1964 Lotus Elan 26R

For Sale

1 Feb

£250,000

One of 101 Lotus Elan 26Rs produced, this example helped launch the career of Le Mans winner and Can-Am champion, Jackie Oliver. Highly competitive in all pre-66 GT races and eligible for almost everything, including Goodwood, Le Mans Classic, Spa 6 Hours, Peter Auto, Masters, Tour Auto, Modena Cento Ore and more.

Overview

One of 101 Elan 26Rs produced by Lotus in period.
Launched the career of 1969 Le Mans victor and 1974 Can-Am champion, Jackie Oliver, having been raced extensively by the British ace between 1964 and 1965, with period wins at Crystal Palace and Montlhéry.
Comprehensively rebuilt by Lotus specialist Michael Schryver in the mid-2000s, prior to being reacquired by Oliver and campaigned by him in 2012 at the Goodwood Revival.
Sold by Jackie Oliver directly to our vendor in 2021.
Prepared to full FIA specification and accompanied by valid HTP papers.
Powered by a George Wadsworth-built engine with nine hours remaining until the next scheduled rebuild.
Road registered in the United Kingdom with a V5.
Eligible for all major events catering for 1960s GT cars, including the 2025 Goodwood Revival (Fordwater Trophy), the 2025 Le Mans Classic, Spa 6 Hours, Peter Auto’s Sixties Endurance, Masters Gentlemen Drivers, the Tour Auto, Modena Cento Ore, Motor Racing Legends (RAC Pall Mall Cup), GT & Sports Car Cup, HSCC Guards Trophy, and more.
Also eligible for a number of major events in the US, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and HSR’s Daytona and Sebring Classics.

