Road test reports
Acceleration:
‘ … quite out of the ordinary. Wheelspin can, of course, be induced, but the rearward, weight distribution gives exceptional traction, as the performance figures prove.’
Flexibility:
‘ … the Courier will come right down to 15 mph and accelerate away strongly-all on the highest ratio.’
Gear changing:
‘Really quick gear changes can be made silently, and the clutch does not slip after one has “snatched” a higher gear.’


Maximum speed:
‘104.64 mph, certainly good for a 1600 cc car. At this velocity there are still a few hundred revs in hand.’
Braking:
‘Fully up to any fast touring demands. The pleasant fly-off hand brake is quite powerful, a regrettably rare virtue nowadays.’
Stability:
‘Road holding has been improved, particularly at the front end. It is possible to unstick the rear wheels on a really bumpy corner, but the car remains controllable under these conditions and does not tend to spin off.’
Fuel consumption:
‘Driven hard, 28 mpg’

Specification and technical data
Except for the type of body and the few other points detailed, the two-seater open Sports and Fixed Head Elva Courier oars are identical in specification and performance.
Engine 76.2 mm bore x 88.9 mm stroke; 1622 cubic capacity. Pushrod operated, OHV, water cooled, four cylinders. Twin 1½ bore S.U. carburettors. Lucas coil ignition.
Transmission Four speed gearbox with synchromesh 2nd, 3rd, and 4th: Ratios 3.73, 5.12, 8.25 and 13.56: 1. Central remote control, single dry plate multi-spring Borg & Beck clutch, hypoid rear axle, open propeller shaft and needle roller universal joints.
Chassis and body Duplex tubular steel chassis of welded construction with integral moulded fibre glass body. Uneven length wishbone front suspension, rigid rear axle mounted on twin trailing tubular links with lateral Panhard rod, helical coil springs, Armstrong telescopic oil damped shock absorbers, rack and pinion steering.
Brakes and -heels Disc front brakes, Lockheed 8 • x l ½’ ell-um rear brakes. Pressed steel disc wheels retained by four studs and fitted with 5.60 x 13’m· 14′ tyres.
Electrical 12 v generator driven by adjustable V belt, flange mounted starter motor, 43 Ampere-hour battery.
Equipment Trip speedometer, tachometer, ammeter, trafficators, self parking screen wipers; fuel, water temperature and oil pressure gauges,
Dimensions and capacities
Fuel………..9 gallon…………40.5 Litres
Oil ………… 1 gallon …………..4.5 Litres
Water ……… 18 pints………. 10.l Litres
Wheelbase ……… 7′ 6″ …….228.6 ems
Track ………….. 4′ 1” ……….. 124.5 ems
Length ………. 12′ 10” …….. 391.0 ems
Height (Sports)…..4′ 1½”…126.0 cms
(Coupe)…..4′ 2½”….128.5 cms
Weight (Sports)……2.75 cwt …648 K1
(Coupe) ….13.5 cwt ……..686 K1
Turning circle … 35 ft …..10. 7 Metres
Performance
Maximum Top 104.5 mph … 167.2 Kph
3rd 80.0 mph … 128.0 Kph
2nd 51.0 mph …… 81.6 Kph
1st 32.0 mph …… 51.2 Kph
Acceleration …….0 – 30 mph ……2.8 secs
0 – 50 mph ……… 6.6 secs
0 – 60 mph ……… 10.2 secs
0 – 80 mph ……… l 7.4 secs
standing¼ mile …… 17.8 secs
Fuel consumption….28 mpg driven hard
Optional Equipment Lockheed hydraulically-operated drum brakes on all four wheels at a reduction of £25.
Extras Screen washer, tonneau cover, Smiths heater, front roll bar.