Model Generation:
Series 1, 2, 3, 4, Sprint
Production Years:
1962-1975
Chassis Codes:
Type 26 (Coupe), Type 36 (Convertible), Type 45 (Convertible), Type 26R (Competition)
Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Owners, Independent Workshops specializing in classic British sports cars.
Competitors:
MGB, Triumph TR4/TR5/TR6, Sunbeam Alpine/Tiger, Datsun Fairlady
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Colin Chapman's 'Simplify, then add lightness' principle, revolutionary fibreglass monocoque chassis.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, professional-grade repair and maintenance data for a classic, sought-after sports car, ensuring long-term usability and collectibility.
Primary Focus:
Service, Repair, and Workshop Procedures
Included Vehicles:
Lotus Elan (all variants and series from 1962-1975)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific number not provided, but described as 'very detailed' with 'hundreds of pages')
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Primary Language:
English
Delivery Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Digital Compatibility:
Windows, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones
Usage License:
Lifetime use, no expiry dates, no renewal fees, multi-device usage
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System
Braking System:
Front & Rear Brakes (Disc & Drum), Hydraulic System, Parking Brake
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Charging System, Lighting, Instrumentation
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass
Cooling System:
Radiator, Hoses, Thermostat, Water Pump
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, Carburetors (Weber, Stromberg), Fuel Pump
Maintenance:
Routine Servicing, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Rebuild, Brake Service, Electrical Component Replacement
Disassembly And Reassembly:
Component Level Disassembly and Reassembly Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all repair, servicing, and troubleshooting procedures.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed photos & diagrams, exploded views.
Print Capability:
Print single pages or entire manual.
Visual Fidelity:
High detail for photos and diagrams, suitable for printing.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Text Search:
Likely searchable text within the PDF for ease of finding information.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC)
Engine Code:
Lotus Type 26 (940cc, 70 hp), Ford Cortina GT derived (1558cc)
940Cc Variant:
940 cc (57.4 cu in)
1558Cc Variant:
1558 cc (95.0 cu in)
Horsepower 940Cc:
Approx. 70 hp @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower 1558Cc Gt:
Approx. 78 hp @ 5500 rpm
Horsepower 1558Cc Twin Cam:
Approx. 105 hp @ 6500 rpm (Sprint)
Torque 1558Cc Twin Cam:
Approx. 105 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Sprint)
Carburetion:
Single Stromberg CD175 (later models), Twin Weber 40 DCOE or Stromberg CD232 (Sprint)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (historically, leaded gasoline)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual (Renault/Ford based for early models)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual with Laycock de Normanville Overdrive (optional on some models)
Gearbox Unit:
Often integrated with the final drive as a transaxle unit.
Specific Ratios:
Detailed gear ratios for each model variant would be found within the manual.
Length:
Approx. 3,711 mm (146.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,524 mm (60.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,150 mm (45.3 in) (Coupe), Approx. 1,143 mm (45.0 in) (Convertible)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 550-650 kg (1,213-1,433 lb) depending on model
Chassis Type:
Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) monocoque
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, but detailed schedule provided in manual.
Major Service:
At significant mileages, covering valve adjustments, tune-ups, and component checks; detailed in manual.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or equivalent, viscosity SAE 20W-50 often recommended for classic engines. Manual will specify exact grade.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with distilled water. Manual specifies ratio and type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will confirm specific requirement.
Gearbox Oil:
Manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 90 GL-4). Manual specifies exact type and capacity.
Chassis Integrity:
Potential for corrosion in steel backbone chassis if not properly maintained, though less common than body rust on other cars of the era. GRP body can be susceptible to impact damage.
Engine Reliability:
Twin-cam engines require careful maintenance, valve clearances can drift. Carburetor tuning is critical.
Electrical System:
Aging wiring can be prone to failure; Lucas components can be temperamental. Wiring diagrams are crucial.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in rubber bushings can affect handling; replacement is common for optimal performance.
Manufacturer:
Lotus Cars, founded by Colin Chapman.
Philosophy:
Performance through lightweight design and superior handling.
Initial Concept:
Revolutionary sports car utilizing a fibreglass monocoque chassis for unprecedented lightness and rigidity.
Series Development:
Evolved through Series 1, 2, 3, and 4, culminating in the more powerful Sprint model with a 16-valve engine.
Production Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, England
Total Production Approx:
Around 11,000 units across all variants.
