The Elan 26R was the Lotus factory race car, of which 45 Series 1 and 52 Series 2 units were produced. Many standard road Elans were also modified for racing with similar specificationss to the works 26R and, although often called 26R's, these project cars were obviously not the real commodity. Lotus produced the 26R with lightweight, single skin bodywork to accept wider magnesium wheels. In most examples the pop-up headlights were replaced with the cowled lamp arrangement. A triangulated roll bar was fitted; not an easy task with the backbone, central chassis. Competition suspension wishbones, sliding spline drive shafts, and a thicker front/rear anti-roll bar were installed.
The chassis was strengthened at the front and rear suspension pick-up points. Dual circuit brakes, light alloy calipers with racing pads and a revised pedal layout were incorporated. The engine was prepared by Cosworth or BRM to deliver 135-165 hp. An aluminum cross-flow water radiator and an oil cooler were added. The gearbox and limited slip differential were cased in magnesium. In 1966 John Miles, driving the Team Willment 26R, won the Autosport Championship in England. In the U.S. the 26R was campaigned in SCCA events, winning National Championships in 1964, 1982, 1983, 1984. Elans, both modified-for-racing road cars and true 26Rs are very hard to beat, usually competing with larger engined cars.