Beyond the Porsche 911: The Encor Series 1 Reimagines Automotive Iconography
For the discerning collector and automotive aficionado who finds themselves uninspired by the ubiquitous Porsche 911 restomod landscape, a new star has emerged, promising a fresh perspective on automotive art and engineering. Enter the Encor Series 1, a meticulously crafted homage to the legendary Lotus Esprit, a car that, in its original form, captured the imagination with its avant-garde design and tenacious spirit. This isn’t merely a restoration; it’s a profound reinterpretation, a fusion of classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, creating a vehicle that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary. Imagine possessing a machine that tips the scales at barely 300 pounds more than a nimble Mazda Miata, yet is propelled by a formidable, mid-mounted, quad-cam V-8 engine. With its flat-plane crank design and twin-turbo aspiration, this powertrain delivers a potent 400 horsepower, channeled through a five-speed manual transmission. The Encor Series 1 offers an experience that Colin Chapman, the visionary founder of Lotus, could only have dreamt of: a lighter, simpler, and demonstrably better-executed iteration of his iconic creation. This bold undertaking positions itself as a compelling alternative for those seeking something truly unique in the ultra-luxury automotive segment, challenging the established norms of bespoke vehicle manufacturing.
At its heart, the Encor Series 1 masterfully blends the advanced hardware introduced in the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 models with the quintessential design language of the original four-cylinder, Giorgetto Giugiaro-styled 1976 Esprit. The genius of Colin Chapman’s engineering ethos is palpable throughout, forming the bedrock upon which Encor builds its vision. In essence, Encor sources an Esprit V8 donor car, meticulously detaches its original glass-reinforced plastic body, and ingeniously replaces it with a breathtaking, bespoke carbon-fiber shell. This new skin is not a mere copy, but a thoughtfully designed homage, channeling the pure, unadulterated spirit of Maestro Giugiaro’s original masterpiece.
The process, however, transcends simple transplantation. The donor car’s steel backbone chassis undergoes a comprehensive rejuvenation. The original engine, suspension components, and ancillary systems are carefully removed. The chassis is stripped down to its bare metal, meticulously galvanized to eradicate any susceptibility to rust – a commendable deviation from the often-fraught battle against corrosion faced by vintage British automobiles. Subsequently, the suspension is meticulously upgraded, mirroring the performance-oriented specifications of the Sport 350, the most potent iteration of the Esprit V8. New bushings are fitted throughout, ensuring a revitalized and precise feel. While the majority of components are original Lotus parts, including the highly regarded hydraulic power steering system, Encor has engineered significantly strengthened rear hub carriers. This crucial enhancement addresses a persistent weakness that has historically plagued the Esprit V8, significantly mitigating the risk of cracking and ensuring long-term durability for these vital structural elements. This dedication to reinforcing inherent vulnerabilities underscores Encor’s commitment to creating a vehicle that is not only beautiful but also robust and reliable for discerning collectors.
Rebuilt, Reinvented, and Ready for the Road
The formidable 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, internally designated the Type 918, undergoes a complete and exhaustive rebuild. Every component is meticulously inspected, refurbished, or replaced with performance-enhanced alternatives. Forged pistons ensure superior strength and reliability under extreme stress, while upgraded fuel injectors and new turbocharger internals optimize power delivery. A modernized electronic throttle body integrates seamlessly with a state-of-the-art fuel and cooling system, ensuring peak performance and efficiency. A bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system not only enhances the engine’s auditory character but also contributes to improved exhaust flow. The iconic five-speed transaxle, originally supplied by Renault to Lotus, has been subjected to a similar level of meticulous attention. In collaboration with the transmission specialists at Quaife, the unit has been significantly reinforced. Key enhancements include a stronger input shaft, revised gear ratios for more engaging performance, a helical limited-slip differential for optimal traction, and a twin-plate clutch for a lighter, more responsive pedal feel.
