1960 Elva Mk.V
Chassis 100/101 is the eleventh of only thirteen Elva Mk.V sports-racers constructed, powered by a 1220cc Coventry-Climax FWB single-overhead-camshaft engine. Among the definitive front-engined, drum-brake Elva competition cars, the Mk.V was noted for its handling superiority over the Lotus 11 at circuits across three continents. This example carries a continuous ownership history from new, was raced in SCCA competition in California including a class championship, and received a thorough nut-and-bolt rebuild to factory specification by specialist Michael Clifford in Connecticut during the mid-2000s, with minimal running time accumulated since.
Ownership
- 2018-02-23Auction saleEstimate £50,000 – £60,000
- → 1988Acquisition unknownG. Clarkpartial documentation
Second owner; raced the car for a number of years before placing it in storage ahead of the 1988 sale.
- 1988 →Private saleB. McCawpartial documentation
Owned the car for approximately a decade before selling on.
- → 2002Private saleDon Kruzanpartial documentation
Head of the Elva Register; reportedly sold the car back to the previous owner around 2002.
- 2002 →Private saleB. McCawpartial documentation
Reacquired the car circa 2002 and commissioned a full restoration with Michael Clifford Vintage Racing, completed over approximately four years.
- 2011 →Private saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Purchased the car intending to obtain FIA papers and race at Goodwood; other commitments intervened and the car has seen no competitive use since acquisition.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryStephens Motorspartial documentation
US distributor for Elva who initially imported the car; served as the first point of entry into the American market.
- Date unknownPrivate saleR. Davispartial documentation
First private owner; raced the car for several years with documented success in SCCA California Club competition, including a class championship in 1964.
Competition
- 1964SCCA Cal ClubSCCA Cal Club 'D' ChampionshipDriver: R. Davis1st in class (championship winner)
Part of several years of SCCA California Club racing by the first private owner.
- 2007Monterey Historic Races
First competitive outing following the multi-year restoration; part of the car's limited post-rebuild use.
- 2008Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
- 2009Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationMichael Clifford Vintage Racing
Complete nut-and-bolt rebuild carried out over approximately four years, returning the car to factory-original specification with a correct 1220cc Coventry-Climax engine installed.
Work commenced around 2002 and was completed by roughly 2006; the workshop is described as a British sports-racing car specialist based near Connecticut.
- —Service
Pre-use professional inspection recommended by the cataloguer given the extended period of inactivity, along with fitting of a racing seat and harness.
Recommended work only, not yet carried out at time of cataloguing.
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