Frank Nichols developed a CSM-built race car powered by a Ford sidevalve engine that was given an overhead valve conversion. Frank Nichols produced 25 of these cars, and in 1955 the first Elva was introduced. The name 'Elva' is a corruption of the French 'elle va' meaning 'she goes'. The Elva MkII was available for 1957, with De Dion rear suspension (in place of Ford Anglia), and a Coventry-Climax 1,100cc engine. The car was further developed into the Elva MkIII and then the MkIV for 1958. For 1959 Elva developed the FJ100 Formula Junior single-seater usually powered by a BMC A-series engine, and for 1960 there was an Elva FJ car with a rear-mounted engine. For 1961 Elva developed an Elva-Ford FJ car. Keith Marsden designed the rear-engined Elva Mk VI powered by a Coventry-Climax 1,100cc engine. Other engines were also fitted including 1,700cc Porsche engine, and the Mk VIII was given a BMW 2-litre engine. Elva went into a joint venture with Trojan in 1965 the outcome of which was that Elva produced McLaren racing cars. Elva launched the Courier sports car in 1958 with MGA engine. The Elva Courier MkII was given a curved windscreen and the 1,600cc MGA engine. From 1962 Trojan produced the Courier sports car separately from Frank Nichols who continued to build his Formula Junior and Sports Racing cars. The Elva Courier MkIII was produced by Trojan from 1962 with a new box frame chassis. The MkIV was also launched in 1962 with a new body, independent suspension and a choice of engines. Trojan sold off the Elva Courier to a private buyer in 1965 and production ceased in 1968.