So I'm heading South from my office in Tacoma, WA to a big meeting in Portland, Oregon, and stopped at a rest area just South of the 205 reconnect to I5. Just as I was leaving, I was BLINDED by the glare from this car and had to stop and meet the owner. The car is a 1957 Elva Mark II (one year before Elva officially went into production with the Courier). Only 25 Mark II models were made, and according to the owner, Bob Engberg (in photo), only 6 exist today. The original 1100 CC (Riley?) engine was replaced years ago with a Coventry Climax 1460cc, so officially this car is called an Elva Climax, which in 1958 became the standard engine. But this particular car was 'born' as an 1100 and was converted later. Raced in 1958 by Frank Campbell, later by Burdette "Burdy" Martin (first head of the US branch of the FIA), and by Chuck Dietrich. Current owner Engberg was heading South to the August Rolex Monterey Historic Races (August 14th). Bob told me he has some You Tube videos of last year's race, but I couldn't find the link - perhaps someone can find a add that. The LAST picture is a photo posted by Bob Engberg elsewhere... not my picture - HOT!!. Here's a link about Elva: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_(car_manufacturer) Hey - I'm an F-car guy, but this little piece of history simply made my day. And made my QUITE LATE for my Portland meeting. Oh well Note: I neglected to get Bob's email address - if anyone knows how to reach Bob Engberg, please PM me so I can email him to this thread - he seemed interested in seeing it. Thanks! Jedi Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The lines of the car (especially the rear) really remind me of th Ginetta G20. That car looks awesome in the polished aluminum!!! BT Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
My friend Mac Quattelbaum has raced Elva's for years and has some very cool race cars. There was an Elva Coupe on Ebay a couple of weeks ago. I would have bought it but I have too many projects as it is.
Are you still living near Robbinsville / Deal's Gap? I am planning another trip up to the mountains for the first week of October. If you want to meet up and go for a drive it would be cool. I plan on staying in North Georgia, but my driving routes can go about 150 miles from the base camp, so to speak. We drove Deal's Gap last October, it took about two hours to get there from the cabin. Some pics from that trip here: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201774&&page=9 BT
Boooo! If you want to meet us, we will probably rent a house that has enough space. The one I am currently eyeing is a 4 bedroom with a total of 7 beds in Blue Ridge, Jawja. BT
