Encor’s Esprit Series 1: The Apex Predator of Restomods Redefining British Automotive Artistry in 2025
As an automotive expert with over a decade immersed in the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance vehicles, classic car restoration, and the burgeoning restomod movement, I’ve witnessed trends come and go. But every so often, a creation emerges that doesn’t just ride a wave—it defines it. In 2025, as the automotive world grapples with electrification, autonomy, and the pursuit of digital screens over tactile feedback, a beacon of pure, unadulterated driving pleasure shines through, reminding us of what truly stirs the soul. That beacon is the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking reimagination of the first-generation Lotus Esprit, and it is, quite frankly, a masterpiece of bespoke automotive engineering.
The Dawn of a New Golden Age for Classics: Why Restomods Reign Supreme in 2025
The allure of automotive icons is eternal. There’s an undeniable romance in the sharp lines of a classic, a visceral connection to an era when driving was an art form. Yet, the reality of vintage ownership often involves compromises: outdated technology, temperamental reliability, and a performance envelope far removed from modern expectations. This chasm is precisely where the restomod phenomenon thrives, and by 2025, it has matured into a sophisticated art form. No longer just about dropping a bigger engine into an old shell, today’s leading restomods, like the Encor Esprit, represent a holistic engineering philosophy aimed at elevating the original’s essence to hyper-modern standards without sacrificing its soul.
The market for these “reimagined” classics is booming, driven by a discerning clientele seeking exclusivity, artisan craftsmanship, and a tangible connection to automotive history, all wrapped in a package that offers contemporary performance and reliability. In a world increasingly saturated with mass-produced luxury and homogenised driving experiences, the Encor Series 1 emerges not merely as a car, but as a statement—an investment in heritage, an assertion of individuality, and a profound declaration of driving revelation. It’s the kind of vehicle that transcends mere transportation, offering an unparalleled premium driving experience that resonates deeply with automotive connoisseurs and discerning collectors alike.
Reimagining an Icon: The Encor Philosophy—Precision, Purity, Performance
Encor, based in the historically rich surrounds of Chelmsford in the UK, isn’t just another modification shop; it’s a cradle of automotive renaissance. Their philosophy, reminiscent of the “Singer effect” that elevated the Porsche 911 to an art form, is to enhance, not dilute. The challenge with any beloved classic is to improve every facet—power, braking, handling, reliability—without erasing the very identity that made it iconic. With the Series 1 Esprit, Encor has not only met this challenge but has defined a new benchmark for British sports car heritage.
Why the first-generation Lotus Esprit as their canvas? Its distinctive Giugiaro-designed wedge profile, famously penned on a napkin, embodies pure, unadorned sports car aesthetics. It’s a design that transcends decades, yet its original mechanicals, though brilliant for their time, leave room for significant improvement when viewed through a 2025 lens. Encor’s approach began with reverence. Each donor vehicle—a last-of-run Esprit V8 turbo, carefully selected for its inherent strength—is meticulously laser-scanned. This digital blueprint allows their master engineers to subtly massage every dimension, making room for modern cooling systems, advanced braking components, sophisticated suspension architectures, and a thoroughly reworked powertrain, all while maintaining the Esprit’s delicate visual balance.
This isn’t about slapping modern tech onto an old car; it’s about a complete re-engineering, an exquisite blend of old and new. The spirit of Colin Chapman, Lotus’s visionary founder, who championed lightness and handling purity, is palpable in every decision Encor has made. They’ve managed to create a car that feels inherently Lotus, yet performs like a contemporary, high-performance sports car—a testament to bespoke engineering at its finest.
Crafting the Carbon Canvas: Design and Aerodynamic Purity
The visual impact of the Encor Series 1 is nothing short of breathtaking. In an era where many luxury automotive brands seem to be engaged in an arms race of aggressive styling and superfluous creases, the Encor Esprit stands as a beacon of understated elegance. Its carbon fiber bodywork is a masterclass in the delicate dance between heritage design and modern materials. Unlike composites used merely for weight reduction, Encor’s carbon fiber isn’t just lighter; it’s intrinsically stronger, allowing for greater structural rigidity while maintaining the precise, crisp lines of the original Giugiaro design. The panels are flawlessly integrated, a testament to artisan craftsmanship that few mass-produced vehicles can emulate.
