1959 Elva Mark IV

After World War II, Frank G. Nichols left the Army and acquired a small garage business at Westham in 1947, soon moving into a larger facility. One of Frank's mechanical engineers was 'Mac' Witts, who had created an 'inlet over exhaust' conversion for the Ford 100E engine. It greatly improved the output of the 36 horsepower 100E engine, and Frank recognized an opportunity to market this conversion. Although he had some experience with racing, his real talents were as a businessman. After having a racing special called the CSM built, he decided to build and market a sports racing car of his own design. One of Frank's friends proclaimed 'Elle Va!' after seeing the CSM perform, and Frank decided this would be the name of a new sports racer. 'Elle va' in French means 'she goes.'

The first Elva was the Mark 1 designed by Mick Chapman. Without a true background in motorsports, the Mark 1 was more of a utilitarian race car. It was conventional and quick, and its most attractive feature was its inexpensive price. It was not complex or sophisticated, and many of its components were sourced from readily available products. After a few aluminum body examples were built, Frank began to consider alternatives. A solution was found with Ashley Laminates (later renamed Falcon), who created a fiberglass shell of the alloy body. It was quick and inexpensive, and the entire body could be bolted and unbolted to the chassis very easily.

Roughly 23 examples of the MK1 of all versions were built. These were instrumental in providing the Elva team with knowledge and experience, but more importantly, they led to Chuck Dietrich of the United States becoming the U.S. distributor for Elva.

By the time the Elva MKIV was introduced, the vehicles had become much more sophisticated. In keeping with tradition, it was offered as a completed car or as a kit. The MK IV had a fully independent suspension, with the front using double wishbones and coil springs, and the rear using the half shaft as the upper control arm. It 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 1100cc Coventry-Climax engine backed by an MG 'A' gearbox with specially made Elva close-ratio gears. Tubular drive shafts sent power to the rear wheels. 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 was a curved and lightweight perspex windscreen, and in the back were the fuel tank and spare wheel. For longer races, the second fuel tank was available, mounted on the right of the scuttle. Both fuel tanks had an aircraft-type rotary immersion pump which provided the fuel to the carburetor - the works cars often used Amal carburetors, and two S.U. carburetors were often favored with privateers. The entire package rested on Elektron wheels designed by Elva.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020