The Encor Series 1: Redefining Automotive Heritage for the 2025 Collector
In the dynamic landscape of 2025, where electric hypercars push the boundaries of speed and autonomous features redefine convenience, a burgeoning appreciation for the tactile, the analog, and the truly bespoke continues to captivate discerning enthusiasts. Amidst this evolution, the restomod movement has matured into a sophisticated art form, breathing new life and uncompromising performance into automotive legends. At the vanguard of this resurgence stands the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking reimagining of the iconic first-generation Lotus Esprit that doesn’t just look “rad” – it redefines what a luxury car investment can be in the modern era.
As a veteran in the high-performance and collector car market trends 2025, with a decade spent intimately observing the ebb and flow of automotive desire, I can confidently state that the Encor Series 1 isn’t merely an upgrade; it’s a profound transformation. This isn’t a mere cosmetic tweak or a heavy-handed modernization. Instead, it embodies a philosophy of respectful evolution, echoing the subtle brilliance of early Singer Reimagined Porsche 911s, yet forging its own distinct path. It’s a testament to the power of vision, blending the timeless allure of Giugiaro’s original wedge design with cutting-edge engineering to create a bespoke sports car that feels utterly contemporary while celebrating its storied past.
The Genesis of a Modern Classic: A Masterclass in Design Purity
The Lotus Esprit, particularly the Series 1, holds a sacred place in automotive history. Its sharp, angular lines, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, were nothing short of revolutionary when unveiled in 1976. It was a statement of pure, unadulterated design, a stark contrast to the flowing curves prevalent at the time. In an era where many boutique automotive manufacturers seem to compete on who can craft the most visually aggressive and over-styled vehicles, Encor’s approach to the Esprit stands as a beacon of restraint and elegance.
The masterminds at Encor didn’t simply slap modern components onto a vintage shell. Their journey began with an exhaustive laser-scanning of an original Esprit, a process that allowed them to understand every curve, every angle, every nuance of Giugiaro’s genius. From this digital blueprint, they embarked on a meticulous process of subtle enhancement, massaging dimensions not to alter the car’s aesthetic identity, but to perfectly integrate the necessities of 21st-century performance and safety. The result is a carbon-fiber bodywork that retains the Esprit’s iconic silhouette, yet boasts impeccable panel gaps and a structural rigidity the original could only dream of.
What immediately strikes the eye – beyond the sheer fidelity to the original design – is the intentional choice of wheel and tire setup. We’re talking staggered 17- and 18-inch wheels shod with genuinely chunky rubber, not the paper-thin “rubber bands” often seen on oversized rims today. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a clear indicator of Encor’s driver-focused philosophy. It screams “grip” and “handling,” promising a visceral connection to the road that’s increasingly rare. This attention to detail in balancing visual appeal with genuine performance intent is a hallmark of truly exceptional custom classic car builds.
And yes, for those who cherish the theatre of the past, the pop-up headlights make a triumphant return, but now they’re equipped with advanced LED technology. This small detail encapsulates the Encor ethos: respect the heritage, but enhance with modern capability. It’s a delicate dance, flawlessly executed, demonstrating true automotive craftsmanship.
Engineering a Legend: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Underneath that exquisite carbon-fiber skin lies a mechanical tour de force that transforms the Esprit from a nimble, albeit sometimes temperamental, sports car into a reliable, high-performance machine ready for the demands of 2025. Each Encor Series 1 begins its life as a donor “last-of-run” Esprit V8 turbo, a car whose production ended in 2004. This strategic choice provides a strong foundation – the original Esprit’s robust backbone chassis – which Encor then meticulously refines and strengthens.
The heart of this beast is still a 3.5-liter V8, but to call it “retained” would be a profound understatement. This engine undergoes a complete metamorphosis. Every component is scrutinized, upgraded, and optimized for contemporary performance and longevity. We’re talking forged pistons, strengthened connecting rods, and a completely rebuilt turbocharger system designed for both potent power delivery and enhanced reliability. This isn’t just about chasing headline horsepower figures; it’s about creating a powertrain that delivers its output with a smoothness and consistency that elevates the driving experience. This level of detail in performance car upgrades is precisely what differentiates a true restomod from a mere engine swap.
