Interesting place to mount the spare tire. Wonder how effective it is as a safety bumper. 
Update by Tim Suddard to the
Elva Mk VI project car
Mar 18, 2020
Owners of specialty cars are a tight-knit group. Despite the small number of Elva MK VIs made, we instantly started communicating with other owners that we found either through our own publication or through the Facebook group for these cars.
We have talked regularly with a fellow owner who lives near Los Angeles. Our restorations are progressing on similar timetables. We have exchanged pictures, measurements and, on a recent trip out West, even stopped by to meet him and see his car.
A new Elva friend near Los Angeles shared all kinds of chassis photos and measurements with us.
Our coolest encounter, though, is a note received from an owner in Switzerland. While on a business trip to the U.S., he found our magazine at a newsstand in New York City. He owns an original, untouched MK VI and was eager to share photos.
Our new Elva buddy in Switzerland has a very original car. He sent us a photo showing the original drum brake and transaxle setup.
That same friend from Switzerland also sent over this early chassis photo.
Pittsburgh’s Joey Bojalad, an Elva MK VI racer, invited us to check out his car at a vintage race at Summit Point, West Virginia. Once there, we asked questions and took hundreds of photos.
Elva racer Joey Bojalad showcases his MK VI on a hero card.
A lot of the reason we build these silly cars is to meet the community–often passionate, sometimes a bit eccentric. Despite the small production run, we have not been disappointed with the friends we have made in the Elva community.
Interesting place to mount the spare tire. Wonder how effective it is as a safety bumper.
In reply to wlkelley3 :
Maybe? But, yeah, it is a bit waaaaaay out front.
Good to read that you are getting local support from other ELVA Mk.VI owners .. nice people worldwide. Just remember that these cars tend to be individuals and since the early 1960's many are somewhat different to the original specification seen on leaving the factory. However, enjoy, keep well and stay safe.
ElvaRacing Roger, I have noticed how different the cars are and have had people tell me their cars are very original, when they are not. Thankfully, my twenty plus years of concours judging, have taught me a lot about what is original and what is not. I plan to do a very faithful job of restoring this car, especially if I can find the drum brakes I need.
And as for the spare tire, it was probably more to do with space available and weight distribution, than safety, but I did think that it might make a good bumper, and do plan on installing it.
Tim, good that you are prepared to accept some shared 'knowledge' with a pinch of salt; sometimes this comes from excessive enthusiasm rather than malice but there are rule benders in all walks of life. It becomes nasty if with fraudulent intent of course. The carrying of a spare wheel and tyre was a regulation in some events, and you will perhaps have noted that the later McLaren-Elva had such a requirement with the item sitting more-or-less on the top of the 'dash panel' albeit being totally unsuitable for actual use. A box that had to be ticked by the scrutineers! Best that you do not put the 'bumper' to the test as you could find your kneecaps in your armpits :-) but continued good luck with the rebuild of 60/13 .. it will be a fun ride for sure. Keep safe ...
Displaying 1-5 of 5 commentsView all comments on the CMS forums
You'll need to log in to post.
