The Encor Series 1: A Modern Ode to the Lotus Esprit’s Mid-Engined Majesty
For the discerning automotive enthusiast who finds themselves weary of the ubiquitous Porsche 911 restomod scene, a truly exceptional alternative has emerged. Imagine a machine that captures the avant-garde spirit of a bygone era while embracing the cutting-edge engineering and refined performance demanded by today’s connoisseurs. This is the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking tribute to the legendary Lotus Esprit, meticulously reimagined for the discerning collector with a penchant for exclusivity and unparalleled driving dynamics.
At its heart, the Encor Series 1 is a fusion of automotive history and forward-thinking design. It takes the potent foundation of a post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8, a car already boasting a formidable quad-cam, flat-plane-crank V-8 engine, and cloaks it in a body that pays homage to the iconic, wedge-shaped silhouette penned by the master Giorgetto Giugiaro for the 1976 original. The result is a vehicle that is not merely a replica, but a thoughtful evolution, a “restomod” in the truest sense, breathing new life into an already celebrated platform with a level of craftsmanship and performance that surpasses even the loftiest aspirations of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman.
The genesis of the Encor Series 1 lies in a profound respect for Chapman’s philosophy of “lightweight and simpler.” Encor, through its expert engineering team, achieves this by skillfully integrating the robust chassis and powertrain of an Esprit V8 donor car with a newly sculpted, bespoke carbon-fiber body. This advanced composite material, a cornerstone of modern high-performance automotive construction, allows for significant weight savings and unparalleled design flexibility. The original glass-reinforced plastic bodywork is carefully removed, and the steel backbone chassis is meticulously stripped, galvanized to combat corrosion – a welcome departure from the rust concerns often associated with classic British sports cars – and then meticulously reassembled. The suspension is comprehensively upgraded, mirroring the most potent iteration of the Esprit V8, the Sport 350, ensuring a driving experience that is both dynamically sharp and reassuringly stable. While many original Lotus components are retained, including the precise hydraulic power steering system, Encor has engineered crucial enhancements, such as stronger rear hub carriers, to address historically known weaknesses in the Esprit V8 platform, ensuring the Series 1 is not only beautiful but also remarkably robust.
Rebuilding Excellence: The Heart of the Encor Series 1
The celebrated Lotus V-8 engine, internally designated the Type 918, undergoes a complete and thorough rebuild. This is not a mere tune-up; it is a comprehensive revitalization. Forged pistons, upgraded fuel injectors, and meticulously refurbished turbocharger internals form the bedrock of this performance enhancement. A new electronic throttle body, alongside modern, efficient fuel and cooling systems, ensures optimal operation and reliability. The bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system not only enhances performance but also delivers a thrilling, aural symphony that befits the car’s pedigree.
The transmission, a five-speed transaxle originally supplied by Renault to Lotus, has also been subject to extensive recalibration and reinforcement. Collaborating with the transmission specialists at Quaife, Encor has integrated a stronger input shaft – a critical upgrade addressing a known drivetrain vulnerability that previously necessitated a reduction in the engine’s original output potential. Revised gear ratios optimize power delivery, while a helical limited-slip differential provides tenacious grip, and a twin-plate clutch ensures precise engagement and a surprisingly light pedal feel, a testament to Encor’s commitment to driver comfort.
Honoring a Visionary: Design That Transcends Time
The exterior design of the Encor Series 1 is where the spirit of Giorgetto Giugiaro truly shines, yet it is a modern interpretation, unburdened by the limitations of past manufacturing techniques. While the subsequent redesigns of the Esprit by Peter Stevens and Julian Thomson introduced a more flowing aesthetic, Encor’s design director, Dan Durrant – himself a former Lotus designer – looked back to Giugiaro’s audacious 1972 Turin Motor Show concept for inspiration. “We’re not handcuffed by the original,” Durrant explains, “but we’re completely inspired by it.” This guiding principle has allowed Encor to distill the essence of Giugiaro’s sharp, wedge-like form, translating it into a contemporary masterpiece.
The use of a one-piece carbon-fiber body has been instrumental in achieving a cleaner, more simplified aesthetic compared to the original Esprit. The conspicuous black line that once circled the midsection of the original car, a design necessity to conceal the panel gaps of its two-piece fiberglass construction, is now elegantly absent. This allows for uninterrupted, flowing bodysides and a more cohesive appearance across the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design subtly incorporates key elements of the original, such as the distinctive flat roofline and the trapezoidal windshield. The refined Kamm tail and the understated front spoiler beneath the tapered nose are also direct nods to the Giugiaro vision. Modern LED lighting, both front and rear, provides a contemporary functionality without detracting from the classic lines. Notably, the Encor Series 1 proudly displays its V-8 heart beneath a transparent rear backlight, mirroring the presentation of the original four-cylinder Esprit, a charming detail that adds to its visual appeal.
