1964 Elva MK VII

'Elva' is a contraction of 'Elle' and 'va,' French for 'she goes.' This name was suggested to Frank Nichols by a friend named Jim Murphy. The first 'Elva' car was birthed in 1955 and built by Nichols and Malcolm 'Mac' Witts, Frank's mechanic. Bill Murphy helped with the creation of the bodywork. Defining characteristics of most (if not all) Elva vehicles were its low stance and curvaceous and streamlined bodies that enclosed its driver under a low, sloping nose.

The purpose of the first Elva was to showcase an overhead inlet valve/side exhaust valve head designed by Witts with production castings forged by Birmingham Aluminium Castings. It was intended that the Elva was prove the protentional of the special cylinder head, creating demand, resulting in strong sales, which then in-turn be used for racing.

Elva MKI/MK1B and MKII and MKIII
As many as 25 Elva cars were built in 1955, with approximately six being MK1s and the remainder the MK1B. The MKII Elva arrived in 1956, and like the MK1B, was an evolution of its predecessor, incorporating minor detail changes to the suspension and engine (the MK1B also had slightly revised bodywork). Some examples of the MKII wore Falcon fiberglass coachwork. The MkIII Elva of 1957 was clothed in aluminum.

When 'Mac' Witts left Elva in 1957, his void was filled by Keith Marsden, whose career had begun at Elva working as a mechanic. His talents as a designer and draughtsmanship were perfected during this time via books and evening classes, and these skills would come in handy in his new role.

Up to this point in history, Elva had been a builder of race cars. Still a young company, with just three years under their belt, the company decided to build a road-going car. Dubbed the Courier, it was intended for both road and track, endowed with lightweight characteristics, a tubular steel chassis, simple yet effective mechanical componentry, and an elegant fiberglass body.

The Courier was an instant success both in the showroom and the track, winning on both sides of the Atlantic.

Elva MKIV
The MKIV of 1958 was the first Elva designed by Marsden and Nichols. It had a spaceframe chassis, alloy drum brakes, a Coventry Climax FWA engine, and an MGA gearbox. The unique and revolutionary feature of this vehicle was its rear independent suspension setup where the unsplined driveshaft was designed to function like an upper wishbone. Eric Broadley was designing and developing his Lola MK I around the same time, and it had a similar configuration. Approximately 32 examples of the MKIV were constructed.

Elva MKV
The Elva MKV was introduced in mid-1959, again a development of its predecessor. Most of the Mark IV and Mark V Elvas were sent to the United States where they were driven by both amateur and professional racers.

From Front to Rear
Elva MK VI
Elva's first mid/rear-engine sports racer was the MK VI. Designed by Marsden, it had a steel-tube spaceframe chassis and disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear) and was powered by the 1,100cc Coventry Climax engine. The mid-engine configuration allowed for a low and narrow frontal area with a 'lay-down' seating position. Approximately 28 examples were built, with most being sent to the United States, where new importer Carl Haas handled distribution.

Elva MK VII
The Elva MKVII was introduced for the 1963 season and would continue through 1965 when it was replaced by the MKVIII. The MKVII was a development of the MKVI, and most were equipped with Coventry Climax Power. As many as 19 examples (and as few as 15) were given Porsche 'Fuhrmann' engines. These air-cooled Type 547 flat-four engines had four overhead camshafts, a 1700cc (1.7 liters) displacement, 11:1 compression, and produced around 183 horsepower at 7,800 RPM. To accommodate the engine, there were changes to the rear part of the tubular frame and the cockpit, and the relocation of the petrol and oil tanks. The engines were paired with a Porsche five-speed gearbox.

The Elva MKVII had most of its weight at the rear, affecting the car's handling. This was resolved with the MK8.

Elva MK VIII
The Elva MKVIII had several significant changes compared to the MKVII, including a longer wheelbase and wider track which improved handling. The MKVIII is considered the pinnacle of Evla's sport racing racings.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2024