The Elan 26R was the competition version of the first series production car built in-house by Lotus. With marque founder Colin Chapman’s famous focus on handling over horsepower, the 26R often proved capable against cars boasting twice the output—and still holds that reputation in historic racing to this day—as evidenced in the recent Spa Six Hours, where an Elan 26R finished on the outright podium and was the only non-Ford GT40 in the top ten.
Introduced in 1962, the Elan was known internally as the Lotus Type 26. A two-seater sports car, it replaced the Elite that had been available since 1957. The Elite featured a distinct fibreglass monocoque chassis and, like the Seven, was available in kit form only. When properly assembled, the diminutive Elite was a formidable machine both on the road and track. Although available again as a kit, the Elan could be ordered as a complete car and used fibreglass for the Ron Hickman-designed bodywork only. It was built around a steel backbone chassis and powered by a twin-cam four-cylinder engine. It also had disc brakes and independent suspension on all four corners. Emblematic of the Chapman philosophy, the Elan road car weighed a mere 680 kilograms.
The Elan was the ideal platform for a GT racer, but Chapman initially had no interest in developing one. Instead, the mantle was taken up by privateer racers Ian Walker and Graham Warner of the Chequered Flag racing team. Early on-track outings with Elans revealed some weaknesses that were soon addressed. Among them was bump-steer, which required the relocation of the steering rack. The suspension was also developed, and wider magnesium wheels with knock-off hub spinners were fitted. Walker fitted his cars with an oil cooler for the differential. To further reduce the weight, the pop-up headlights were replaced by lighter, fixed units.
The competition-prepared Elans were an instant success and forced Chapman's hand. Many of the modifications developed by Ian Walker and Chequered Flag were carried over to create the Elan 26R. Further upgrades to the suspension and braking system were also included. Even the pedal box was redesigned to ease heel-and-toe shifting. Power came from a developed version of the twin-cam four-cylinder engine, some of which were equipped with BRM-developed heads, and all featured twin-Weber carburettors. In full competition specification, the 1.6-litre unit produced 160 bhp. This power was sent to the rear wheels through a Ford-sourced four-speed gearbox.
Between 1964 and 1966, Lotus produced 97 Elan 26Rs in two series, which were predominantly raced in club events. In 1966, John Miles won the Autosport Championship for Team Willment. The small GT racer also proved to be worth far more than its weight in international races. The competition version of what Gordon Murray often described as the perfect sports car is still highly sought after and eligible for all the major events.
Chassis 26-S2-9 was an early second-series Elan 26R. It was acquired by the father of Jackie Oliver, who had a thriving refrigerator business. Under the very appropriate Ecurie Freeze banner, a young Oliver had raced a Marcos GT during the 1962 and 1963 seasons. This was replaced by the new Elan 26R for the 1964 season. It was delivered complete but unpainted in an attempt to avoid paying purchase tax. Jackie Oliver later recalled how they worked on the suspension to gain an advantage over the other Elan 26R entrants and that the car was eventually painted in a shade of red that he admired on the Volvo Amazon.
Oliver debuted the car at the Scott Brown Memorial Trophy at Snetterton in July of 1964. He beat Graham Warner in the Chequered Flag Elan to win the GT1.6 class and finished fourth overall, outrun only by a Ferrari 250 LM, Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and an AC Shelby Cobra. In September, he won the Crystal Palace Grand Touring race outright.
In 1965, he again impressed at Crystal Palace where he placed second behind the Ferrari 250 LM of David Piper. Towards the end of that year, the Elan 26R was brought over to Montlhéry to compete in the Coupes de Paris. Oliver won the race, beating local hero Bernard Consten in the very exotic Alfa Romeo TZ2.
For 1966, Oliver's father had acquired a Brabham Formula 3 car but after two outings, he was approached by Colin Chapman. The Lotus founder had followed Oliver's exploits in the Elan and was keen to keep him in the Lotus fold. Oliver was offered a three-year contract to join Charles Lucas Team Lotus. During that time, he worked his time up the pecking order. Such was his progress, that he was picked to replace Formula 1 team leader Jim Clark after his fatal crash in 1968. Oliver would go on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, secure the 1974 Can-Am championship and create the Arrows Grand Prix team.
Surplus to requirements at the end of the 1965 season, the Elan 26R was sold to an as-yet unidentified buyer for his aspiring racing driver son. He campaigned the Elan only briefly until his father decided that motorsport was too dangerous.
The next owner was British saloon car legend, Gerry Marshall, who in turn sold it to John Nicholson. Nicholson campaigned the car extensively between the autumn of 1966 and September of 1967 primarily in club races. He was highly successful, scoring numerous class podiums and wins. Nicholson recalls that the Elan 26R still wore the Volvo Amazon-derived red burgundy colour originally applied by Jackie Oliver. At the end of the 1967 racing season, Nicholson sold the 26-S2-9 to Brian Perk, who was a Lotus dealer based in Bristol.
Like so many European sports cars, the Elan 26R then moved across the Atlantic, to the United States. Through Lotus East, it was sold to Harold O'Day during the early 1970s. O'Day reportedly drove the car back to his home in Buffalo, New York, home,with his son in the passenger seat. This grabbed the attention of the local Troopers, who stopped the right-hand-drive car as they believed it was O'Day's young son doing the driving! O'Day raced the car in SCCA events through to at least 1974. He was helped by college student and Lotus enthusiast Tony Vaccaro, who worked on the Elan's electrics. For his efforts, Vaccaro was gifted the hard-top and side windows from the 26R to put on his own Elan road car.
In 1979 or 1980, O'Day got back in touch with Vaccaro to offer him the ex-Jackie Oliver Elan 26R for $5,000. Much to his own regret, Vaccaro did not have the money to buy the car. The Elan eventually made its way to Canada, where it was raced in historic events by Trevor Klotz. By 2004, it was with Lee Chapman Racing in Connecticut. From here, it was repatriated to the UK by British Lotus specialist Michael Schryver who comprehensively restored the car to full FIA specification for use in historic racing. It was fitted with a George Wexworth-prepared engine and papers were filed with the MSA in 2007.
