The Encor Series 1: A Modern Masterpiece Reimagining the Iconic Lotus Esprit
For the discerning automotive enthusiast who finds the ubiquitous Porsche 911 restomod landscape lacking, a captivating new contender has emerged, promising a blend of heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and breathtaking design. The Encor Series 1, a meticulously crafted homage to the legendary Lotus Esprit, offers an enticing proposition for those seeking an exclusive and exhilarating driving experience. This bespoke creation pushes the boundaries of what a modern interpretation of a classic can be, merging the soul of the original with the performance and refinement expected in 2025.
With a price point that positions it among exclusive collector vehicles, the Encor Series 1 eschews the crowded market of vintage 911 reinterpretations, offering something profoundly different. Imagine a machine that tips the scales at only a few hundred pounds more than a nimble Mazda Miata, yet boasts a potent, mid-mounted V-8 engine. This quad-cam, flat-plane-crank powerhouse, delivering a robust 400 horsepower, channels its energy to the rear wheels through a satisfyingly tactile five-speed manual transmission. The Encor Series 1 is not merely a recreation; it is an elevated realization of what Lotus founder Colin Chapman might have envisioned had the technological advancements of today been available to him. It’s a lighter, simpler, and demonstrably better-built embodiment of his groundbreaking spirit.
At its core, the Encor Series 1 skillfully integrates the robust hardware from the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 with the distinct stylistic DNA of the original four-cylinder 1976 Esprit, a masterclass in wedge design penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. The brilliance of Encor lies in its ability to leverage Colin Chapman’s foundational engineering principles and apply them with twenty-first-century precision. The process begins with a donor Esprit V8. Its original glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) body is carefully separated from the foundational steel backbone chassis. This chassis then becomes the canvas for Encor’s artisans, who meticulously replace the original bodywork with a breathtakingly rendered carbon-fiber structure, a design that pays reverent tribute to Giugiaro’s iconic lines.
The complexity of this undertaking, however, extends far beyond a simple panel swap. The engine, suspension components, and ancillary systems are expertly removed from the steel backbone. The chassis itself is then stripped down to bare metal, undergoing a crucial galvanization process. This proactive measure, often overlooked in the restoration of classic British machinery, effectively eradicates the specter of rust, ensuring a durable foundation for the rebirth. Following this foundational work, the suspension is meticulously rebuilt and upgraded to mirror the more potent specification of the Sport 350 – the final and most powerful iteration of the Esprit V8. New bushings are installed throughout, bringing a renewed sense of precision and control. While the majority of components are genuine Lotus parts, including the responsive hydraulic power steering, Encor has ingeniously engineered stronger rear hub carriers to definitively resolve a chronic cracking issue that has long been a known vulnerability of the Esprit V8.
Reimagined Heartbeat: A V-8 Rebuilt for Endurance and Exhilaration
The heart of the Encor Series 1 is its meticulously revitalized 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, originally designated the Type 918. This powerplant undergoes a complete strip-down and a comprehensive rebuild, featuring forged pistons, upgraded fuel injectors, enhanced turbocharger internals, a new electronic throttle body, and modern, efficient fuel and cooling systems. A bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system ensures a thrilling, signature V-8 growl. The five-speed transaxle, a unit originally sourced from Renault by Lotus, has been subjected to extensive collaborative re-engineering with specialists at Quaife. This intensive process has resulted in a reinforced input shaft – a critical upgrade that addresses a long-standing weakness in the original drivetrain. This very limitation, historically, forced Lotus engineers to de-tune the Type 918’s output from an intended 500 horsepower down to 350 horsepower at the Esprit V8’s 1996 launch. Furthermore, revised gear ratios, a precision helical limited-slip differential, and a dual-plate clutch assembly have been incorporated. This advanced clutch system not only enhances durability but also significantly lightens the pedal effort, making the manual driving experience more accessible and enjoyable without sacrificing engagement.
Honoring a Legacy, Liberated from the Past
While the Encor Series 1 proudly retains a profound resemblance to the Giugiaro original, its design narrative is a sophisticated evolution. By the time the V8 model was introduced, the Esprit’s aesthetic had already been refined by automotive design luminaries Peter Stevens (renowned for the McLaren F1) and later Julian Thomson (whose work graced the Lotus Elise and later Jaguar Land Rover projects like the Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar F-Type). The Encor Series 1’s bodywork, however, is the vision of Encor’s design director, Dan Durrant, a former Lotus designer himself. Durrant’s design masterfully distills Giugiaro’s sharp-edged, wedge-shaped concept, first showcased at the 1972 Turin Motor Show. As Durrant explains, “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.”
The adoption of a carbon-fiber body has empowered Durrant to refine and simplify the car’s overall aesthetic compared to its GRP predecessor, drawing it closer to the purity of Giugiaro’s 1972 vision in both form and detail. The prominent black band that circumnavigated the original Esprit’s midsection, for instance, served a functional purpose: it cleverly concealed the external flanges used to join the upper and lower halves of the original two-piece GRP body. The Encor’s seamless, one-piece carbon-fiber construction allows for dramatically cleaner bodysides and a more elegant integration of the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design faithfully preserves the flat roofline and trapezoidal windshield characteristic of the original Esprit (a subtle departure from the slight curvature introduced in Peter Stevens’ redesign). The subtle Kamm tail and the discreet front spoiler element, seamlessly integrated beneath the tapered nose, are also faithfully reproduced. The front and rear fascias are cleaner and more minimalist than those of the original Esprit, now incorporating modern LED lighting elements for both visibility and contemporary appeal. Unlike the Esprit V8, where the engine was concealed beneath a modest cover nestled between buttressed C-pillars, the Encor Series 1 proudly displays its V-8 heart beneath a clear glass backlight, echoing the visual treatment of the original four-cylinder car.
