1959 Elva MkIV: an especially elegant design

[Moderator]

Elva's MkIV and Lola's Mk1 were designed concurrently and with a common goal: to challenge the Lotus Eleven's domination of 1.1L "Sports" (UK) and "Modified" (US) racing classes. Both succeeded. Lola's Mk1 was especially successful in England and Europe. Elva was especially successful in U.S.A.  It's only natural to compare these two new-for-1959 models. I've previously written about a Lola Mk1; I was immediately smitten by that model's spectacular beauty.  On the other hand, I didn't appreciate the Elva MkIV at first.  That changed as I studied photos of a MkIV carefully. In my opinion, the MkIV's beauty is under its skin. Such a neatly designed car: simple, symmetrical, serviceable... in a word: elegant! Have a look, and see for yourself:    

<a href="http://www.britishracecar.com/MichaelOritt-Elva-MkIV.htm">Michael Oritt's 1959 Elva MkIV Racecar</a>