Schryver raced the Elan 26R a handful of times. Through a mutual friend, Jackie Oliver was made aware that his Lotus was back on British soil. Considering how crucial the car had been to his career, Oliver jumped at the opportunity to re-acquire 26-S2-9. Oliver still had the photo albums chronicling his rise through the ranks, which of course included his time at the helm of the Elan. Though his driving career ended when he founded the Arrows Formula 1 team, he had made a comeback during the 1990s in historic racing. By buying the Elan 26R, Oliver had the opportunity for his career to come full circle.
Oliver raced his Elan several more times, culminating with an appearance in the Fordwater Trophy at the 2012 Goodwood Revival Meeting. Oliver qualified the Elan on the front row, alongside a small-block V8-engined Ginetta and the unique Ian Walker Racing Lotus Elan Coupe. During the race, Oliver fought among the leaders, finishing a fine second overall in what would be his very last competitive appearance. Although, he did not race the Elan again, Oliver kept the car for a few more years, eventually selling it to our vendor with a heavy heart.
Before taking delivery, the vendor commissioned Michael Schryver prepare the car again for racing. Since then, it has been it has been campaigned only twice. The car received extensive work once again in 2022, including the fitment of an FIA-approved front and rear suspension set-up, new flywheel and clutch as well as a full respray back to its original Volvo Amazon derived red The car is now offered with a valid HTP and a George Wexworth engine that is just three hours into its twelve-hour rebuild cycle. It is road-registered in the United Kingdom with a V5.
This historically significant Lotus Elan 26R was owned during two periods by racing legend Jackie Oliver and is now supremely eligible for all the major historic racing events. It will be welcomed at the Le Mans Classic, Modena Cento Ore and Spa Six Hours, and will also be competitive in the Peter Auto Sixties' Endurance and Masters' Gentlemen Drivers championships. In 2025, the Goodwood Revival will once again run the Fordwater Trophy for a field of 1964 - 1966 GT cars in which this very Elan 26R is a past podium finisher.
Technical Passport:
- Issuer: FIA/Motorsport UK
- Expiry Date: 31st December 2029
Crack Testing:
- New tests required
Engine Life:
- Last rebuild: 2019 by George Wexworth
- Current Engine Mileage: 3 hours
- Recommended Engine Rebuild Interval: 12 hours
- Remaining Mileage Available: 9 hours
Gearbox:
- Maintained as required, new bell housing installed in 2022
Category
- Pre-’66 GT
Chassis
- Steel backbone construction
Engine
- 1594cc, 8-valve, DOHC, Lotus Twin-Cam inline-4 engine
Gearbox
- Ford 4 Synchro 4-speed manual
Front Suspension
- Upper and lower unequal wishbones, coil springs with adjustable telescopic dampers
Rear Suspension
- Chapman strut and lower wishbones, coil springs with adjustable telescopic dampers
Brakes
- Girling steel discs
Weight
- TBC
Tyres
- Avon treaded
Goodwood Revival – Fordwater Trophy
The annual Goodwood Revival is one of the historic motorsport calendar's most anticipated events. Held over three days in September, this event holds several races, with this Lotus Elan 26R eligible for the Fordwater Trophy for production sports and GT cars constructed between 1964 and 1966. The next running is set to take place in September 2025.
Le Mans Classic – Plateau 4
The biennial Le Mans Classic is the premier event in historic endurance racing. Held over four days in early July, this event holds several races, with this Lotus Elan 26R eligible for the Plateau race for cars which raced at Le Mans between 1962 and 1966. The next running of the Le Mans Classic is set to take place in between the 3rd and 6th July 2025.
Spa Six Hours
The annual Spa Six Hours is one of the most coveted historic endurance races on the historic motorsport calendar. It is held over two days in late September and is for 1960s touring and GT cars constructed before 1965. The next running of the Spa Six Hours is set to take place between September 26th and 27th, 2025.
Tour Auto
The annual Tour Auto is one of the most prestigious rallies in Europe. It is held over six days in April, with the rally travelling from Paris to Nice and is for models, which competed in the Tour de France between 1951 and 1973. The next running of the Tour Auto is set to take place between April 7th and 12th, 2025.
Peter Auto’s Sixties Endurance
For pre-63 sports cars and pre-66 GT cars, Peter Auto’s Sixties Endurance holds a full annual calendar of events in Europe. Events take place at iconic circuits, including Imola, Spa and Paul Ricard.
Master’s Gentlemen Drivers
For car which competed in the World Endurance Series before 1966, Master’s Gentlemen Drivers holds a full annual calendar of events in the UK and Europe. These events take place at some iconic circuits including Silverstone, Spa and Paul Ricard.
Modena Cento Ore
The annual Modena Cento Ore is one of Europe’s most popular rallies. Held over a week in October, with the rally travelling from Modena to Rome and is for cars constructed between 1919 and 1981, which hold a valid HTP. The next running of the Modena Cento Ore is set to take place between October 5th and 11th, 2025.
Motor Racing Legends (RAC Pall Mall Cup)
For pre-66 GT and touring cars, Motor Racing Legends RAC Pall Mall Cup holds an annual calendar of endurance races in the UK. Events take place at iconic UK circuits, including Silverstone and Donington.
GT & Sports Car Cup
For pre-63 sports cars and pre-66 GT cars, the GT & Sports Car Cup holds an annual calendar of endurance races in the UK. Events take place at iconic UK circuits, including Silverstone and Thruxton. In addition, the final round is held at the Algarve Classic Festival in Portugal.
HSCC Guards Trophy
For 1960s sports racing and GT cars, HSCC’s Guards Trophy holds a full annual calendar of events. This series is split into three classes, with this Lotus Lean 26R eligible for the GTE class for GT cars built between 1960 and 1969. Events take place at iconic circuits, including Silverstone and Brands Hatch.
HSR Group 2 - Including Daytona and Sebring Classics
For vintage production cars, sports racers, and SCCA modifieds HSR's Group 2 series holds a full annual calendar of events in North America. Among these events are two of the premier events for historic endurance competition, which are HSR Classic Daytona and HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour.
Monterey Motorsports Reunion – John Morton Trophy
This annual event occurs during the iconic Monterey Car Week at the world-renowned Laguna Seca circuit. Holding races for a wide range of competition cars, this Lotus Elan would be eligible for the John Morton Trophy, which is for vintage production cars, sports racers, and SCCA modifieds. The next running of the Monterey Motorsports Reunion is set to take place in August 2025.
- 2x spare steering wheels (one suede OMP, one period style leather)
Car Location: Petersfield, Hampshire, UK
Taxes: UK