The Elan 26R Shapecraft is a lightweight fighter
After eight or so years of racing a Lotus Elite, Robin Ellis was ready for a new challenge and found it in what he describes as the Elite’s “stronger, younger brother.” Enter the Elan.
There are two things that make this particular Elan noteworthy. One is that it is in 26R spec, the other is its Shapecraft coupe bodyshell. The 26R was Lotus’s race spec Elan, following in the footsteps of privateer teams’ efforts to make the car better suited to competition use. Wishbones were lightened, sliding spline driveshafts came in rather than rubber, joints, anti-roll bars increased in size and suspension pick-up points were strengthened. Flared bodywork suited the wider cast magnesium wheels and, ordinarily, there was a factory-fit single-skin hardtop.
Not here, though. Twenty Elans were converted by Shapecraft with a fastback body, this one being the final of three based on the 26R. The roof is made from aluminium, and it’s bonded to the Elan’s GRP bodywork.
This car was originally owned by gentleman racer Major Richard Crosfield. He raced the car at Goodwood in the 1964 RAC TT. After going on to win the 1965 Autosport Championship with the car, he sold it on.
Robin bought the car early in 2020, so was unable to drive it until lockdown restrictions allowed in the summer. Outings included the Equipe Donington Three Hour Relay and a 90-minute HSCC race at Castle Combe. The intention was then to spend the winter improving the car, with a focus on the suspension geometry and set-up. But then the invitation to Goodwood SpeedWeek presented by Mastercard arrived, so the car was brought out in its current state.
“We’ve got to sort out the suspension on the rear. I think we probably need to replace the shocks, and tweak the camber and castor on the front,” says Robin. “The exciting thing is there’s still more potential. I think there’s a few seconds to find in it yet. Even though we haven’t quite got this right yet, this morning was the first time I’d driven it against a whole raft of Cobras and things. They lose you completely on the straights, but even going through St. Mary’s on the set-up we’ve got you’re catching them up. It’s braking and agility through the corners that makes it very exciting.”
The car was competing against all manner of big-engined GT cars in the RAC TT, the only car on the grid under 1,600cc. With a deficiency of cubic capacity, it kept Robin and guest driver David Brabham busy through the corners. The car went from 21st on the grid to 17th come the chequered flag on Sunday, a very solid result with so little setup work.
Photography by James Lynch.
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