The Encor Series 1: Reimagining the Lotus Esprit for the 2025 Connoisseur
As an automotive expert with a decade steeped in the nuances of performance vehicles and bespoke craftsmanship, I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of trends, the rise of electric power, and the insistent march of autonomous tech. Yet, amidst this relentless drive towards the future, a powerful undercurrent has emerged, celebrating the tactile, the visceral, and the profoundly human connection to the machine. This sentiment finds its ultimate expression in the burgeoning world of restomods – a realm where classic aesthetics meet cutting-edge engineering, delivering experiences that neither original nor modern cars can fully replicate. And in this vibrant landscape, the Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit stands out as a triumph of restraint, precision, and unadulterated driving joy, redefining what a luxury classic car can be in 2025.
For enthusiasts, the name Lotus Esprit evokes images of sharp angles, audacious wedges, and cinematic escapades. From its iconic debut in The Spy Who Loved Me to its later V8 iterations, the Esprit was always a car of distinct personality, often lauded for its handling prowess but sometimes criticized for its idiosyncratic build quality. Fast forward to today, and the market for bespoke classic cars has matured, demanding perfection without compromise. Enter Encor, a British firm that has not just restored an Esprit but has meticulously re-engineered it from the ground up, delivering a machine that feels utterly contemporary while retaining every ounce of its original charm. Priced north of $575,000, plus the cost of a donor Esprit V8, this isn’t merely a purchase; it’s an investment-grade automobile, a piece of automotive craftsmanship designed for the discerning collector.
The Art of Subtlety: Design Reimagined
In an era where many performance cars clamor for attention with increasingly aggressive styling and exaggerated aero, the Encor Series 1 presents a refreshing counter-narrative. Its design philosophy is rooted in enhancement, not revolution. Drawing inspiration from the purity of the early Giugiaro-penned Esprit S1, Encor’s approach can be likened to the revered Singer Vehicle Design’s work with Porsche 911s – taking an icon, understanding its essence, and elevating it to an unparalleled standard.
The first clue to this philosophy lies in the bodywork. Fashioned entirely from pre-preg carbon fiber, the Encor Series 1 shaves considerable weight while dramatically increasing structural rigidity. Yet, visually, it maintains the precise, origami-like lines that made the original so captivating. This isn’t about slapping on wider fenders or adding aggressive spoilers; it’s about perfecting the original vision. Every panel, every curve, every shut line has been subtly massaged, refined through sophisticated laser scanning of the original chassis and subsequent CAD modeling. The result is a form that is both familiar and breathtakingly taut, a masterclass in heritage vehicle modernization.
Even the pop-up headlights, a beloved relic of a bygone era, are retained, but now house modern LED technology, blending nostalgic charm with superior illumination. The staggered 17- and 18-inch wheels, shod with meaty performance tires, speak volumes. They eschew the trend for oversized, low-profile rims that often compromise ride quality and visual balance, instead opting for a purposeful stance that hints at serious mechanical grip and a carefully considered ride. It’s this meticulous attention to detail, this unyielding commitment to original aesthetic principles while integrating advanced materials, that sets the Encor Series 1 apart in the competitive boutique automotive design space.
Engineering Prowess: A Heart Reborn
Beneath that exquisitely rendered carbon fiber shell lies an engineering marvel. Encor doesn’t discard the past; it builds upon it. Each Series 1 starts with a donor late-model Esprit V8 turbo, utilizing its robust backbone chassis as a foundation. From there, however, the transformation is comprehensive. This isn’t just a powerful engine swap; it’s a complete re-engineering of the powertrain and chassis dynamics, a testament to performance engineering at its finest.
The original 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8, a characterful unit in its own right, undergoes an extensive metamorphosis. Encor’s engineers delve deep, fitting forged pistons, strengthening internal components, and rebuilding the turbochargers to deliver not just more power, but more reliable, predictable power delivery. The aim isn’t absurd horsepower figures that overwhelm the chassis, but a potent, usable 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque that perfectly complements the car’s feathery 2600-pound curb weight. This provides a power-to-weight ratio that rivals many modern supercars, promising exhilarating acceleration without sacrificing the delicate balance Lotus is famous for. This is a crucial distinction in the high-performance classic car market, where raw numbers often overshadow the driving experience.
