The Encor Series 1: A Bespoke Lotus Esprit Reimagining for the Discerning Enthusiast
For those who find the ubiquitous Porsche 911 restomod scene lacking in true innovation and soul, a compelling alternative has emerged. The Encor Series 1, a masterfully crafted homage to the legendary Lotus Esprit, offers a potent blend of iconic design, modernized engineering, and exhilarating performance. For discerning automotive collectors and performance enthusiasts with a budget exceeding half a million dollars, this exquisite vehicle presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive art that transcends mere restoration.
As an industry expert with a decade of hands-on experience in the high-performance and bespoke automotive sectors, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of vehicle customization. While the artistry of a well-executed Porsche 911 restomod is undeniable, the Encor Series 1 taps into a different vein of automotive passion – a deep appreciation for innovative engineering, a timeless design aesthetic, and the raw, unadulterated driving experience that Lotus historically championed. This is not merely a vintage car with new paint; it’s a fundamental reimagining that honors its lineage while embracing the future of automotive technology.
The allure of the Encor Series 1 lies in its meticulous approach to preserving and enhancing the essence of the Lotus Esprit. It starts with the foundation: a donor Lotus Esprit V8, a car that itself represented a significant leap in performance and design for the brand. Encor doesn’t simply bolt on new panels. Instead, they undertake a comprehensive process of deconstruction and meticulous rebuilding. The original glass-reinforced plastic body is carefully removed, revealing the robust steel backbone chassis. This chassis is then stripped to bare metal, a crucial step that addresses the rust concerns often associated with older British automobiles. Following galvanization, it’s repainted, ensuring a durable and corrosion-resistant foundation.
The suspension system is a key area of focus, elevated to the specifications of the Sport 350, the most potent iteration of the Esprit V8. This means upgraded components, new bushings, and a reassembly process that prioritizes precision and longevity. While Encor largely retains original Lotus parts, including the lauded hydraulic power steering system, they’ve ingeniously engineered stronger rear hub carriers. This addresses a chronic weak point that has historically plagued the Esprit V8, demonstrating a commitment to resolving inherent design flaws with modern solutions. This thoughtful approach to Lotus Esprit restoration and enhancement is what truly sets the Encor Series 1 apart.
At the heart of the Encor Series 1 beats a thoroughly re-engineered 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, internally known as the Type 918. This quad-cam, flat-plane-crank masterpiece is subjected to a complete strip-down and rebuild. Forged pistons, upgraded fuel injectors, reconditioned turbochargers, a new electronic throttle body, and advanced fuel and cooling systems are all integrated. The result is a robust powerplant that now delivers a formidable 400 horsepower, channeled to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle. This transmission, originally sourced from Renault, has been a collaborative effort between Encor and the transmission specialists at Quaife. The enhancements include a stronger input shaft – a critical upgrade that rectifies a long-standing drivetrain limitation that necessitated Lotus dialing back the engine’s original output – revised gear ratios, a helical limited-slip differential for improved traction, and a twin-plate clutch for a lighter and more precise pedal feel. This level of Esprit V8 performance tuning is a testament to Encor’s dedication to automotive excellence.
The exterior design of the Encor Series 1 is a masterful exercise in restraint and homage. While the car’s silhouette bears a striking resemblance to the original Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed 1976 Esprit, it incorporates subtle refinements that elevate its aesthetic. Dan Durrant, Encor’s Design Director and a former Lotus designer himself, expertly distilled Giugiaro’s sharp, wedge-shaped concept. “We’re not handcuffed by the original,” Durrant explains, “but we’re completely inspired by it.” This philosophy is evident in the use of a one-piece carbon-fiber body. This advanced material not only contributes to the car’s reduced weight but also allows for a cleaner, more simplified overall look compared to the original glass-reinforced plastic construction. The unsightly external flanges that joined the two-piece original body are now seamlessly integrated, resulting in smoother bodysides and more refined detailing on the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully retains key visual cues from the original, such as the flat roofline and the trapezoidal windshield, while incorporating modern touches like sleek LED lighting at the front and rear. The engine, a dramatic visual centerpiece, is now proudly displayed under a glass backlight, reminiscent of the four-cylinder models of yesteryear, a significant departure from the covered engine bay of the V8 original. The five-spoke forged billet wheels, measuring 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires, a nod to the wheel and tire combination found on the later 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.” This attention to proportion and visual harmony is crucial in achieving a timeless design.
