Elva (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Elva was a British manufacturer of sports cars that operated from 1958 to 1968. The company originated from a garage business established by Frank Nichols in the early 1950s, where he commissioned Mike Chapman to create a competition car. This collaboration resulted in the C.S.M., a Ford-powered sports car that inspired Nichols to develop the Elva brand. The name "Elva" was derived from the French phrase "elle va," meaning "she goes." The first model, the Elva Mk 1, featured a spaceframe design and achieved moderate success in British club racing.

In 1958, Elva expanded its offerings with the introduction of the Courier, a road car built on a ladder frame with MGA running gear and a fiberglass body. The Courier was marketed as an affordable alternative to mainstream vehicles and found success in both sales and racing, with approximately 700 units sold between 1958 and 1961. However, the model was not available in Britain until 1960, when it was offered as a kit car.

Elva initially thrived in the Formula Junior racing scene but faced increasing competition from brands like Lotus and Cooper. The company’s fortunes declined when its American importer was imprisoned for financial misconduct, leading to significant setbacks. The Courier project was sold to Trojan Ltd, which produced a limited number of updated models, including the Courier Mk III and Mk IV. Despite attempts to improve handling and comfort, the changes did not revive the brand's fortunes.

In 1965, Ken Sheppard Sports Cars acquired Elva and continued production of the Courier, producing 26 additional units with MG engines. However, the company struggled with performance issues in its prototypes, including a GT160 with a Rover V8 engine. Ultimately, Elva ceased production in 1968, marking the end of its brief but notable presence in the automotive industry.