Lot 061: 1957 ELVA MK II SPIDER SPORTS RACING CAR

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 American following. Introduced in early 1957, the Elva MKII Sports Racer was somewhat more sophisticated than its predecessors. Based around a tubular spaceframe chassis, the newcomer was equipped with independent double-wishbone front suspension, a De Dion back axle, coil-over springs and rack and pinion steering. Providing reassuring stopping power, its Alfin drum brakes were mounted outboard at the front but inboard at the rear (thus reducing unsprung weight). Although, customers could choose their own drivetrains many opted for a Coventry-Climax engine and the ubiquitous MG four-speed manual gearbox. Typically clothed in lightweight aluminium, the MKII rode on centre lock wire wheels. Finished in bare aluminium with red upholstery, this particular 'Bobtail' example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its 1100cc Coventry-Climax engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres. Supplied new to the USA, chassis number '100/40' is said to boast period "SCCA history". While, more recent outings have seen it competing with the VSCCA at Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Poconos and Mt Tremblant etc. It was last serviced in August 2006 by KTR Motorsports in Boston and all the bills for the restoration and race preparation for this car ($54,822 has been spent from 2004 to the present day) as well as the VSCCA Log book, photos etc are included in the history file. Thought to be potentially eligible for such prestigious events as the Mille Miglia and Goodwood (not to mention the HGPCA's Pre-1959 Drum Brake Sports Car Series), this enchanting Elva is worthy of close inspection. PLEASE NOTE: We have received the following details from Classic Performance Engineering regarding this vehicle. 'We have had a good visual look over the car and it appears to be complete, as described and in good order. The car has been started and driven around our industrial site - engine appears good, clutch works, gears work, brakes work. Compression test shows four good and even compressions. We have done some cosmetic tidying and cleaning and the car is now very presentable.'