The Reimagined Legend: Encor’s Lotus Esprit Series 1 Redefines Bespoke Performance for 2025
The automotive landscape of 2025 is a tapestry woven with threads of hyper-efficiency, electrification, and autonomous innovation. Yet, amidst this relentless march toward the future, a powerful counter-narrative has emerged: a profound yearning for the visceral, the analog, and the meticulously crafted. This desire isn’t about mere nostalgia; it’s about reclaiming the pure essence of driving, distilled through modern engineering and uncompromising design. Few marques embody this spirit quite like Lotus, and fewer still capture its reimagination as eloquently as Encor’s breathtaking Series 1 Esprit restomod.
Having navigated the intricate world of high-performance and classic automotive builds for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of customization from superficial bolt-ons to truly transformative artistry. What Encor has achieved with their Series 1 Esprit isn’t just a modification; it’s an elevation, a thoughtful rebirth that respects the original’s genius while transcending its limitations. In a market where “restomod” often means brute force or gaudy overstyling, Encor delivers a masterclass in elegant restraint and surgical precision, establishing a new benchmark for luxury classic car restoration.
The Enduring Allure of the Lotus Esprit: A Foundation for Greatness
To truly appreciate the Encor Series 1, one must first understand the legend upon which it’s built: the original Lotus Esprit. Conceived by the visionary Colin Chapman and penned by the iconic Giorgetto Giugiaro, the first-generation Esprit, launched in 1976, was nothing short of a revelation. Its wedge-shaped, origami-like design was a stark departure from the curvaceous forms of its Italian rivals, instantly cementing its place as an automotive design icon. It was a statement of intent, a lean, minimalist British interpretation of the supercar that prioritized agility and driver involvement above all else.
The Esprit wasn’t just about looks; it embodied Chapman’s famous mantra: “Simplify, then add lightness.” While subsequent iterations gained power and sophistication, the Series 1 remained a pure, unadulterated sports car, a scalpel on wheels. Its relative affordability, compared to its exotic contemporaries, made it an accessible dream for many, yet its presence on screen (most famously in The Spy Who Loved Me) propelled it into the realm of legend. However, like many pioneering designs of its era, the Esprit also came with its quirks – a reputation for challenging reliability, idiosyncratic build quality, and performance that, while sprightly for its time, pales in comparison to modern machinery.
Fast forward to 2025, and the demand for these analog treasures, especially those meticulously brought into the modern era, has never been stronger. Collectors and enthusiasts are actively seeking vehicles that offer an unfiltered connection to the road, a stark contrast to the increasingly insulated driving experience of contemporary cars. This is precisely the fertile ground where Encor’s bespoke sports car build finds its undeniable relevance.
Encor’s Philosophy: Reimagination, Not Reinvention
Encor’s approach to the Esprit Series 1 is deeply philosophical. Based in Chelmsford, a region steeped in British heritage, the company understands the delicate balance between tradition and progress. Their mission isn’t to create a completely new car that merely looks like an Esprit; it’s to extract the quintessential spirit of the original and infuse it with 21st-century engineering prowess, without sacrificing its defining character. This isn’t a “hot rod” mentality; it’s a “reimagined classic” ethos akin to what Singer has achieved with the Porsche 911, but distinctively British in its understated brilliance.
The process begins with an almost reverential respect for the original design. Each Encor Series 1 journey commences with a full laser scan of a pristine first-generation Esprit. This isn’t just about creating a digital blueprint; it’s about understanding every nuance, every curve, every subtle proportion that made Giugiaro’s design timeless. From this digital foundation, Encor’s engineers and designers embark on a meticulous, almost imperceptible enhancement. The lines are subtly massaged, the dimensions marginally adjusted—not to drastically alter the aesthetic, but to create the necessary allowances for modern cooling systems, advanced braking components, sophisticated suspension architectures, and a dramatically improved powertrain. The result is an Esprit that, at a glance, is unmistakably classic, yet upon closer inspection, reveals a depth of refinement and precision that transcends its ancestor. Even the iconic pop-up headlights make a welcome return, now brilliantly illuminated with modern LED technology, bridging the gap between nostalgic charm and contemporary functionality.
