1964-1966 Lotus Elan 26R
In 1964 Lotus prepared a racing version of their potent Elan for privateer teams. Many of the modifications reduced the weight of the car which greatly increased its performance potential.
Ian Walker was one of the main teams that campaigned the 26R throughout Europe. They were very successful at defeating the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ and other cars in the 1.6-liter class.
In preparation for the 26R, Lotus took an undelivered car and send it to Lotus Components to be outfitted with competition pieces. As such the original factory 26R cars do not have a standard serial number nor a shipping date from Lotus Cars.
In preparation for racing Lotus Components had a fully-rose jointed suspension, lightweight fiberglass panels and a BRM-built engine that was capable of 180 bhp.
Some of the top Grand Prix drivers of the day drove Elans including Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Jochen Rindt, Stirling Moss and Jackie Oliver.
Specs & Performance
| type | Racing Car |
| production years | 1964 – 1966 |
| built at | England |
| engine | Lotus 2731E Inline-4 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Lucas 25D4 Distributor |
| block material | Cast-Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Head |
| valvetrain | Chain Driven DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 2 Weber DCOE/2 Sidedraft Carburettor |
| displacement | 1588 cc / 96.91 in³ |
| bore | 82.6 mm / 3.3 in |
| stroke | 72.8 mm / 2.9 in |
| body / frame | Monocoque Fiberglass Body over Pressed Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Knock-off Steel Discs |
| front tires | 5.20-13 Dunlop SP 41 |
| rear tires | 5.20-13 Dunlop SP 41 |
| front brakes | Girling Discs |
| rear brakes | Girling Discs |
| front wheels | F 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| steering | Triumph Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar |
| r suspension | Half Shafts w/Lateral Link, Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar |
| curb weight | 600 kg / 1323 lbs |
| weight distro | 48 % / 52 % |
| wheelbase | 2133 mm / 84 in |
| front track | 1193 mm / 47 in |
| rear track | 1193 mm / 47 in |
| length | 3683 mm / 145 in |
| width | 1422 mm / 56 in |
| height | 1168 mm / 46 in |
| transmission | Ford 4-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | 8.5-Inch Dry Plate |
| gear ratios | 2.92:1, 2.51:1, 1.64:1, 1.00:1 |
| fuel capacity | 45.42 litres or 12 gal. |