The forged billet wheels, measuring 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires, a configuration reminiscent of the final Esprit V8 models. “Wheels were a real topic of discussion,” Durrant admits. “Inflate the wheel size too much, and you can completely unbalance the visuals of the car. It starts to look like a toy.” The wheel designs themselves echo the iconic five-slot Wolfrace alloys of the original, albeit scaled appropriately. Behind these striking wheels reside high-performance AP Racing brakes, providing formidable stopping power.
Two subtle, yet instantly recognizable, design cues that firmly anchor the Encor Series 1 to its Esprit lineage are the cluster of six small vents at the base of the windshield and the distinctive fuel filler cap ingeniously integrated into the left C-pillar. “The silhouette and the key shapes on the car are very, very close to the Giugiaro original, but refined and honed in every way,” Durrant emphasizes. “We’ve made just small adjustments here and there to add elements that wouldn’t have been possible when the car was originally produced. And because carbon fiber is such a robust and dimensionally accurate material, it means that we can do the things that customers want, like nice tight shut gaps and flush mounted glass.”
Beyond aesthetics, the carbon-fiber construction brings significant gains in structural rigidity and safety. In a stark contrast to the plywood firewall found in the later Esprit V8 models, the Encor Series 1 boasts a double-layer carbon-fiber firewall. This structural element integrates seamlessly with the cant rails of the roof, which house tubular carbon-fiber members that extend downwards along the windshield pillars, connecting to the dashboard and door structures. Furthermore, these members are interconnected across the top of the windshield, forming a robust passenger safety cell, significantly enhancing occupant protection.
A Cabin of Classic Charm, Enhanced by Modernity
The interior of the Encor Series 1 artfully blends nostalgic design with contemporary technology. The two-spoke steering wheel and the architectural elegance of the center console pay direct homage to the original Esprit. However, the choice of materials and the integration of cutting-edge technology imbue the cabin with a decidedly modern feel. The instrument panel, a standout feature, reimagines the original’s free-standing, wraparound pod. Encor presents a sleek, light metal structure housing a state-of-the-art digital display at its core, flanked by smaller touchscreens positioned on wings angled towards the driver. A portrait-format touchscreen centrally located on the console controls various functions.
From the driver’s perspective, the tactile experience – the relationship between the steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals – remains faithfully aligned with that of the original Esprit, ensuring a familiar and engaging driving position. However, the original Esprit was renowned for its compact dimensions, and the Encor Series 1, while sharing this heritage, acknowledges that it can be a snug fit for taller occupants. Despite a longer wheelbase than a contemporary Porsche 911, the Esprit’s exceptionally low height means headroom can be at a premium for individuals exceeding six feet. This consideration was a key factor in Encor’s decision to retain the original Lotus seat frames, not only for their inherent lightness but also to accommodate the limited vertical space within the cabin.
Despite its compact dimensions, William Ives, Encor’s managing director, assures that the Series 1 is designed for everyday usability. Integrated climate control and a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring high-end audio, are standard. This advanced technology is the product of Skyships Automotive, Ives’ primary business, which also supplies sophisticated electronic systems to other exclusive low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. The age-old concerns regarding Lucas electrical components are a distant memory; the Encor Series 1’s entire electrical architecture, right down to the new electronic throttle body, has been meticulously designed by Skyships, representing the pinnacle of modern automotive electrical engineering.
The vehicle showcased is the inaugural prototype, poised to embark on a rigorous testing regimen to fine-tune the suspension and calibrate all systems. Given its reduced weight compared to a production Esprit V8, the spring and damper rates will require precise adjustment. The production Esprit V8 achieved impressive figures, with 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds and an increase of 50 horsepower, the Encor Series 1 is projected to significantly outperform these figures, comfortably achieving its manufacturer-claimed top speed of 175 mph.
Encor intends to produce a limited run of just 50 Series 1 examples over a two-year period, with production slated to commence in 2026. Crucially, left-hand-drive configurations will be available, ensuring its appeal to enthusiasts worldwide. Given that nearly half of the approximately 1,400 Esprit V8s produced were exported to the United States, a healthy selection of donor cars exists for American collectors eager to embark on this bespoke journey. The base price, subject to current exchange rates, hovers around $570,000, excluding shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. While undeniably a significant investment, the Encor Series 1 offers an unparalleled proposition in the realm of exclusive automotive creations, rivaling the engineering prowess and bespoke quality found in the most sought-after 911 restomods.
If you are an individual seeking an automotive masterpiece that transcends fleeting trends, a vehicle that marries iconic design with cutting-edge performance and exclusivity, then the Encor Series 1 warrants your immediate attention. We invite you to explore this exceptional creation further and discover how it can redefine your automotive passion.
