🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Lotus Model: Elan Type 26 Year: 1962-1971 Codes Chassis Codes: Type 26, Type 36, Type 45, Type 55, Type 65 👋 Introduction Market Position 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. Competitive Analysis 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. Key Features 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 Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and technical specifications for the Lotus Elan Type 26 series. Page Count Estimated Pages: Detailed page count not provided, but described as comprehensive. Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (Instant Download), Printable 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included 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. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for both amateur enthusiasts and professional mechanics, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Optimized for immediate download and printing) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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) Fuel System Carburetors: Twin Weber 40 DCOE or Dell'Orto DHLA carburetors Fuel Type: Unleaded or Leaded Gasoline (premium grade) Engine Management Ignition System: Lucas or Bosch distributor, coil, and ignition leads 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual (initially, later models offered 5-speed or sequential) Gearbox Make: Coventry Climax (early), Ford (later) Optional Optional Gearbox: 5-speed manual gearbox (e.g., ZF variants on some later models or racing versions). Features Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3700 mm (145.7 in) Width: Approx. 1562 mm (61.5 in) Height: Approx. 1156 mm (45.5 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 726 kg (1600 lbs) – exceptionally light Chassis Type: Steel backbone chassis with fiberglass body. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety: N/A (Era-specific safety standards; focus was on handling to avoid accidents). Active Features Handling Emphasis: Primary safety feature is its superior handling and braking, allowing drivers to evade hazards. Passive Features Seatbelts: Seatbelts were often optional or basic in early models, but fitted on later versions. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Features: Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on essential instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel gauge, and warning lights. Driver Assistance Features: None by modern definition. The 'driver assistance' is the exceptional chassis and steering feedback. Connectivity Features: N/A 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals 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. Fluid Specifications 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...