1964 Lotus Elan 26R Shapecraft
1964 Lotus Elan 26R Shapecraft
Brand
Lotus
Year
1964
Country
Great Britain
Generation
Elan
1964 Lotus Elan 26R Shapecraft
Brand
Lotus
Year
1964
Country
Great Britain
Generation
Elan
About this car
Discover the history
The 1964 Lotus Elan 26R Shapecraft is a notable variation of the iconic Lotus Elan 26R, designed for racing with specific enhancements made by Shapecraft, a company that specialized in body modifications. The most distinct feature of the Shapecraft Elan is the addition of an aluminum fastback roof that was bonded and riveted to the car’s fiberglass body. This modification improved aerodynamics and gave the car a distinctive look compared to the standard Elan models. Only 20 Shapecraft Elans were built, and of those, just three were based on the race-prepped 26R variant, making them exceedingly rare and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Lotus Elan 26R was already a formidable racing machine, following Lotus’ tradition of lightweight, nimble vehicles. It was a development of the Elan road car but was significantly modified for racing, with a stiffer chassis, modified suspension geometry, wider magnesium wheels, and improved braking systems. It also featured a Cosworth-tuned engine, providing up to 160 bhp, and was lauded for its agility and cornering abilities, even when compared to more powerful competitors. The Shapecraft version took these qualities a step further by improving the car’s top speed thanks to the more aerodynamic roof design. The Shapecraft models were sold through Surbiton Motors, a Lotus dealer, and built by privateer Barry Wood, who also raced the car.
One of the most famous Shapecraft Elans was chassis 26R-07, raced by gentleman driver Major Richard Crosfield, who competed in the car during the 1964 season. This specific car saw success in various races, including a respectable fourth-place finish at the Goodwood BARC International GT race. Crosfield continued to race the car throughout the season, achieving podiums in club races and solid finishes in more prestigious events. The car later went on to be a successful competitor in the Autosport Championship of 1965, before being sold to new owners.
The Elan 26R Shapecraft’s racing pedigree is defined by its competition against much larger and more powerful cars. Despite its small 1.6-liter engine, the Elan’s lightweight body and excellent handling allowed it to compete effectively in its class and even punch above its weight in races against larger GT cars. The modifications made by Shapecraft enhanced its aerodynamic efficiency, particularly at higher speeds, which was a key advantage on faster circuits. Throughout its racing career, the Elan 26R Shapecraft was praised for its balance and cornering capabilities, attributes that made it a formidable competitor in endurance races and shorter sprints alike.
In modern historic racing, the Lotus Elan 26R Shapecraft remains a favorite among collectors and racers. Its unique body design and connection to both Lotus’ racing heritage and the privateer spirit of the 1960s have made it a valuable piece of automotive history. Cars like chassis 26R-07 continue to participate in historic racing events, demonstrating the enduring appeal and competitiveness of these lightweight racing machines.
