Unveiling the Elva GT160: McLaren's Forgotten Precursor to Racing Glory

Forgotten GEMS - Embarking on a virtual journey through the automotive realm, we stumbled upon a remarkable GT car from the 1960s, a precursor to McLaren's iconic 1966 sports car—the Elva GT160. Born in 1964 under the craftsmanship of Elva Cars, a distinguished British automotive company founded by Frank Nichols in 1955, this classic gem holds a significant place in automotive history.

The Elva GT160 born under the craftsmanship of Elva Cars, designed by Trevor Fiore of Carrozzeria Fisore, and unveiled at the Turin Motor Show 1964. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

During the vibrant 1960s, Elva Cars flourished, producing a series of racing cars that graced American road races, including the Elva Mk-6, Mk-7, Mk-7S, and Mk-8. Notably, the Porsche-engined Mk-7 and Mk-7S models achieved success, rivaling formidable counterparts like the Lotus 23.

The Fiore's GT160 design featured a fastback coupe with a low-slung chassis, a glass greenhouse, and low window sills. (Picture from: PoeschlOnCars)

In a distinctive move, Elva Cars favored BMW four-cylinder engines over their Porsche-powered counterparts. This preference led Nichols and partner Carl Haas to develop the Elva Mk-8, characterized by increased length and a user-friendly weight distribution. Between 1963 and 1964, the company produced over five to six dozen Mk-7 and Mk-7S racing cars.

The dual front air intakes, reminiscent of mid-engined Elvas, remained, but retractable headlights replaced the plastic bubbles seen in open racers. (Picture from: PoeschlOnCars)

Inspired by the marriage of its chassis with a BMW engine, Nichols and his team envisioned a versatile GT car derived from a racing car chassis—a vehicle that could cater to both weekend racers and touring enthusiasts. The prototype, shaped by Trevor Fiore, an automotive designer associated with the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Fissore, materialized into the Elva GT160.

The Elva GT160's wheelbase increased by 3 inches compared to the Mk-7, reaching 93 inches, while the weight under 1,300 pounds. (Picture from: BDMCLassicCars)

Fiore's design featured a fastback coupe with a low-slung chassis, a glass greenhouse, and low window sills. Horizontal creases, extending from the chiseled snout to the rear deck, added a touch of sophistication. The dual air intakes, reminiscent of mid-engined Elvas, remained, but retractable headlights replaced the plastic bubbles seen in open racers.

The Elva GT160's cabin equiped with two racing bucket seats, coupled with a three-spoke steering wheel, and simple dashboard filled with various gauges. (Picture from: BDMCLassicCars)

Collaborating with chassis designer Keith Marsden, Fiore retained the Mk-7's twin radiators, positioning them ahead of the rear wheels with a pivot mechanism for optimal cooling. The wheelbase increased by 3 inches compared to the Mk-7, reaching 93 inches, while keeping the weight under 1,300 pounds.

The Elva GT160 retained the Mk-7's twin radiators, positioning them ahead of the rear wheels with a pivot mechanism for optimal cooling. (Picture from: BDMCLassicCars)

The GT160 brilliantly translated the radical proportions of mid-engined racers into a road-worthy GT car eligible for both club racing and endurance racing. For British automotive enthusiasts, particularly Londoners seeking an alternative to their Lotus Elan and Jaguar E-Type, the GT160 offered an intriguing option.

Two Elva GT160s featured Nerus BMW dry-sump engines, while the third boasted a Buick aluminum V8. (Picture from: PoeschlOnCars)

In 1964, the Fissore workshop near Turin saw the crafting of three prototypes, signaling an ambitious plan for GT160 production. Two cars featured Nerus BMW dry-sump engines, while the third boasted a Buick aluminum V8. Unveiled at the Turin Motor Show 1964, the GT160 garnered an extraordinary response, with eager customers willing to queue. However, cost challenges during Italian bodywork completion doubled the anticipated launch expenses. Trojan Ltd., a truck manufacturer, subsequently acquired Elva Cars, leading to Nichols' departure.

The Elva GT160 brilliantly translated the radical proportions of mid-engined racers into a road-worthy GT car eligible for both club racing and endurance racing. (Picture from: PoeschlOnCars)

Despite financial hurdles, two GT160 cars continued their racing endeavors. Elva Cars' new owners, in collaboration with Bruce McLaren, shifted towards a racing car design, marking Elva's shifted names out to be the McLaren. This shift culminated in the creation of McLaren's potent V8 race car for the Can Am Series in North America.

The GT160's legacy endures as a testament to innovative design and racing spirit. Despite production challenges and McLaren's evolution into an automotive powerhouse, the allure of this classic gem remains etched in the automotive history of the 1960s. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GOODWOOD | MOTOR-CAR.NET | POESCHL ON CARS | ULTIMATECARPAGES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | BDMCLASSICCARS | COACHBUILD ]

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