1959 Elva Mk IV
- Engine
- Coventry Climax FWA series
Chassis 4L 100/61 is a 1959 Elva Mk IV Sports Racer powered by a Coventry-Climax engine, one of the more refined examples of Frank Nichols's low-volume competition cars. Delivered new to Elva Engineering, it made its debut at the 1959 Sebring 12 Hours, finishing 2nd in class, and went on to accumulate multiple SCCA wins that season and into 1960. Supported by period documentation, a FIVA card, and a current FIA HTP, the car remains actively campaigned in historic motorsport.
Ownership
- 2026-02-20Auction saleEstimate £50,000 – £60,000
- 1959 → 1959Factory deliveryElva Engineeringfull documentation
The factory took delivery of the car and entered it in competition, including its debut at Sebring.
- 1959 → 1960Acquisition unknownBurdette Martinpartial documentation
Primary racing driver of the car across multiple SCCA events in 1959 and 1960, accumulating several class wins.
- 1960 → 1983Acquisition unknownBob Leisspartial documentation
Retained the car for more than twenty years before selling it on.
- 1983 →Private saleJerry Schoultzpartial documentation
Acquired the car from Leiss; duration of ownership not specified.
- 2017 →Acquisition unknownMidwestern collectorpartial documentation
Described as a notable collector from the US Midwest; exhibited the car at select concours events including Amelia Island.
Competition
- 19591959 Sebring 12 HoursDriver: Burdette Martin2nd in class, 23rd overall
Factory entry; the car's competitive debut, described as an impressive performance.
- 1959SCCALawrenceville SCCA eventDriver: Burdette Martin
One of five SCCA outings in the 1959 season; specific result not recorded.
- 1959SCCAWilmot SCCA eventDriver: Burdette Martin
One of several 1959 SCCA appearances; specific result for this round not stated beyond strong finishes generally.
- 1959SCCARoad America SCCA eventDriver: Burdette Martin
Part of the 1959 SCCA campaign; result not individually specified.
- 1959-11-01SCCAWilmot SCCA RegionalDriver: Burdette Martin1st
November regional event; one of the stronger results of the 1959 season.
- 1960SCCABridgehampton SCCA eventDriver: Burdette Martin
Part of the 1960 racing campaign; contributed to two additional class wins that year.
- 1960SCCAWilmot SCCA eventDriver: Burdette Martin
Second of three named 1960 venues; contributed to class win tally.
- 1960SCCARoad America SCCA eventDriver: Burdette Martin
Third named 1960 venue; the car added two SCCA class wins across these 1960 appearances.
- —Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Exhibited by the midwestern collector owner; exact year not stated.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Engine rebuildJ. Whitehurst
A new race engine built to Coventry-Climax specification was constructed by J. Whitehurst and fitted to the car.
Carried out under current ownership as part of preparation to modern historic racing standards.
- —MechanicalMRM
Comprehensive mechanical overhaul encompassing the gearbox, differential, suspension, and associated assemblies, with all components replaced throughout.
Undertaken under current ownership alongside the engine build to bring the car to contemporary historic racing readiness.
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