The exterior boasts a rare blend of aggression and grace. The iconic pop-up headlights remain—a nostalgic touch—but are now fitted with advanced LED technology, offering superior illumination without compromising the car’s original character. Every vent, every curve has been subtly optimized, not for overt aerodynamics, but to enhance cooling and stability while preserving the car’s timeless silhouette. Look closely at the stance: the staggered 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are shod with chunky, purposeful tires. This is a deliberate choice, prioritizing grip and ride quality over the fashion-driven trend of oversized rims with low-profile “rubber band” tires. It’s a decision that speaks volumes about Encor’s commitment to driving dynamics over mere show.
Stepping inside, the cabin is a tactile journey, a symphony of premium materials and ergonomic enhancements. The original’s somewhat spartan interior gives way to a luxurious, driver-focused environment. Bespoke upholstery options, from sumptuous Alcantara to exquisite full-grain leathers, are complemented by the evocative period-correct tartan fabrics—a delightful nod to British sports car heritage that instantly connects you to the car’s roots. While classic switchgear is retained for authenticity, modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated, from discreet climate control to a subtly updated infotainment system that doesn’t detract from the analog charm. The focus remains squarely on the driver, ensuring that every interaction is intuitive, rewarding, and deeply immersive. The Encor Esprit’s interior isn’t just a space; it’s a bespoke cockpit tailored for the ultimate road-going experience.
The Heart of the Beast: Powertrain and Performance Mastery
At the core of the Encor Series 1’s formidable capabilities lies its meticulously re-engineered powertrain. Encor strategically sources the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 from the last-of-run Esprit V8 Turbo. This choice is crucial; it provides a robust foundation and retains the Lotus V8 character while opening the door for forensic engineering. Every component of this V8 is scrutinized, strengthened, and optimized. From forged pistons and connecting rods—critical for handling increased power and ensuring long-term durability—to entirely rebuilt turbochargers operating with modern efficiencies, no stone is left unturned. This isn’t a simple engine tune; it’s a complete rebirth, transforming the V8 into a reliable, high-performance powerplant fit for 2025’s demands.
The resulting power figures are a healthy 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. In an era where hypercars boast four-digit horsepower figures, 400 hp might not sound headline-grabbing. But as any true expert knows, raw power is only one part of the equation. It’s usable power that defines a great driver’s car. The Esprit, even in its original form, was celebrated for its balance. Encor has amplified this, delivering power in a linear, accessible fashion that allows the driver to fully exploit its potential without intimidation. This is a car meant for the road, not just the dyno sheet.
Perhaps even more impressive, and certainly more relevant to the purist, is Encor’s commitment to the manual gearbox. In 2025, a performance car with a manual transmission is a rare, coveted gem. Encor understands this. The original five-speed manual transmission is not merely retained but completely gutted and rebuilt with an array of strengthening upgrades from the transmission specialists at Quaife. This isn’t just about ensuring durability; it’s about refining the shift action, creating a precise, engaging, and utterly reliable manual experience that connects the driver directly to the machine in a way that dual-clutch automatics, however fast, simply cannot. The crisp engagement, the satisfying mechanical throw—these are the details that define a truly immersive premium driving experience.
And then there’s the weight: a feathery 2600 pounds. This is where Encor truly channels the spirit of Colin Chapman. Through extensive use of carbon fiber and judicious weight-saving measures throughout the chassis and components, the Series 1 achieves a power-to-weight ratio that rivals many contemporary sports cars boasting significantly more horsepower. This lightweight advantage is the secret sauce. It translates directly into breathtaking agility, blistering acceleration, razor-sharp braking, and an overall dynamic prowess that makes the car feel alive in the driver’s hands. Compared to heavier, more powerful contemporaries, the Encor Esprit doesn’t need brute force; it dances. This makes it a supremely rewarding drive, capable of truly exploiting every ounce of its performance on winding roads.
Under the Skin: Chassis, Suspension, and Handling Purity
While the stunning aesthetics and potent powertrain captivate, the true genius of the Encor Series 1 lies beneath its carbon fiber skin, in the meticulously engineered chassis and suspension. Encor retains the Esprit’s famously robust steel backbone chassis, a testament to its inherent strength, but everything attached to it is thoroughly modernized. This includes bespoke suspension components, developed from scratch to integrate seamlessly with the reimagined car’s enhanced performance.
