1966 – Lotus Elan 26R Replica

Beautiful Elan prepared to 26R specification
Highly competitive car
Ready to take to the track

The Lotus which we are offering for sale is a splendid Lotus Elan 26R replica based on an S3 version first registered on 25 April 1966. It was fully prepared for competition some 15 years ago in accordance with the regulations then in force. The passenger compartment is therefore equipped with a roll cage, bucket seats with harnesses, and a fire extinguisher. Its 4-cylinder 1600 cc twin-cam engine develops 180 bhp at 6250 rpm and is fed by two twin-barrel Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, with fuel supplied with the help of a dual electric fuel pump. This work was carried out 4 years ago thanks to his former owner. With its fibreglass bodyshell, the car is very light and remains a model of agility when entering faster or tighter corners alike, thanks in particular to its all-round disc brakes and adjustable shock absorbers. During our road test we appreciated its eagerness to rev and linear power delivery through the four ratios of its Quaife competition gearbox. Among other equipment, the Elan is fitted with a large oil radiator, differential oil cooler and aluminium fuel tank … nothing has been left to chance. Lucien Governatori, a Lotus collector and renowned amateur racing driver, was responsible for having this work carried out. He also had the car assessed in 2004 by Jean-Pierre Cornu, a respected automotive historian and expert appraiser, and he held an outstanding mechanic restoration in 2013 before he sold the car afterward.

The Elan is now owned by another collector, who bought it with the intention of competing in historic rallies with his son. Having decided to go into track racing and compete in the modern GT championship instead, in the end he didn’t use the Lotus in competition. He nonetheless had the car regularly maintained by the specialist he used, who tested it regularly, in particular on the Circuit Paul Ricard in 2015 and 2016. It will require some work to meet current FIA regulations and be eligible to take part in major historic events. But it is already set to return to the track and deliver the strong performance and accomplished handling we know it is capable of.