existed a series that would likely be the closest to 'anything goes' as any motor racing series could truly get. Based upon the FIA Group 7 cars but allowed to showcase unlimited engine sizes and unfettered aerodynamics, the Can-Am cars would have to be considered the pinnacle of motorsport technology and power of their era. And for more than a couple of years there would be one tea...[Read more...] |
| Carroll Shelby, Ford Family for More Than Half a Century | |
 | Carroll Shelby was a member of the Ford family for the better part of 60 years, producing stunning performance vehicles from concepts to production models. He once said his energy and passion for performance products were always strongest when he was working with Ford. Shelby most recently collaborated with the company on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, the most powerful production V8 in the world. Working with SVT engineers at Sebring and the Arizona Proving Grounds, at times he drov...[Read more...] |
 1959
Elva
models |
| Elva 100 Formula Series |
| Elva Mark IV |
| Elva MKV |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Bourgeault | Dolphin |
| Dreossi | Elfin |
| Gemini | Huffaker |
| Jocko | Kieft |
| LeGrand | Rytune |
| Sadler | Stebro |
| Elva: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Elva History |
| Other models by Elva |
| Courier Sports Racer |
| 1958 Courier MKI | 1960 Courier MK II |
