The International Motor Racing Research Center, hosted the Elva reunion at Watkins Glen (2012), celebrating the historic connection between Elva cars and the famous racetrack. The event features various speakers, including Janos Wimpffen who authored a definitive book on Elva, and Burdette “Birdie” Martin, regarded as a leading ambassador for automobile racing and the original Elva distributor for the United States.
Both presenters delve into the intricacies of Elva’s history from the inception by Frank Nichols in 1955 to its evolution and key milestones in racing history. Various key figures such as Chuck Dietrich, Carl Haas, and Mark Donahue’s early career with Elva are highlighted. This Center Conversation includes personal anecdotes from racing experiences, descriptions of Elva’s marketing influence, challenges, innovations, and its esteemed status in vintage car racing today.
This episode was originally recorded in 2012 at International Motor Racing Research Center and has been remastered for this podcast.
Highlights
- 00:00:00 Elva Reunion at Watkins Glen; Welcome by JC Argetsinger
- 00:02:39 Michael Argetsinger’s Program Overview and Acknowledgements
- 00:04:27 Keynote Speaker: Janos Wimpffen
- 00:11:11 Elva’s Historical Significance
- 00:18:49 Frank Nichols and the Birth of Elva
- 00:24:27 Elva’s Expansion and Key Figures
- 00:32:06 Birdie Martin’s Personal Stories
- 00:51:25 The Courier and Production Challenges
- 00:53:23 Elva’s Rapid Growth and Racing Success
- 00:53:44 Key Drivers and Racing Achievements
- 00:57:26 Formula Junior and Elva’s Innovations
- 01:06:27 Challenges and Recovery for Elva
- 01:19:46 The Elva Porsche and McLaren
- 01:22:51 Elva’s Legacy and Modern Impact
- 01:26:17 Q&A Session and Closing Remarks
This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family – and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.
Video: Part 1
Video: Part 2
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