Highlights
- Comprehensive restoration from disassembled parts
- FIA HTP papers valid until 2034
- Features a 1,460cc Coventry Climax engine with twin Weber DCOE carbs
- Weight of only 397kg
- Newly rebuilt Hewland Mk2 gearbox, one of only 10 made for Elva
- Includes drawings, build sheets, and a comprehensive record of the restoration file
The Appeal
Frank G. Nichols left school at 14, got stuck into the war effort, and then got into cars in a very big way. After his own racing efforts, he started offering a small but highly potent OHV kit for Ford's side-valve engines, then began knuckling down under the newly founded Elva company in 1955. His mission was a simple one - small, inexpensive sports cars - low to the ground, with lightweight and quick on their feet - with, naturally, a Coventry Climax under the bonnet.
They were intended to take on Lotus, and for the most part, the Elva was actually the more successful. The Evla MKVI beat out the Lotus 11 convincingly, and was highly lauded for its efforts at weight distribution. The engine was slung backwards compared to its predecessor, nestled into a tubular spaceframe chassis and had an aluminium undertray riveted across, providing rigidity and strength without any unnecessary bulk.
Bought as a collection of rusted bits, this Elva MK6 has been fully restored and rebuilt into its distinctive period glory. Now you can really take in its distinctive retro-futurist design - and get behind the wheel, of a truly thrilling period racer. With its FIA HTP papers valid until 2034, it's ready and waiting for the track, hillclimb and sprint, circuit use will need extinguisher and in date seat belts, and is provided with its original build sheets, drawings, and a record of the restoration.
The History and Paperwork
- First built in 1962
- Original car sold by a Preston dealer in 1984 to the USA
- Went through several owners in the USA, each attempting to rebuild it
- Car was bought by the seller in 2014 as a pile of rusty parts
- Restoration undertaken, completed in March 2024
- FIA HTP papers valid until 2034
- Full history file including drawings, build sheets, US owners, and comprehensive rebuild photo file
The Condition
- Little used since restoration, the car is beautifully kept and still looks practically new
- Bodywork fully fettled and professionally painted in high-quality cream
- Elva wheels fitted with Dunlop racing tyres
- New chassis plate supplied by Roger Dunbar of Elva cars
- Newly covered adjustable seat
- New windscreen and door screens fitted, including rearview mirror
- Spare body unpainted and excluding doors and front and rear covers supplied
- Dash fitted with rev counter, oil pressure/water temperature gauge, fuel pump switch, etc.
- New foam-filled 27-litre tank fitted with a flip-up filler cap
- Car is complete with spare bodywork, 2 rear lower painted wishbones, upper and lower front left painted wishbones
The Mechanics
- 1,460cc Coventry Climax engine purchased from Hutton Motor Engineering
- Engine features twin Weber DCOE carbs, producing 122bhp and 115lb ft
- Newly rebuilt Hewland Mk2 gearbox with 5-speed and reverse, rear entry gear change, and magnesium side plates
- Final drive ratio is 8/33 with gear ratios of 16-35, 19-32, 22-30, 23-27, 25-27
- Engine oil line fitted with a 10-row oil cooler, dynamo look-alike alternator, Powerlite starter, and electronic distributor
- CP7381 clutch fitted to the lightweight flywheel
- Front and rear 9"x 1.75" drum brakes fitted with relined shoes
- All master cylinders are Lockheed "tin pot" type, and brake/clutch lines are copper with Goodridge flexibles
- Brake balance is adjustable, and all pedals are nickel-plated
- Suspension by Gaz single adjustable shock absorbers with replaceable coil springs
- Fuel line fitted with a replaceable element filter
- We understand the car to be in excellent working order
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues and understand it's ready for the track
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