The vehicle rides on forged billet aluminum wheels, 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, fitted with generously proportioned Bridgestone Potenza tires – a configuration mirroring that of the final Esprit V8 models. Durrant elaborates on the critical role 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.” Behind these beautifully crafted wheels, whose apertures are elegantly scaled-up interpretations of the original Esprit’s five-slot Wolfrace alloys, reside high-performance AP Racing brakes, providing formidable stopping power.
Two subtle yet instantly recognizable design cues for devoted Lotus aficionados firmly link the Encor Series 1 to its progenitor: the six diminutive vents positioned at the base of the windshield and the distinctive fuel filler cap discreetly inset 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.”
The advantages conferred by the new carbon-fiber body extend significantly to structural rigidity and occupant safety. Astonishingly, until its production ceased in 2004, the Esprit V8 featured a plywood firewall separating the engine bay from the passenger compartment. The Encor Series 1 replaces this with a sophisticated double-layer carbon-fiber firewall that seamlessly integrates with the cant rails of the roof. These roof rails incorporate tubular carbon-fiber elements that extend down either side of the windshield, connecting to the underlying structure supporting the dashboard and doors. They are further reinforced by a cross-member at the top of the windshield, effectively creating a robust passenger safety cell.
A Retro-Inspired Cockpit Embracing Modern Innovation
The interior of the Encor Series 1 mirrors the exterior’s tribute to the original Esprit, most notably in its adoption of the iconic two-spoke steering wheel and the classic architectural layout of the center console. However, this nostalgic framework is brought vibrantly to life with the integration of contemporary materials and cutting-edge technology. The instrument panel exemplifies this harmonious blend. The free-standing, wraparound pod design of the original Esprit is reinterpreted as a sleek, lightweight metal structure, crowned by a state-of-the-art digital display at its center. Flanking this central screen are smaller touchscreens, artfully angled towards the driver for intuitive access. The center console itself features a striking portrait-format touchscreen, serving as the command center for many of the car’s functions.
From the driver’s vantage point, all critical touchpoints within the Encor Series 1 – the precise relationship between the steering wheel, the gear shifter, and the pedals – are engineered to be identical to those of the original Esprit. This fidelity to the original driving sensation is undoubtedly a significant draw. However, it is important to acknowledge that the original Esprit, while possessing a longer wheelbase than its contemporary Porsche 911 contemporary, was considerably lower. This inherent design means that headroom can be a consideration for individuals exceeding approximately six feet in height. One of the deliberate choices Encor made was to retain the original Lotus seat frames for the Series 1. Beyond their inherent lightness, this decision was primarily driven by the fact that most modern aftermarket seats are simply too tall to accommodate the Esprit’s compact interior dimensions.
Despite the intimate cabin, Encor’s Managing Director, William Ives, assures that the Encor Series 1 is designed for enjoyable everyday usability. Beyond the inclusion of air conditioning, the vehicle boasts a comprehensive infotainment system featuring high-fidelity audio. This system, along with the vehicle’s entire electrical architecture, has been meticulously designed and engineered by Skyships Automotive, Ives’ primary enterprise, which also supplies advanced systems to renowned low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. The days of archaic Lucas electrical gremlins are a distant memory; the Encor Series 1’s electrical system, right down to its modern electronic throttle body, is cutting-edge and engineered for unwavering reliability.
The vehicle presented is the inaugural prototype, poised to embark on rigorous testing to precisely calibrate the suspension settings. Given its reduced weight compared to a production-spec Esprit V8, the spring and damper rates will require fine-tuning, alongside comprehensive final system checks and calibrations. For context, a production Esprit V8 was capable of achieving 0–60 mph in a brisk 4.1 seconds and 0–100 mph in 10.2 seconds, completing the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds and an increase of 50 horsepower over the donor V8, the Encor Series 1 is projected to surpass these figures, accelerating with even greater urgency towards its claimed top speed of 175 mph.
Encor has announced plans to produce a strictly limited run of just 50 vehicles over a two-year period, with production slated to commence in 2026. Importantly, the Encor Series 1 will be available in left-hand-drive configuration, catering to markets worldwide. Of the roughly 1,400 Esprit V8s produced, just under half were exported to the United States, ensuring a healthy selection of donor cars remains available for American enthusiasts eager to commission their own Encor Series 1. The base price, subject to current exchange rates, is approximately $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. While undeniably a significant investment, it reflects the unparalleled level of engineering, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that sets the Encor Series 1 apart, offering a compelling alternative to other bespoke automotive endeavors.
Discover the Encor Series 1 Difference
If you yearn for an automotive icon reborn with uncompromising performance and a design that transcends trends, the Encor Series 1 demands your attention. We invite you to explore the possibilities and discuss how this extraordinary reimagining of the Lotus Esprit can become the centerpiece of your automotive collection. Reach out to our dedicated team to learn more about commissioning your Encor Series 1 and embark on an unparalleled driving journey.