Engineering Purity: Beneath the Carbon Fiber Skin
The true genius of the Encor Series 1 resides beneath its exquisitely crafted exterior. Each build starts with the central spine of a donor Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo, a later, more robust iteration of the chassis. This foundation is then transformed, receiving an entirely new backbone of advanced materials and engineering. The choice of materials is critical here, with extensive use of carbon fiber automotive chassis components. This lightweight, incredibly rigid material is instrumental in achieving two seemingly contradictory goals: significantly increasing structural integrity and crashworthiness, while simultaneously shedding considerable mass. The claimed curb weight of a mere 2600 pounds (approximately 1180 kg) for the Encor Series 1 is nothing short of astounding, especially considering the added robustness and modern amenities. To put that in perspective, it’s comparable to a modern Mazda MX-5 RF, yet houses a formidable V8 engine.
Powertrain Perfection: A V8 Symphony with a Manual Maestro
While lightness is paramount, power remains essential to the sports car experience. Encor hasn’t chased outrageous, headline-grabbing horsepower figures, opting instead for a perfectly balanced and immensely usable output. The heart of the Series 1 is a comprehensively reworked 3.5-liter V8 engine, drawing inspiration from Lotus’s own history but elevated to new heights of performance and reliability. This isn’t just an engine swap; it’s a full-scale rebuild featuring forged pistons, upgraded connecting rods, cylinder head porting, and precisely balanced internals. The twin-turbochargers are thoroughly reconditioned and optimized for responsive, linear power delivery, ensuring a broad torque curve that makes the car exhilarating in any driving scenario.
The result is a robust 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. In an age where even family sedans flirt with similar numbers, this might seem modest for a half-million-dollar machine. However, paired with that featherlight 2600-pound chassis, this creates a power-to-weight ratio that is genuinely thrilling and perfectly aligned with the Esprit’s agile character. This isn’t about raw straight-line speed (though it will be plenty quick); it’s about the entire kinetic experience, the responsiveness, and the profound connection between driver and machine.
Perhaps the most significant nod to the purist driver is the transmission. In an era where manual gearboxes are rapidly becoming an endangered species, Encor resolutely retains and enhances the five-speed manual unit. This isn’t merely bolted in; it’s gutted, rebuilt, and fortified with a suite of strengthening upgrades from the renowned transmission specialists at Quaife. The precise, mechanical engagement of a rebuilt manual gearbox, perfectly matched to a responsive V8, promises an unparalleled tactile experience – a core element that defines an exclusive classic sports car built for the discerning driver. This commitment to the manual transmission alone positions the Encor Series 1 as a beacon for enthusiasts lamenting the dominance of automatic and dual-clutch systems in modern performance cars.
The Drive: A Masterclass in Compliance and Connection
One of the most telling insights into Encor’s philosophy comes from their chief engineer, Will Ives, who specifically stated that the team was not aiming to create a stiffly sprung track weapon designed to rival a modern McLaren. Instead, their focus was on blending greater suspension compliance with the Esprit’s already legendary deft handling. This is a crucial distinction. Many contemporary performance cars, in their relentless pursuit of lap times, offer a ride that can be punishing on public roads. Encor, by contrast, seeks to deliver a sophisticated ride quality that absorbs imperfections without sacrificing precision or feedback.
The suspension system is entirely re-engineered, featuring bespoke components, advanced geometry, and meticulously tuned dampers. The objective is to provide a sublime balance of comfort for longer journeys and razor-sharp dynamics when the road gets twisty. This nuanced approach ensures that the Series 1 Esprit isn’t just fast, but genuinely enjoyable and engaging across a wide range of driving conditions. It’s a driver’s car in the truest sense, prioritizing feel and feedback over brute force and electronic intervention. The choice of staggered 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, shod with sensible, performance-oriented tires rather than ultra-low-profile “rubber bands,” further underscores this commitment to real-world drivability and handling integrity. This holistic engineering vision ensures that the driver-focused supercar experience is authentic and enduring.