The reinforced input shaft directly addresses a long-standing Achilles’ heel in the original drivetrain. This vulnerability necessitated Lotus engineers dialing back the Type 918’s output from an intended 500 horsepower to a more conservative 350 horsepower at the Esprit V8’s launch in 1996. With Encor’s enhancements, the engine’s full potential can now be unleashed. Furthermore, the adoption of a twin-plate clutch system transforms the driving experience, offering a remarkably lighter clutch pedal actuation, a significant improvement for day-to-day usability. This meticulous attention to detail in rebuilding and reinforcing the drivetrain ensures that the Encor Series 1 not only possesses breathtaking performance but also the inherent reliability and durability required of a modern-day supercar.
Honoring a Legacy, Not Being Bound By It
While the Encor Series 1 maintains a profound visual connection to Giugiaro’s original design, it artfully avoids being a slavish imitation. By the time the V8 variant of the Esprit was introduced, the car’s exterior had already undergone significant design evolution, first under Peter Stevens (who would later contribute to the iconic McLaren F1) and subsequently under Julian Thomson (whose talents would be recognized at Jaguar Land Rover, contributing to vehicles like the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and the Jaguar F-Type). The Encor Series 1’s bodywork is the product of Encor’s Design Director, Dan Durrant, a former Lotus designer himself. Durrant’s vision distills the essence of Giugiaro’s sharp, wedge-shaped concept, first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Show, into a contemporary form. As Durrant eloquently states, “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.”
The utilization of carbon fiber for the bodywork has empowered Durrant to refine and simplify the car’s overall aesthetic, drawing it closer to Giugiaro’s original 1972 vision in both form and intricate detail. The prominent black band that encircled the original Esprit’s midsection, for instance, served a functional purpose: it discreetly concealed the external flanges used to join the upper and lower sections of the original two-piece glass-reinforced plastic body. The Encor car’s seamless, single-piece carbon-fiber construction allows for elegantly smooth bodysides and a less cluttered, more refined treatment of the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully incorporates the flat roofline and the distinctive trapezoidal windshield that characterized the original Esprit – a subtle nod to the past, as Peter Stevens’ redesign had introduced a slight curvature to the roof. The subtle Kamm tail at the rear and the understated front spoiler beneath the tapering nose further echo the original’s iconic silhouette. The front and rear fascias are decidedly cleaner and more minimalist than those of the original Esprit. Modern LED running lights are integrated seamlessly into the front, while comparable LED taillights illuminate the rear. In the original Esprit V8, the engine was typically concealed beneath a discrete cover nestled between the buttressed C-pillars. The Encor Series 1, however, pays homage to the four-cylinder models, showcasing its V-8 powerplant beneath a striking glass backlight, a deliberate and visually arresting design choice.
The vehicle is fitted with exquisite five-spoke, forged billet wheels, measuring 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. These are shod with generously sidewalled Bridgestone Potenza tires, a combination that mirrors the specification found on the final iterations of the Esprit V8. Durrant emphasizes the importance of wheel design: “Wheels were a real topic of discussion. Inflate the wheel size too much, and you can completely unbalance the visuals of the car. It starts to look like a toy.” Peeking through the spokes of these meticulously crafted wheels, whose apertures are essentially scaled-up interpretations of the original Esprit’s five-slot Wolfrace alloys, are high-performance AP Racing brakes, ensuring exceptional stopping power.
Two subtle, yet profoundly significant, design elements immediately forge a visual connection between the Encor Series 1 and its progenitor for discerning Lotus aficionados. These are the cluster of six small vents situated at the base of the windshield and the distinctive fuel filler cap elegantly inset into the left C-pillar. Durrant elaborates on this intentional connection: “The silhouette and the key shapes on the car are very, very close to the Giugiaro original, but refined and honed in every way. 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.”
The adoption of the carbon-fiber body brings with it a host of substantial advantages, including significant improvements in structural rigidity and occupant safety. It is a testament to the evolution of automotive design that the original Esprit V8, right up until its production ceased in 2004, utilized a plywood firewall separating the engine bay from the passenger compartment. The Encor body, by contrast, features a sophisticated double-layer carbon-fiber firewall that integrates seamlessly with the cant rails in the roof. These cant rails incorporate tubular carbon-fiber elements that extend downwards along either side of the windshield, converging with the structure supporting the dashboard and doors. They are further interconnected across the top of the windshield, effectively forming a robust passenger safety cell, offering an unprecedented level of protection.
