1963 Elva MK 7 Sports Racer

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Chassis No: 13
Mot Expiry: N/A

Conscious that his Goodwood results aboard a modified CSM racer had not gone unnoticed, local garagiste Frank Nichols decided to make the jump from competitor to constructor in 1955. Operating from premises in Bexhill-on-Sea (East Sussex), the resultant Elva Engineering Co was soon challenging the likes of Lotus, Cooper and (later) Lola. Known for the lightness and agility of its products, the nascent firm quickly developed a loyal following not only in Britain but also in America and mainland Europe. An early proponent of the rear-engined revolution and arguably the first ultra-low 'recliner' sports racer, the Elva MKVI made a sensational debut. Driven by Chris Ashmore, it overcame a huge horsepower disadvantage to finish second overall behind Graham Hill's Ferrari 250 TRI/61 at the Boxing Day 1961 Brands Hatch meeting. Lower, wider and faster still, the Elva MKVII arrived in 1963. Based around a tubular spaceframe chassis, the newcomer was equipped with all-round independent coil-over suspension, front / rear anti-roll bars, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes. A landmark design, the Elva MKVII proved the equal of the Lotus 23/23B and inspired some fruitful collaborations with Porsche and BMW.

According to information provided by the vendor, this particular example was manufactured on 11th May 1963. Campaigned at the Rossfield Hillclimb, Trophee d'Auvergne, Circuit de Charade, Freiburg Hillclimb and Ollon-Villars Hillclimb by its first owner Sidney Charpilloz, the Coventry-Climax powered machine then passed to another Swiss racer, Benito Sechi. As part of his preparations for the 1964 season, Sechi had the Elva fitted with a Lotus-Ford 1600cc engine. While later keepers experimented with Alfa Romeo 1600cc and Ford Cosworth 1100cc powerplants before Hansuli Buchi sold the sports racer via Rob de la Rive Box to famed Porsche designer, Harm Laagay. Something of a restoration project by that time, the MK7 was entrusted to Peter Denty who installed a Ford Twin-Cam unit as part of the refurbishment process. Raced extensively by Harm Laagay and Eberhard Dollinger during the 1980s, it saw more sparing use at the hands of Manfred Bode the following decade. Acquired by its previous custodian Philip Demeyer in 2001, the Elva participated in the Spa 6-hours race several times (2001, 2002 and 2004) prior to entering the current ownership during November 2004.

Repainted in red (its original hue) following a discussion with the Elva Registry, chassis number 13 competed in the 2005 Masters' Series enjoying outings at the Grand Prix De L'Age D'Or (Dijon), GP Historical (Porto) and Gold Cup (Oulton Park) amongst others. Treated to a thorough engine overhaul and replacement clutch using parts sourced from Questmead during late 2005, the Elva is estimated to have done only about six hours worth of racing since the work was completed. Entered for a few races in 2006 but lying dormant through 2007 and 2008, it is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (wheels / tyres), "very good" (bodywork, paintwork) or "excellent" (Lotus-Ford 'Twin-Cam' engine, Hewland MK9 five-speed gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis) condition. Explaining that the MK7's recent inactivity is due to "advancing years pointing me towards the relative safety of a MGB", he adds "the car has the latest FIA Historical Technical Passport issued in the UK and dated 20th June 2005". A potential front-runner albeit one which will require some checking over / recommissioning prior to track use, this nicely presented Elva is offered for sale with assorted documentation, sundry spares (wheels / tyres, leather seats, cylinder block / head, crankshaft, con-rods / pistons etc) and a battery starter pack.