60,s sports cars

can anyone advise me about the individual merits of Lotus 23B, Elva Mk7 and Merlyn Mk4 and Mk7 and Crossley 9s(?)
Is the Lotus and Elva actually better and therefore deserve to be at a premium in cost or is it just snob factor?

I think that there are a number of factors to be weighed in here. Certainly the Lotus and Elva do seem to be the faster of the cars that you have listed, as well as having names with more 'provenance'. The Brabham BT8 is a car that is also well worthy of consideration within this group.

is the time difference round most circuits significant - ie are Lotus and Elva significantly faster? Round Spa for example a well driven Lotus 23 can lap at 2.57 which is very impressive - does anyone know what a well driven Merlyn or Crossle can lap Spa or does anyone have comparable lap times anywhere else? In respect to Goodwood have Merlyns or Crossle's been invited to race yet? Do Brabhams use Lotus twin cams as well? sorry to ask 20 questions!

having just read something about BT8's i think they are most likely out of my league and it seems there are only 10 in existance!

The BT-8 primarily used the 2.0 climax.

The Elva was also competitive using a 2.0 BWM engine at times.

Don't ask me much about Goodwood, I'm on the wrong side of the pond. ;)

As far as lap times are concerned, it really is tough to say. I've seen Elva's, 23's and BT8's raced pretty regularly here in North American, and campaigned by some decent drivers. There are a couple of Merlyn's here, but never competitive, and I've seen a slow Crossle as well. I can tell you that the 2.0 climax engines that are running in North America are hardly what you Brit's would consider to be legit engines, but more as cheaters, as they have received substantial upgrades and reworking. To see a 23B outdrag a Scarab at Elkhart Lake was quite the sight.

Interesting results for you.

http://wspr-racing.com/results/usrrc/usrrc1964.html

http://wspr-racing.com/results/usrrc/usrrc1963.html

http://wspr-racing.com/results/usrrc/usrrc1965.html

http://www.teamdan.com/archive/wsc/1965/65tt.html

http://wspr-racing.com/results/usrrc/usrrc1966.html

World championship tables at

http://wspr-racing.com/results/wscc/nf_ms_home.html

Here are some prices of cars that have sold in the area that you are looking, with their sale prices.

http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/hsr.htm

http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/merlyn/mk4a01/mk4a01ss.htm

1963 Merlyn MK4A Sports Racer
Serial Number: 29 RS 4A
Gearbox Number: H4 - 164
Logbooks: SCCA
Condition: Concours
Price: $42,000 USD Firm
Location: California USA

http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/23-953/23-953ss.htm

1963 Lotus 23 B
Serial Number: 20-23-953
Logbooks: has held SVRA, HSR
Condition: Concours
Price: $65,000 OBO
Location: Minnesota, USA

http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/elva/mk6x01/mk6x01ss.htm

Serial Number: Has Tag
Logbooks: VARA - SVRA
Condition: Very Good
Price: $72,000 USD - Trades
Location: New York City area, US

http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/elva/70-046/70-046ss.htm

1964 Elva Mk7S Sports Racer
Serial Number: 70/046
Logbooks: FIA Identify Form
Condition: excellent, restored condition, race ready
Price: $69,000 EUR
Location: Europe

If you want to talk with someone super knowledgeable, and super friendly, give Jack Boxstrom an e-mail.

You can find his e-mail here... http://www.rmauctions.com/contact/

He would likely know where to find you a car within your price range as well.

that is very kind thanks - I looked at this site yesterday. I will let you know how I get on!

Good Luck with things.

Looking back at the Goodwood auction catalogue from 1998, there was a mint Lotus 23B went for £23000. What a bargain!

you cannot even buy a Merlyn for that!