Description:

1959 Elva Mk IV Sports Racer – Chassis 4L 100/61

An exceptional example of one of Britain's most successful and influential post-war sports racers, this Elva Mk IV Sports Racer combines factory-backed competition history, outstanding provenance, and modern historic-racing eligibility in a highly desirable package.

Founded by Frank Nichols in the 1950s, Elva quickly established a reputation for producing lightweight, highly competitive sports-racing cars. The Mk IV represented a significant leap forward in design and engineering, featuring a sophisticated tubular spaceframe chassis, fully independent suspension, and advanced weight distribution that made it one of the most effective front-engined sports racers of its era.

Offered here is chassis 4L 100/61, a well-known and extensively documented car with an enviable competition pedigree. Delivered new to Elva Engineering, it made its debut as a factory entry at the prestigious 1959 Sebring 12 Hours, where it achieved an impressive 2nd in class and 23rd overall finish. During the 1959 and 1960 SCCA seasons, the car was campaigned by Burdette Martin, securing multiple class victories and podium finishes at renowned circuits including Road America, Bridgehampton, Lawrenceville, and Wilmot.

The Elva subsequently passed to Bob Leiss in 1960, remaining in his ownership for more than twenty years before joining several respected collections. More recently, it formed part of a prominent Midwestern collection and was displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, further underlining its significance within historic racing circles.

Prepared and maintained to a high standard, the car has benefited from a comprehensive mechanical overhaul by MRM and is fitted with a newly built Coventry-Climax FWA race engine by renowned specialist J. Whitehurst. The gearbox, differential, suspension, and associated components have all been rebuilt with new internal parts, ensuring the car is ready for immediate competition or demonstration use.

Accompanying the sale is an extensive history file including a FIVA Identity Card (A/3 Classification), period correspondence, memorabilia, contemporary racing photographs, and a period Walker's Bourbon advertisement featuring the car in competition. Importantly, the Elva also carries a newly issued FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP) for Period E TSRC3, confirming eligibility for premier historic racing events including Goodwood and many of the world's most prestigious historic motorsport meetings.

Elegant, lightweight, and exceptionally capable, this Elva Mk IV represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine factory-associated competition car with proven race history, outstanding documentation,  great value and immediate eligibility for some of the finest historic racing events on the international calendar.

Specification

• Chassis Number: 4L 100/61
• Engine Number: FWA 400-20-9162
• Transmission: Manual
• Body Colour: White
• Eligible for MRL Stirling Moss Trophy, Equipe Pre '63 , and Goodwood Members meeting / Revival Meeting

Keyword Search Terms:

Goodwood, MRL, Equipe, Pre '63, Lotus, Cooper, Elva