Encor chief engineer Will Ives’s philosophy on suspension tuning is particularly insightful and speaks volumes about the car’s intended character. He explicitly stated that the goal wasn’t to create a stiffly sprung, bone-jarring track monster designed to rival a modern McLaren. Instead, the aim was to blend greater suspension compliance with the Esprit’s already deft handling. This distinction is critical. In practice, it means the Encor Esprit offers a sophisticated, communicative ride that absorbs road imperfections with grace while delivering exceptional body control and grip when pushed. It’s a suspension tuned for the real world—for exhilarating road trips, for navigating dynamic B-roads, and for offering a truly engaging experience without punishing the occupants.
Modern braking systems, naturally, are a necessity given the car’s newfound power and reduced weight. High-performance calipers gripping generously sized vented discs provide confident, fade-free stopping power, perfectly complementing the car’s dynamic capabilities. But beyond raw stopping force, the pedal feel is paramount—progressive, firm, and easy to modulate, allowing the driver to precisely control the car’s deceleration.
The steering, often the holy grail of classic sports cars, has also received Encor’s expert attention. While retaining a direct, unassisted feel to maximize driver feedback, modern precision has been engineered into the system, ensuring that every input is translated immediately and accurately to the road. The result is a steering feel that is both wonderfully communicative and remarkably accurate, allowing the driver to place the car with pinpoint precision through corners.
This holistic approach to the chassis and suspension places the Encor Esprit in a unique position. It’s not a single-minded track weapon, nor is it a softly sprung grand tourer. It is, in essence, the ultimate road car—a vehicle that balances blistering performance with sublime handling, communicative feedback, and a compliant ride, making every journey an occasion.
The 2025 Investment: Value, Exclusivity, and the Future of Collectibles
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. With a starting point around $575,000, plus the cost of the donor Esprit, the Encor Series 1 is undeniably a significant luxury automotive investment. But to view it merely as an expensive car misses the point entirely. In 2025, the classic car market is a complex ecosystem, driven by scarcity, authenticity, and, increasingly, bespoke craftsmanship. The Encor Esprit embodies all three.
Limited production runs ensure exclusivity, immediately elevating it to collector status. Each car is a hand-built creation, a bespoke piece of automotive artistry tailored to its owner’s specifications. This level of artisan craftsmanship is inherently valuable and commands a premium. Furthermore, as the automotive industry pivots increasingly towards electric vehicles, the demand for pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, particularly those that offer a manual transmission and a visceral driving experience, is only going to intensify among connoisseurs. The Encor Esprit is not just a car; it’s a tangible legacy, a piece of British automotive heritage preserved and perfected for future generations.
These characteristics make the Encor Series 1 more than just an expenditure; it’s an appreciating asset. Unlike many new luxury vehicles that depreciate the moment they leave the showroom, high-end restomods with impeccable provenance and limited numbers often show strong value retention and appreciation over time, positioning them as shrewd investments for discerning collectors. It appeals to those who understand that true value isn’t just about price, but about rarity, quality, and the emotional connection a vehicle can evoke. For the passionate driver, the automotive connoisseur, or the collector seeking an investment-grade automobile that offers unparalleled driving pleasure, the Encor Esprit represents the pinnacle. It’s an alternative to mass-produced supercars, offering a more nuanced, personalized, and historically rich driving experience.
Driving History Forward: Your Invitation to Automotive Excellence
The Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit is more than a restomod; it’s a profound statement, a testament to what’s possible when passion, precision engineering, and a deep respect for heritage converge. It’s a vehicle that honors the past while boldly embracing the future, delivering a driving experience that is simultaneously nostalgic and utterly modern. In a world of increasing digital detachment, Encor reminds us of the profound joy that can be found in a perfectly engineered, beautifully designed, and supremely engaging analog machine.
Imagine yourself behind the wheel, the tactile sensation of the Quaife-enhanced manual gearbox in your hand, the symphony of the re-engineered V8 echoing behind you, and the iconic Giugiaro lines stretching ahead. This is not just driving; this is an immersion into automotive artistry. This is the Encor Esprit.
Are you ready to redefine your perception of classic car excellence and experience the pinnacle of bespoke automotive engineering? Explore the possibilities, configure your dream, and join an exclusive league of automotive connoisseurs. Visit Encor’s official configurator today and take the first step towards owning a piece of reimagined history.
