The recently completed restoration of this 1964 Elva MKVII, has been done to reflect the authenticity of this model when it was new.It is powered by a Lotus Twincam 1600cc, in line 4 cylinder cast iron block and alloy cylinder head engine, with Hewland MK5 gearbox. Originally built in Hastings Sussex at Elva Cars Ltd, it was raced in the UK by Willie Forbes and Robs Lamplough (Not raced by Robs as far as we know, he was a racing car dealer at that time) and then brought to Southern Africa (Rhodesia / Zimbabwe) by John Amm, eventually being purchased by the current owner Michael Falconer (deceased), who has restored it in Perth, Western Australia in recent years.
Special modifications / technical information:
The car has zero miles on it following the rebuild and is yet to be dynotuned or raced and will require tuning/shakedown and adjustments. Particular attention has been paid to the fibreglass body work, which fits perfectly, with small even gaps throughout. Particular care has been taken to restore the car as closely to the original with the original steering wheel, lamps, horn, spare wheel and extra seat as was required for the sports car class in the day.
The chassis has had a replacement front section and radiator support, one new cross member and a new roll bar. Coolant pipes have been fitted externally (there is no coolant through the chassis tubes) and the fuel tank is foam filled. The car has new Koni ‘Historic’ dampers with the original springs fitted. The uprights are original with new bearings, discs and wheel studs. Front top and bottom control arms, driveshafts and Girling AR Calipers are all new. Also included is a set of new Spitfire callipers. Rear suspension arms and both anti-roll bars are original. There are new steering arms to correct the bump steer.
The engine has steel main caps, and a big valve head (period fuel injection head). The cams are L1 with vernier adjustment, a and compression ratio is 10.5:1 static. The carburettors are Weber 45DCOE and a complete new dry sump lubrication system has been fitted. The clutch is an AP racing unit and the gearbox has a complete new set of upgraded components, except the diff carrier and the side shafts. A small alternator has been fitted. Current wheels and tyres are old and will need replacement before racing as will the seatbelt. New wheels of 6 and 7 inch are included but will need the hub faces machined to get the desired offset.
Competition History:
Factory Built Racing Car - Elva Car Ltd (Hastings Sussex)
Owner Location
Willie Forbes Scotland
Robs Lamplough United Kingdom
John Amm Rhodesia / Zimbabwe
Kim Wilkinson Rhodesia / Zimbabwe
Alan Roomer Rhodesia / Zimbabwe
Geoff Frizell Rhodesia / Zimbabwe
Gamby McDonald Rhodesia / Zimbabwe
Michael Falconer Rhodesia / Zimbabwe / Australia (Purchased 29/12/1979)

1964 Elva MKVII, Chassis number 70/042, Engine Number 13640211
GOOD NEWS … NOW BACK IN THE UK … LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THE CAR IN ACTION.