Always delighted to hear from ELVA owners who want to share their enthusiasm, particularly when they have restored a car of considerable historic interest such as the ELVA-PORSCHE rebuilt in South Africa by Clive Winterstein. The car and owner/driver recently had an outing at the Kyalami circuit with details at the Elva Forum . There is more about the ownership history of 70/067 in the ELVA book.
Image is Clive and 70/067 in action

Another recent and most welcome visitor was Mark Francis, a very proud new owner of a BMW powered Mk.VIIS, who had stepped off a flight from a temperate Southern California to be greeted by an icy wind and plenty of UK snow!

We met in Brighton and slid our way through increasingly white streets to find a snug hostelry where we chatted "ELVA" while gently consuming some locally brewed beers. Now Mark knows why we drink "warm" beer in the UK!

Image is Dunbar rescued from the Brighton snow!

For some time I have been aware that the ELVA website has not given much space to the Formula Junior cars designed and built by the ELVA team, due at least in part to the superb work undertaken by Duncan and Sarah at the FJHRA.

There is always plenty to explore at their website. However, contact from a previous owner of an ELVA "300" series F/J prompted me to share and compare some F/J information, and Daryl Wilson has been very proactive in searching further into histories and the current locations of all of the "300" cars.

You will find details on the Elva Forum with more to follow. It might be an appropriate time to undertake a similar exercise for the "200" series cars, and to whet your appetite here are a few images of the red 'works' car, one of two, with much more to appear on the ELVA website soon.

Images show the '200' Series F/J

Finally, I have previously recommending various motorsport related books and here is another.. "GOODWOOD ANECDOTES .. The Early Years" by Peter Redman. This book has just been published by IM Publications and contains many anecdotal stories and images from the era we respect and adore. ELVA content of course but also much else to read and enjoy.

One short 'Postscript' that made me smile tells of a regular competitor who was having a trial in a Lotus 11, but returned to the paddock complaining that he could not keep it in a straight line down Lavant Straight. He pointed out his grievance to designer Mike Costin to be told "Well keep your #!#!#!# hands still then!!". I recall Frank Nichols telling a somewhat similar colourful ELVA story although his recommendation was not to grip the #!#!#!# steering wheel so hard. So if you are flat out; your car feels light and wants to wander, then remember the words of of those two wise gentlemen. Steady hands and no white knuckles. It works! Just remember not to shut your eyes!

Put this book on your wish list!