Description:

In its current 1100cc FWA-engined form this car provides a superb opportunity to gain entry to  historic racing's most prestigious events, including Goodwood and a range of top quality UK and European series. As a relatively rare example of the late 1950s small capacity sports racing class it attracts race organisers seeking to present a diversified grid representative of the period.

As is, it provides an exciting drive and challenge to the enthusiastic pilot who can exploit the superb handling whilst keeping the FWA's revs up. But, in performance terms, an obvious and simple development path to class-leading potential would be to install a 1220cc FWE which would put the car squarely on terms with the Lola Mk1 and the slightly later Elva MkV.

Further, adding to these existing credentials, there is also the potential to develop the car to emulate the stunning one-off variant of the Elva MkIV that blew the field away at the USAC Road Racing Championship at Meadowdale in September 1959. This was a 1475cc FPF-engined version that for one brief season was more than a match for the Lotus 15 and other powerful sports racers. The combination of 140bhp in a 400kg car provided a truly potent race car, expertly driven in the hands of Ed Crawford, a well-known Briggs Cunningham driver.

Marque Period History

For a period at the start of 1959 the Elva MkIV was the car to have for the highly competitive small capacity sports racing class. A fabulous 1-2 finish in class at Sebring in March 1959 was complemented by strong results in the UK and a win at the Marlboro 6 hours.

Carl Haas, who raced for Elva in the 1958 Tourist Trophy and drove the prototype MkIV said "It’s a big step from the Mk III. Finally Elva has an 1100cc car potentially better than the Lotus [Eleven]. They’ve moved a lot of weight off the front wheels by moving the engine back”. Also introduced was all new independent rear suspension utilising low-pivot swing axles and a space-frame supported by a stressed aluminium undertray. In addition, aerodynamics were significantly improved and incorporated a reduced frontal area.

Chassis 100/74

This example, an early chassis number and one of only around 30 ever built, was discovered by a collector in a Californian backyard and meticulously restored in the US before being imported to the UK by Hall & Hall in 2009. It has been in the same cherished ownership since 2010 and has raced successfully in a range of prestigious series (Stirling Moss Trophy, FISCAR, HSCC Griffiths Haig Trophy, GT & Sports Car Cup, AMOC 1950s Sports Cars). A regular Goodwood invitee, it took part in the Madgwick Cup at the 2017 Revival and the Robert Brooks Trophy at the 79th Members' Meeting in 2022. Continuing this series of invitations the car was due to race again in the Madgwick Cup at the 2024 Revival but, sadly, was unable to take part due to unforseen driver circumstances.

The 1098cc Coventry Climax FWA Stage III engine, original to the car, was rebuilt by David Whitehurst Racing and since coming back to the UK the car has been prepared and supported by TTP Performance.

The HTP is understood to be one of only two that the FIA have issued for the Elva MkIV and is valid until end 2027.

The car is ready to race and available to view at TTP's workshops in the Midlands. As well as providing support at all the leading events, TTP is a leading sponsor and race support team for the Equipe stable of series and the Elva would be an ideal entry to the new for 2025 Equipe Sports Racing Cars series for pre-66 Under 2 litre cars.

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Keyword Search Terms:

Sports Racer, Elva, Goodwood, Lotus 15, Elva MkV, Lola Mk1, FWE, FPF, Equipe Sports Racing Cars