Perhaps even more compelling for purists is the retention and enhancement of the manual gearbox. In a world increasingly dominated by automatics and dual-clutch transmissions, the Encor Series 1 proudly champions the driver’s connection. The five-speed manual transmission is meticulously disassembled and rebuilt with strengthening upgrades from specialists like Quaife, ensuring durability and a precise, satisfying shift action. This commitment to the manual transmission revival is a clear signal of Encor’s dedication to providing an unfiltered, engaging driving experience, a key selling point for enthusiasts seeking driver-focused automobiles.
Dynamics Redefined: The Essence of Lotus
The true magic of any Lotus lies in its handling, and Encor understands this implicitly. Encor chief engineer Will Ives’s comments on the suspension setup are particularly revealing. He explicitly states that the team wasn’t chasing the ultra-stiff, track-focused dynamics of a modern McLaren. Instead, their objective was to blend greater suspension compliance with the Esprit’s already deft handling characteristics. This holistic approach ensures that the Series 1 isn’t just fast; it’s genuinely enjoyable on real-world roads.
The chassis benefits from a complete overhaul, incorporating modern braking systems, advanced suspension components, and precise steering geometry. The increased rigidity from the carbon fiber chassis contributes significantly to the car’s responsiveness, allowing the suspension to work more effectively. This carefully calibrated setup delivers a ride that is surprisingly supple over varied surfaces, absorbing bumps without disturbing the car’s composure, yet it maintains exceptional body control through corners. It’s a delicate balance, achieving a blend of comfort and agility that is rarely found in either vintage or contemporary sports cars. This makes the Encor Series 1 not just a weekend toy, but a truly usable premium restomod vehicle for spirited drives.
The experience behind the wheel promises to be nothing short of sublime. The direct steering, the perfectly weighted manual gear shifts, the responsive V8, and the chassis that communicates every nuance of the road surface—it’s a symphony of mechanical feedback. This is a car designed to be driven, to be felt, to be an extension of the driver. It embodies the very spirit of Colin Chapman’s “simplify, then add lightness,” but executed with 21st-century precision and reliability—qualities not always synonymous with the original Lotus.
The Exclusive Market: More Than Just a Price Tag
At a starting price around $575,000, plus the donor vehicle, the Encor Series 1 positions itself firmly in the realm of automotive haute couture. This isn’t a mass-produced item; it’s a meticulously hand-crafted machine, a bespoke creation for those who demand exclusivity and unparalleled quality. The target demographic isn’t just wealthy; it’s discerning, appreciative of engineering excellence, design integrity, and the intrinsic value of rarity.
In the rapidly evolving collector car market 2025, unique, expertly executed restomods like the Encor Esprit are increasingly seen as intelligent acquisitions. They offer the emotional connection of a classic with the reliability and performance of a modern car, bridging the gap between historical significance and contemporary usability. The value proposition extends beyond mere aesthetics and performance; it’s about owning a piece of reimagined history, a testament to what’s possible when passion meets precision automotive engineering.
Consider the exquisite interior: typically adorned with luxurious materials and often featuring a fantastic tartan upholstery pattern, it’s a space designed for driver comfort and engagement. Every stitch, every material choice, from the fine leather to the polished aluminum accents, speaks to the highest standards of automotive craftsmanship. Whether configured in a classic green and gold, or the iconic JPS-style black and gold livery, each Encor Series 1 is a personal statement, an exclusive automotive experience tailored to its owner. These aren’t just cars; they’re rolling works of art, offering a return on both emotional and financial investment for years to come.
A Call to Action for the Discerning Enthusiast
The Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit is more than a car; it’s a philosophy on wheels. It’s a compelling argument that the soul of classic motoring can thrive and evolve within a framework of modern engineering and design integrity. For those who yearn for the purity of the driving experience, who appreciate understated elegance over ostentatious display, and who understand the true value of bespoke craftsmanship, this reimagined Esprit offers an unparalleled journey.
As the automotive landscape continues its rapid transformation, vehicles like the Encor Series 1 remind us of the enduring magic of the internal combustion engine, the thrill of a manual gearbox, and the timeless appeal of iconic design. It’s a statement, a legacy, and a testament to the fact that true passion knows no bounds.
If the allure of a meticulously re-engineered classic, offering a driving experience unlike anything else on the road today, resonates with your automotive sensibilities, I urge you to delve deeper. Explore the Encor configurator, immerse yourself in the details, and discover how this breathtaking restomod could become the crown jewel of your collection. The future of classic driving has arrived, and it’s more radical and refined than ever before. Don’t just dream of the ultimate driving machine; define it.
