Twelve cars were produced, four of which were run by Ron Harris Team Lotus, whose drivers included Jim Clark and Mike Spence.

The chassis of the Lotus 32 was an aluminium monocoque with steel front and rear bulkhead and centre section to bring it up to weight.

The Lotus 32 was powered by the new Cosworth SCA 998 cc engine with twin 40DCM2 Weber carburettors, producing 115 bhp (86 kW) at 8700 rpm.

The Lotus 32 was introduced at the 1964 Pau Grand Prix, where Jim Clark qualified on pole position, set fastest lap and finished first.

[1] At the end of the 1964 season, one chassis was fitted with a 2497 cc Climax FPF engine, 4 speed Hewland HD transaxle, and different suspension and wheels.