Video Download: https://onguardsafety.com.au/Elfin-MS8-Movie.mov (swipe and copy to browser)
This MS8 Clubman racer was a special build in 2007 for Elfin’s Managing Director, Nick Kovatch. It is #10 of only 23 produced. It is affectionally known as the 'UNICORN' by the Elfin fraternity.
This is a seldom seen icon of Australian small-scale sports car manufacturing and provides an exciting driving experience that no other modern car on the road can give.
Limited production of the MS8 began in March 2006 and soon after the business was sold to Tom Walkinshaw - owner of HSV/Walkinshaw Performance. Production units were retailed Australia-wide via HSV dealerships in each state. ONLY 23 were ever produced. It has been lovingly stored by a car collector on the Gold Coast. It has only travelled 11,500 kms. It is registered to November 2024.
Personalised plates – ELFIN. This ONE-OFF Australian sports car would suit a discerning collector who appreciates the special nature and history of the Elfin Heritage. Only one Elfin MS8 Clubman version was available in 2007.
Styled by the Holden Design Team under the direction of Mike Simcoe, the new MS8 is a fantastic mix of retro and modern design cues. This vehicle was built specifically for Nick Kovatch (Elfin joint owner till 2006, then Elfin Managing Director.) It is built around a multi-tubular space frame chassis with GRP body panels, the MS8 weighed in at just 1,050 kg and possessed a formidable power-to-weight ratio. This was thanks to a 5.7-litre Gen III V8 punching out 245 kW. Top speed: 279 km/h. Acceleration: 0 - 100 km/h - 3.8 seconds.
Driving through a six-speed transmission with limited-slip diff, the Elfin had fully adjustable rose-jointed, double wishbones suspension with alloy uprights, adjustable Koni shocks and rack and pinion steering, making this the perfect track day weapon. To keep the power in check Elfin fitted traction control, slotted and ventilated disc brakes with ABS and unique 18-inch wheels on 235/40 rubber.
Modern day creature comforts, so often sacrificed on such a focused sports car, included a fully adjustable pedal box. The Holden running gear kept maintenance costs to a minimum and there is plenty of scope for enhancing the already brutal performance.
Specific Factory Additions:
Built specifically for Nick Kovatch (Elfin joint owner till 2006, then Elfin director.)
Exterior Colour: Charcol/Evoke Grey - special order (2007 HSV Senator colour)
Interior Colour: Black Leather
Koni race 8211 series suspension with Ebach springs.
Factory LS6 block with 241 heads and custom cam. HM extractors.
Four into one exhaust. The exhaust is a one-off design, no rear baffle like other MS8 Sportster clubman's, cannon baffles both sides.
Tremec T56 6 speed man with short shifter.
HP tuners / VCM suite computer, and tune.
Rack and pinion race steering unassisted.
Sparco steering wheel.
Inner front guard frames changed from aluminium to steel, adding strength, stability in wind shear, and safety. First Elfin to have a drain on the radiator. (serviceable without pulling radiator out)
Full competition pack: Schroth harnesses, side intrusion / roll bar.
Race seats with internal bladder (pump up seat for harness fitment).
Fire extinguisher, Isolation switch. (Cams approved).
Arthur Neill (Elfin Head Engineer) added after-market options.
AP racing brakes, braided lines, grooved ventilated discs. Replaced twin Tilton brake boosters with new ones in 2022, enables front / rear bias adjustment.
Wildwood adjustable pedal box - added in 2022.
FAST 92mm intake manifold with billet FAST 92mm throttle body, LS2 update 4 bolt design - added 2022.
Louvered bonnet with snorkels and custom airbox with a K&N filter - added 2022.
New drive belts, pulleys, water pump and hoses all replaced at the Elfin Heritage Centre Melbourne - early 2022.
A hand-stamped limited edition, 704-page Elfin Book: the Spirit of Speed by David Dowsey is provided with this car. It is numbered to match the chassis number of the car.
