Elfin Sports Car Company was founded by Garrie Cooper (1935-1982), successful championship driver, designer and builder of racing and sports/racing. Under his command Elfin has won no less than 29 championships and major titles including two Australian Driver’s Championships, five Australian Sports Car Championships, four Australian Tourist Trophies and three Formula Ford titles. World Formula One Champion James Hunt raced an Elfin, as did the brilliant French Formula One driver, Didier Pironi. Elfin also took out the Singapore Grand Prix and twice won the Malaysian Grand Prix.
In 1998 the ailing company was purchased by businessmen and historic racing enthusiasts Bill Hemming and Nick Kovatch who moved the premises from Adelaide to Melbourne intent on regeneration.