The Elva Courier was the primary automobile built by Elva Engineering Co. between 1958 and 1969. Elva was a British sports and race car manufacturer whose name came from the French phrase elle va (“she goes”). Production was limited to about 500 cars with an evolution across four series (Mk I-IV).  This 1964 edition looks like a work-in-progress needing someone to finish it. Location in Bristol, Rhode Island, all the required parts are said to be there. This seldom-seen car from “across the pond” is available here on craigslist for $10,000 OBO. Thanks for the cool tip, Roger!

Elva’s Courier was a successful little machine in racing circles. Famed driver Mark Donohue was piloting one when he won the SCCA F Prod Championship in 1960 and the SCCA E Prod Championship in 1961. Powerplants were usually provided by MG and graduated from 1500 to 1800-cc over time. The cars rode on a front independent suspension that was developed in-house. Because production was never intended to be extensive, fiberglass bodies were used. The Courier was produced as a complete car for the U.S. and European markets and available in kit form for the home audience.

Although overall assemblies of the Courier didn’t exceed a few hundred units, the later Mk IV like the seller’s car is thought to have numbered just 65 (according to the seller). This one has its original MGB engine under the hood, but it hasn’t run in years and will need some attention. The interior also looks like it could use some help, too, and the layout is simple to work on.

The body and paint seem to have been restored and perhaps that’s where work stopped. The red finish looks particularly good, and we’re told the missing chrome pieces (like the windshield frame) are there and will come with the car. So, someone experienced with British sports cars can hopefully pick right up and finish putting this rare car back together again. However, the title is missing, so you’ll have to do the usual song and dance with the DMV to get a new one.