Subtle yet significant details further connect the Encor Series 1 to its heritage. The six small vents at the base of the windshield and the distinctive fuel filler cap inset into the left C-pillar are instantly recognizable to Lotus aficionados. These elements, combined with the refined silhouette and key shapes, create an undeniable link to the Giugiaro original. The use of carbon fiber also allows for incredibly tight shut gaps and flush-mounted glass, refinements that were simply not achievable with the manufacturing techniques of the original era. This meticulous attention to detail in classic car restoration with modern materials is a hallmark of Encor’s approach.
Beyond aesthetics, the carbon-fiber body offers substantial improvements in structural rigidity and safety. The original Esprit V8, remarkably, employed a plywood firewall between the engine bay and the cabin. The Encor Series 1 features a double-layer carbon-fiber firewall that integrates with the cant rails in the roof. These elements, along with tubular carbon-fiber sections running down the sides of the windshield and across the top, form a sophisticated passenger safety cell, significantly enhancing occupant protection. This focus on automotive safety innovations within a classic design is a critical advancement.
Stepping inside the Encor Series 1, the cabin offers a captivating blend of retro charm and contemporary technology. The design pays homage to the original Esprit, particularly in the twin-spoke steering wheel and the layout of the center console. However, modern materials and cutting-edge technology provide a distinctly 2025 feel. The instrument panel is a prime example: a free-standing, wraparound pod is reinterpreted with a lightweight metal structure housing a state-of-the-art digital display, flanked by smaller touchscreens angled towards the driver. A portrait-format touchscreen dominates the center console, providing intuitive access to a range of functions.
From a driver’s perspective, the crucial touchpoints – the relationship between the steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals – remain faithfully true to the original Esprit. This ensures an authentic driving sensation for those familiar with the iconic sports car. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Esprit, even with its longer wheelbase than a contemporary Porsche 911, was notoriously low-slung. This means headroom can be a consideration for individuals exceeding six feet in height. Encor’s decision to utilize original Lotus seat frames, chosen for their lightness, also accommodates the compact interior dimensions, as many modern seats would simply be too tall.
Despite the classic proportions, William Ives, Encor’s Managing Director, promises a high level of usability. The Encor Series 1 will come equipped with a full climate control system and a comprehensive infotainment package. This advanced system, designed and engineered by Skyships Automotive – Ives’ primary business, known for supplying cutting-edge equipment to manufacturers like Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani – ensures a modern entertainment and connectivity experience. Furthermore, the concerns surrounding older Lotus electrical systems, often dubbed “Lucas, Prince of Darkness,” are a distant memory. The entire electrical architecture of the Encor Series 1, from its core to the new electronic throttle body, has been meticulously designed by Skyships, representing the pinnacle of modern automotive electrical engineering. This integration of bespoke automotive electronics and audio systems signifies a new era for these classic platforms.
The vehicle showcased is the first prototype, poised to undergo extensive testing to fine-tune the suspension settings. Given its reduced weight compared to a production Esprit V8, meticulous calibration of spring and shock rates, along with complete system checks, will be paramount. The original Esprit V8 was capable of impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds and a 50-horsepower increase, the Encor Series 1 is expected to significantly outperform its predecessor, targeting a top speed of 175 mph. This level of performance vehicle development is impressive.
Encor plans a limited production run of just 50 units over two years, with manufacturing slated to commence in 2026. Importantly, the Encor Series 1 will be available in left-hand-drive configuration, making it accessible to enthusiasts in markets like the United States, where nearly half of the roughly 1,400 Esprit V8s produced were exported. The base price, approximately $570,000 before shipping, taxes, and the cost of a donor Esprit V8, clearly positions this vehicle within the ultra-luxury segment. However, when considering the exceptional engineering, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the sheer exclusivity, it offers a compelling value proposition, especially when compared to other high-end custom builds. For those seeking an automotive experience that marries historical significance with cutting-edge execution, the Encor Series 1 is an unparalleled offering.
If you’re captivated by the prospect of owning a truly exceptional and unique automotive masterpiece, one that honors a beloved icon while pushing the boundaries of modern craftsmanship and performance, the Encor Series 1 deserves your immediate attention. We invite you to explore the possibilities and discover how this extraordinary reimagining of the Lotus Esprit can elevate your passion for driving to an entirely new level.
