🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Lotus

Model:

Elan Type 26

Year:

1962-1971

Chassis Codes:

Type 26, Type 36, Type 45, Type 55, Type 65

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Iconic British sports car, renowned for its lightweight construction, advanced chassis, and exceptional handling. Appeals to classic car enthusiasts and those seeking a pure driving experience.

Competitors:

Primarily competed against other lightweight sports cars of the era, such as the MGB GT, Triumph TR4/TR5, and Alpine A110, but offered superior handling and performance.

Handling Dynamics:

Groundbreaking chassis design by Lotus founder Colin Chapman, emphasizing lightness and rigidity for unparalleled cornering ability.

Engine:

Powerful Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine, derived from Ford's Cortina, providing spirited performance.

Body Construction:

Unique fiberglass monocoque chassis with bonded body panels, contributing to its extremely low weight.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and technical specifications for the Lotus Elan Type 26 series.

Estimated Pages:

Detailed page count not provided, but described as comprehensive.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Instant Download), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Lotus-Ford Twin Cam 1558cc, including assembly, disassembly, tuning, and troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Coventry Climax, Ford-based gearbox (Type 36, 47, etc.), including rebuild procedures and adjustments.

Suspension:

Front unequal wishbones, rear Chapman strut system, springs, dampers, alignment, and geometry adjustments.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (Dunlop, Girling), rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, bleeding, and component replacement.

Steering:

Worm and roller steering system, column, linkages, and adjustments.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, battery, alternator, starter motor, and auxiliary circuits.

Fuel System:

Carburetion (Weber, Dell'Orto), fuel pump, lines, tank, and emissions control (where applicable).

Cooling System:

Radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, and fan.

Exhaust System:

Manifolds, pipes, silencers, and mounting.

Bodywork:

Fiberglass body construction, chassis frame, doors, hood, trunk, windows, trim, and repair techniques.

Maintenance:

Scheduled servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, and general upkeep.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement across all vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.

Assembly Disassembly:

Complete guides for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle components.

Cleaning:

Instructions for cleaning and preparing parts during maintenance and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for both amateur enthusiasts and professional mechanics, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Optimized for immediate download and printing)

Quality:

High-resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Lotus-Ford Twin Cam

Displacement:

1558 cc (95.0 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

82.55 mm x 72.75 mm (3.25 in x 2.86 in)

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 or 10.5:1 (depending on variant)

Horsepower Output:

Approx. 105-115 bhp (Type 26) to 126-130 bhp (Type 47/70 variants)

Torque Output:

Approx. 115-120 lb-ft (depending on variant)

Carburetors:

Twin Weber 40 DCOE or Dell'Orto DHLA carburetors

Fuel Type:

Unleaded or Leaded Gasoline (premium grade)

Ignition System:

Lucas or Bosch distributor, coil, and ignition leads

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual (initially, later models offered 5-speed or sequential)

Gearbox Make:

Coventry Climax (early), Ford (later)

Optional Gearbox:

5-speed manual gearbox (e.g., ZF variants on some later models or racing versions).

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3700 mm (145.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1562 mm (61.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1156 mm (45.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 726 kg (1600 lbs) – exceptionally light

Chassis Type:

Steel backbone chassis with fiberglass body.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

N/A (Era-specific safety standards; focus was on handling to avoid accidents).

Handling Emphasis:

Primary safety feature is its superior handling and braking, allowing drivers to evade hazards.

Seatbelts:

Seatbelts were often optional or basic in early models, but fitted on later versions.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on essential instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel gauge, and warning lights.

Features:

None by modern definition. The 'driver assistance' is the exceptional chassis and steering feedback.

Features:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months. Early models may recommend more frequent changes.

Tune Up:

Every 6,000 miles, including spark plug gap, ignition timing, and carburetor synchronization.

Valve Adjustment:

Every 12,000 miles for Twin Cam engines.

Engine Oil:

API SF/SG or equivalent, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate and preference). Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.

Gearbox Oil:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 80W-90 or 75W-90 (check specific gearbox type).

Chassis Corrosion:

While the body is fiberglass, the steel backbone chassis is susceptible to rust if not properly maintained and protected.

Engine Oil Leaks:

The Twin Cam engine can be prone to oil leaks from various seals and gaskets.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints in the suspension can wear over time, affecting handling and requiring replacement.

Fiberglass Cracking:

Stress cracks can appear in the fiberglass bodywork, particularly around mounting points and stress areas.

📚 Vehicle History

Lotus Philosophy:

Founded by Colin Chapman, Lotus Cars is synonymous with 'Lightweight,' 'Simplicity,' and 'Performance.'

Elan Variants:

Evolved from the early Type 26 Coupe and Convertible, through the 2+2 (Type 36), GT (Type 45), and more performance-oriented versions like the Sprint and racing Type 47.

Production Years:

1962-1971

Manufacturing Location:

Hethel, Norfolk, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Significance:

Widely regarded as one of the most significant and iconic sports cars of the 20th century, celebrated for its revolutionary design and handling characteristics.

Classic Car Status:

Highly sought-after by collectors and considered a benchmark for sports car engineering and driving purity.