1961 Elva 300 Formula Junior. Ex Chuck Dietrich.

History

This is one of approximately only six 1961 Elva 300 Formula Juniors constructed. It is chassis number 300-003H. It was initially delivered to Elva works driver Chuck Dietrich from Sandusky, Ohio. Dietrich was instrumental in bringing the Elva marque to the U.S., achieving many race victories for Elva. For more on Chuck Dietrich and his accomplishments, please see the article in the April, 2017 issue of the SCCA Northeast Ohio region newsletter.  

Chassis 003H was shipped to Chuck Dietrich with a Ford Holbay motor, and a Hewland 5 speed gearbox. It was also equipped with finned aluminum drum brakes – outboard at the front and inboard at the rear. The car was in the shade of green it currently wears. 

What stood out about the 300 was its incredibly low profile, by period accounts it was only 24 inches high. That makes a GT40 rather tall by comparison. 

Chuck and his wife, Suzie Dietrich, raced the 300 successfully, winning races in both 1961 and 1962. Suzie even raced the car at Nassau, in the Bahamas. See photo below. 

Dietrich sold the Elva to his friend, Jon Clifton. He later bought it back. Then he sold it to Clifton again! The car remained with Clifton in Ohio where it sat for over 30 years. It was then discovered by the current owner and purchased. It was the classic “barn find.” 

The Elva was then sent to Bob Merrill in Texas to be re-commissioned while retaining the incredible originality of the car.  The car was further refined by Michaels Vintage.

The Elva began its vintage racing career at Eagles Canyon, followed by Barber Motorsports, Hallett and the Circuit of The Americas. Most recently it has been maintained and supported by Regogo Motorsports in Dallas. 

Description

A new Richardson engine was installed 10/23. It has only two race weekends on it since. Its last race was Lime Rock, September 2024. Below is additional work that has been done to the Elva since purchased by its current owner.

Full nut and bolt check by Regogo prior to Lime Rock 2024.

All brakes and drums refurbished/replaced.

Fuel cell, pump, entire system replaced and replumbed.

Oil cooler replaced.

All wiring updated and/or replaced.

Transmission checked and replaced parts as needed.

Roll bar replaced to current standard.

Paint is as restored by Dietrich.

Seat – original Dietrich.

Radiator cooling still plumbed thru frame rails – all pressure tested. 

Belts good until 2028.

Fire extinguisher needs to be replaced.

To see a series of period and current photos of Elva 300 cars in action, please go to bing.com.

The Elva 300 cars are very quick in historic racing. Chris Drake won the Goodwood Revival with his Elva 300. If you already owned this Dietrich car, you could have raced it at the 2026 Goodwood Revival featuring the drum brake Formula Juniors.

Drake also won the drum brake class at Road America during the 50th anniversary of Formula Junior Diamond Jubilee World tour. He was quickest in the first qualifying session at Monaco in 2016 and started 5th out of 43 cars. His quest for the win was thwarted by a failed driveshaft joint during the race. Drake and his Elva won the drum brake class at the Monterey Reunion. Below are further historic accolades achieved by the Elva 300

• 7 overall race victories
• 1 British championship
• 1 Goodwood Revival victory
• 3 further Goodwood awards/podiums
• 17 additional overall podium finishes
• Competitive appearances in Britain, Europe, South Africa, Australia and North America

The Elva 300s are super efficient through the air, with low centers of gravity. They could have been top contenders in 1961-62, but financial woes at Elva prevented the cars from being further developed at that time. Even so, Dietrich won with the car here in the U.S., and he finished 6th out of 27 starters at the Formula Junior race at Sebring held in conjunction with the 12 Hour race. He was also running second with the Elva at the 1962 Puerto Rico Grand Prix, behind eventual race winner Timmy Mayer, when the Elva began to overheat. Dietrich pitted, and then came roaring back to finish fourth behind Mayer, William Smith, and Peter Revson. Chuck’s wife Suzy finished in 5th in a Cooper.  

Elva 003H comes with a vast amount of period photos and original documentation authenticating it. Due to its short ownership history (3 owners in 65+ years), and storage for decades, it remains highly original, and is a great car for an Elva racer/collector. It is also a great entry to the finest Formula Junior racing events worldwide. This Elva is a contender to win the drum brake Formula Junior class at any event. Just compare it visually/aerodynamically with its main competitor, the Lotus 18, and you can see its advantages. The Elva 300 has also proven that it can also go toe-to-toe with many of the top disc brake cars as well.

Lots to like here.

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

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Photos

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