Fall Tune-Down and Chili Party Sunday, November 1, 2020: 11 am - 4 pm 82 King Drive - Streamwood, IL This event will happen again this year. We will just have to conform with the COVID-19 guidelines. Do you know what your winter project will be? If not come by and I am sure we can find something that should be done before next year’s driving season. I have a low-lift hoist so we can do some underbody inspection or brake work. End of the driving season is time for oil changes, some tune-up work or minor repairs. Bring your own parts, oil and a jug for oil disposal (and yes, you will take your own away). Chili and drinks will be provided. dbralich@sbcglobal.net (Home: 630-289-7915 Cell:630-222-3571). ~~David Bralich

DID – U – KNOW
by Facia Nearside
Frank Nichols left his home in Bexhill-On-Sea, England at the age of 14 and went off to fight the Axis. Surviving the war he returned and became involved in the world of motor sports, a fascination which was sweeping not only Britain but the Continent as well.

Elva FJ 100

By selling used cars he financed his interest in racing, initially driving a Lotus VI. Buying into the Colin Chapman mantra of saving weight Nichols decided to build his own race car. The result was the Elva MKI. The car met with reasonable success which bolstered Nichols to push forward. He founded the Elva Car Company in 1955 with the intention to produce low cost sports and racing cars. Rapidly evolving technology in aluminum, fiberglass, and space frame construction proved to be a winning combination for Elva, and for a time production numbers even exceeded those of Lotus. The MKI was quickly followed by the MKII, MKIII, MKIV, MKV, FJ 100, Elva-Ford, and Elva MK7-Porsche among others.

Elva FJ 100

Despite the fact that Elva considered itself a sports and race car company a road car was introduced in 1958, the Elva Courier. Production lasted until 1969 and took on many forms including convertible, coupe, kit form, and complete car. There were even several versions featuring MG mechanicals, first with the MGA 1500cc unit, then the MGB 1800cc engine.

Elva BMW Mk VII

Elva also enjoyed considerable popularity in the United States. In 1963 round seven of the Road America 500 was won at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin by an Elva MK7-Porsche. Elva fortunes in the United States looked bright and a staff of 60 workers was turning out three Couriers per week, most bound for the United States. Unforeseen trouble lay ahead however. With cars in production, en route to North America, and awaiting delivery on the docks in New York, an expected payment draft failed to materialize. The North American importer was jailed for fraud and overnight Frank Nichols and the Elva Car Company were wiped out.

The Courier was taken over by Trojan and Frank Nichols simply left motorsports behind. He went on to develop the Brede class lifeboat, then took up a career of deep sea fishing. As for that name Elva, it comes from the French phrase “elle va”, which means “she goes”. Today a very active club maintains interest and support for these unique cars.

Next month: Trojan
Reprinted from British Boots & Bonnets Chronicle— August 2020 issue