Background –
The Lotus Elan 26R was the competition version of the Lotus Elan, introduced in the mid-1960s for sports car racing. Developed from the lightweight road-going Elan, the 26R featured a reinforced chassis, widened wheel arches, upgraded brakes and suspension, and a breathed-on twin-cam engine to suit competitive use. It was campaigned in GT racing across Europe and became known for its agility and handling rather than outright power, often outperforming larger, more powerful cars. The 26R remains one of Lotus’s most admired racing models and is still actively raced in historic events today. Tony Thompson Racing (TTR) are the name associated with race-winning Elans, offering full spares backup and proven set-up / running advice.
Chassis No. 3752 –
This road-going Lotus Elan S1 is registered LKE 126B and was built to full lightweight 26R ‘GTS’ specification in 1991 and raced successfully in both Hong Kong And Macau. The car later sold to Bobby Bell of Bell & Colvill fame, before passing into the hands of Steve Tandy / Nick Pancisi. It was purchased by our vendor in 2017 and now shares a stable with a pre-war Fraser Nash and Cooper Formula Junior. Developed over. number of years to be one of the most competitive out there, the car is offered with a current UK V5c road registration document, showing just 4 former keepers and has competed on the Tour Auto and other road events. ‘LKE 126B’ utilises a fully-gusseted 26R spec chassis, with strengtheners and a lightweight TTR body shell. The car rides on strengthened TTR hubs and diff shaft, with Magnesium knock-on 26R wheels, magnesium uprights, 26R spec discs etc. It also incorporates 26R specification wishbones with all solid bushes (trunnions and bushes replaced in April ’25) and a new custom wiring loom was fitted in 2018.
Certification & Mileage –
Historic Technical Passport: Yes
Issuer: Motorsport UK
Expiry Date: 31st December 2025 –
HTP expires at the end of this year, but the car is fully-legal / compliant and should sail through its next inspection.
Engine rebuilt by Craig Beck in January of this year. Six hours use since, with dyno sheet showing a very healthy 182BHP.
Engine capacity certificate from Masters Racing, dated January 2025.
Close ratio gearbox rebuilt in October 2025. Rear differential has eight hours use.
Lightweight carbon seat.
All safety gear in date.
fuel tank capacity – 43 litres.
Eligibility –
Highly versatile and eligible, a 26R such as this is a perfect candidate for entry to wide variety of prestigious historic races and rallies, including: Peter Auto’s Sixties Endurance, Spa 6 Hours, Masters’ Gentleman Drivers, Goodwood the Tour Auto, HSCC Guards Trophy, Modena Cento Ore and (by invitation) Le Mans Classic, Members Meeting, Goodwood Revival.
Spare Parts –
Front lower wishbones x2
Front upper wishbones x2
Rear lower wishbones x 2
Brake discs x4
Brake pads – car set
Oil pump
Electric cooling fan
Perspex headlamp covers
Headlamps x2
Various coil springs
One damper
Set of four wheels, with mounted tyres
Front number plate
Car Location: this car is located at our Knutsford showrooms in Cheshire, United Kingdom where viewings are welcome by appointment.