A Retro Interior Reimagined with Modernity
Stepping inside the Encor Series 1 reveals an interior that, much like its exterior, pays a heartfelt tribute to the original Esprit. This homage is most evident in the embrace of the iconic two-spoke steering wheel and the architectural layout of the center console. However, these classic elements are juxtaposed with premium materials and cutting-edge technologies that inject a decidedly modern sensibility. The instrument panel serves as a prime example of this harmonious fusion. The original Esprit’s freestanding, wraparound instrument binnacle is reimagined as a sophisticated light metal structure, housing a state-of-the-art digital display at its core. This central screen is flanked by smaller, driver-angled touchscreens, creating an intuitive and engaging interface. The center console itself is dominated by a prominent portrait-format touchscreen, providing access to a wealth of vehicle functions and infotainment.
From the driver’s vantage point, a critical aspect of the Encor Series 1’s design is the preservation of the original Esprit’s tactile experience. The relationship between the steering wheel, the gear shifter, and the pedals remains identical to that of the original, ensuring an authentic and connected driving sensation. While this fidelity is a significant positive, it is important to acknowledge that the original Esprit was renowned for its compact interior dimensions. Despite boasting a 6.6-inch longer wheelbase than a contemporary Porsche 911, the original Esprit was a full 8 inches lower. Consequently, headroom can be a consideration for individuals exceeding six feet in height. One of the compelling reasons Encor opted to retain the original Lotus seat frames in its Series 1 was not only their inherent lightness but also the fact that most modern aftermarket seats would simply prove too tall for the available space.
Despite these spatial considerations, Encor Managing Director William Ives assures that the Series 1 is engineered for comfortable everyday usability. The vehicle will come equipped with full air conditioning and a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a high-end audio setup. This integrated system is the product of Skyships Automotive, Ives’ primary business, renowned for supplying similar sophisticated equipment to ultra-exclusive, low-volume automakers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Moreover, the notorious reputation of Lucas, “the Prince of Darkness,” for electrical gremlins in classic British cars is rendered entirely obsolete. The Encor Series 1’s entire electrical architecture, meticulously designed by Skyships, right down to the new electronic throttle body, represents the pinnacle of modern automotive electrical engineering.
The vehicle presented is the very first prototype, and it is poised to undergo an extensive testing regimen to fine-tune its suspension dynamics. Given that it weighs significantly less than a production-spec Esprit V8, the spring and shock rates will require careful calibration. This process will be complemented by comprehensive final system checks and calibrations to ensure optimal performance and reliability. For context, the production Esprit V8 achieved a blistering 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds, reaching 0–100 mph in 10.2 seconds, and completing the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With the Encor Series 1 expected to weigh approximately 400 pounds less than its predecessor and boast an additional 50 horsepower, it is poised to deliver even more exhilarating acceleration figures en route to its projected top speed of 175 mph.
Encor’s ambitious production plan is to build just 50 examples of the Series 1 over a two-year period, with production slated to commence in 2026. Crucially, the Encor Series 1 will be available in left-hand-drive configuration, catering to a global market. Of the approximately 1,400 Esprit V8s produced, nearly half were exported to the United States, indicating a healthy pool of potential donor cars for American enthusiasts seeking to embark on this extraordinary automotive journey. The base price, at current exchange rates, hovers around $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the acquisition cost of a donor Esprit V8. While this figure is undeniably substantial, it is essential to consider the unparalleled level of engineering, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that the Encor Series 1 represents. In the realm of bespoke automotive creations, particularly those offering this caliber of performance and historical significance, this investment secures a truly unique and captivating piece of automotive art.
If you’re ready to explore beyond the ordinary and secure a piece of automotive history reborn with modern brilliance, the Encor Series 1 beckons. We invite you to connect with our specialists to discuss how you can become one of the select few to own this extraordinary reimagination.