The Interior: Bespoke Luxury, Classic Soul
Stepping inside the Encor Series 1 is to enter a sanctuary where bespoke craftsmanship meets thoughtful integration of modern amenities. While retaining the fundamental layout of the original Esprit, the cabin is elevated to ultra-luxury standards. The image of the “wonderful tartan interior” immediately conjures visions of classic British sports cars and adds a delightful layer of character and sophistication. Beyond the stunning aesthetics, every surface, every switch, and every dial receives meticulous attention. Premium leathers, Alcantara, and carbon fiber accents are exquisitely tailored, creating an ambiance of exclusivity and refinement.
Crucially, the modernization doesn’t overwhelm the classic charm. Instrumentation blends analog dials with subtle digital displays, providing essential information without detracting from the vintage feel. Climate control, infotainment, and connectivity features are seamlessly integrated, offering contemporary convenience without a jarring aesthetic clash. Ergonomics are carefully considered, ensuring the driving position is optimized for both comfort and control, reflecting the car’s ultimate purpose as a hand-built sports car crafted around the driver. The result is an interior that feels utterly contemporary in its quality and functionality, yet deeply rooted in the Esprit’s original minimalist, driver-centric ethos.
Market Position and Investment: A 2025 Perspective
In the rapidly evolving automotive market of 2025, vehicles like the Encor Series 1 occupy a very specific and highly coveted niche. This isn’t a mass-market product; it’s an ultra-exclusive, artisanal creation for those who appreciate the pinnacle of automotive design excellence and engineering prowess. The starting price of around $575,000, plus the cost of a donor Esprit, places it firmly in the upper echelons of the luxury market, competing not just with contemporary supercars but also with other high-end restomods and even vintage race cars.
What justifies such a premium? It’s the confluence of several factors:
Exclusivity: Each Encor Series 1 is a limited-production, hand-built masterpiece, tailored to the owner’s specifications. This scarcity ensures its desirability and potential for future appreciation.
Engineering Integrity: This isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a complete reimagination of a classic that addresses inherent weaknesses while enhancing strengths, offering modern-day performance and reliability in a timeless package.
Investment Value: In 2025, the market for meticulously crafted restomods and collector car investment vehicles is robust. As truly analog, engaging driving experiences become rarer, bespoke creations like the Encor Series 1 are increasingly seen as appreciating assets, much like fine art or unique timepieces. They offer the thrill of driving an iconic classic without the typical compromises of vintage ownership.
Brand Pedigree: Leveraging the iconic Lotus Esprit legacy provides an instant emotional connection and historical context that entirely new bespoke creations often lack.
The market for these premium restomod vehicles is driven by individuals who seek more than just transportation. They desire a statement, an experience, and an investment in automotive artistry. Whether configured in a striking classic green and gold, or the iconic JPS-style black and gold, the Encor Series 1 is destined to be a centerpiece in any discerning collection.
The Encor Difference: Craftsmanship and Legacy
Ultimately, the Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit is more than just a car; it’s a testament to the enduring power of automotive passion, a celebration of British sports car heritage, and a bold vision for the future of classic car appreciation. It’s a vehicle that Colin Chapman himself would undoubtedly approve of – embodying his principles of lightness, agility, and driver focus, but brought into a new era with unmatched sophistication and reliability.
Encor has not just built a car; they’ve curated an experience, an emotional connection to a golden age of motoring, elevated by modern ingenuity. In a world increasingly saturated with digital distractions, the Encor Series 1 stands as a powerful reminder of what it means to truly drive, to be fully engaged, and to command a machine crafted with unparalleled precision and artistry. It is a genuine icon, reborn for a new generation of enthusiasts.
Embrace the Legend, Reimagined.
The 2025 automotive landscape may be charting a course towards an electrified and autonomous future, but for those who believe the soul of driving resides in the roar of a performance V8 engine and the precision of a manual gearbox, the Encor Series 1 Esprit offers an unparalleled analog escape. If you’re a discerning collector, an ardent enthusiast, or simply someone who believes that automotive art should be driven, we invite you to explore the extraordinary craftsmanship and visionary engineering behind this magnificent machine. Discover how Encor is not just preserving history, but actively shaping its most thrilling future. Visit Encor’s official site today and begin your journey into a world where classic design meets cutting-edge performance, creating an icon that truly transcends time.