Perhaps even more compelling for the purist is Encor’s commitment to the manual gearbox. In an age dominated by lightning-fast dual-clutch automatics and seamless EVs, the five-speed manual transmission in the Series 1 is a bold statement. But again, it’s not simply an old box reused. The original gearbox is completely gutted and rebuilt, incorporating a myriad of strengthening upgrades from renowned transmission specialists like Quaife. This ensures not only the tactile pleasure of rowing through gears but also the robustness to handle the enhanced power and torque without compromise. For those who value a manual transmission performance car, this alone makes the Encor Series 1 an instant classic. It’s a nod to a driving purity that’s increasingly becoming a luxury.
The Pursuit of the Perfect Drive: Performance and Dynamics Reimagined
So, what does all this meticulous engineering translate to in terms of numbers and, more importantly, the driving experience? The Encor Series 1 delivers a robust 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not shatter hypercar records, they are exceptionally respectable, especially when considered in context. And the context here is crucial: weight. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body and chassis components, the Series 1 boasts a claimed curb weight of a mere 2600 pounds. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly the weight of a modern Mazda MX-5 RF, a car celebrated for its lightweight agility.
This phenomenal power-to-weight ratio ensures scintillating performance. The Series 1 isn’t about brute force; it’s about accessible, engaging speed. It’s designed to be responsive, eager, and utterly controllable, making every journey an exclusive automotive experience.
Where Encor truly shines, and where its expert understanding of driver dynamics comes to the fore, is in its suspension tuning. Encor chief engineer Will Ives eloquently articulated their philosophy: they weren’t aiming to create a track-focused, stiffly sprung machine that emulates a modern McLaren. Instead, the goal was to blend greater suspension compliance – for a more comfortable and usable ride – with the Esprit’s inherent deft handling. This approach acknowledges that while raw lap times are impressive, the true joy of a driver-focused sports car lies in its ability to communicate with the road, to absorb imperfections, and to inspire confidence during spirited driving. This nuanced understanding of chassis dynamics is what differentiates a truly great restomod from one that simply bolts on stiffer springs. It’s about crafting an immersive experience, not just a spec sheet.
Beyond the Numbers: The Investment in Craftsmanship and Exclusivity
With a starting price hovering around $575,000, plus the cost of a donor Esprit, the Encor Series 1 is undeniably a significant financial commitment. This positions it firmly in the realm of investment-grade automobiles. However, for the discerning collector and enthusiast, this figure represents far more than just metal and carbon fiber. It’s an investment in unparalleled automotive craftsmanship, a commitment to preserving and enhancing heritage, and entry into a very exclusive club.
In the 2025 market, where the rarity of truly bespoke, hand-built sports cars is escalating, the value proposition of the Encor Series 1 becomes crystal clear. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive art, a rolling sculpture meticulously crafted to the highest standards. The interior, often overlooked in performance builds, is another testament to Encor’s dedication. The option for a wonderfully executed tartan interior, for example, harks back to the original Esprit’s flair, yet executed with modern materials and impeccable finish. Or consider the JPS-style black and gold livery – iconic then, and absolutely stunning now.
The Encor Series 1 embodies a crucial shift in the premium sports car market. It’s moving away from the mass-produced, albeit high-end, vehicles and towards unique, limited-production masterpieces that offer both exceptional performance and a tangible connection to automotive history. These are the “future classic cars” that will be sought after for decades to come. The emphasis on reliability, an area where older Lotus models sometimes struggled, is also a critical component of its value. Encor has successfully shed weight while simultaneously adding strength and enhancing the day-to-day usability – qualities that truly elevate it.
The Enduring Legacy: Colin Chapman’s Spirit Reimagined
Colin Chapman, the visionary founder of Lotus, famously advocated for “simplify, then add lightness.” While the Encor Series 1 isn’t “simple” in its engineering, it absolutely embraces the spirit of lightness and driver focus that was at the core of Chapman’s philosophy. It’s a modern interpretation that arguably achieves what Chapman might have envisioned with unlimited resources and today’s technology.
The Encor Series 1 is more than a car; it’s a statement. It’s a statement that automotive heritage can be honored without being fossilized. It’s a statement that true driving purity, tactile feedback, and stunning aesthetics still hold immense power in a rapidly evolving world. For those who appreciate the delicate balance of past and future, who crave an unfiltered driving experience, and who seek an asset that transcends mere transportation, the Encor Series 1 stands as a monumental achievement. It’s a heritage vehicle modernization done right, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
Your Invitation to Experience Automotive Perfection
In a world increasingly defined by digital interfaces and autonomous features, the visceral thrill of a truly engaging, analog-feeling sports car with modern reliability is a rare and precious commodity. The Encor Series 1 offers precisely that: an unparalleled blend of timeless design, advanced engineering, and an exclusive automotive experience.
If you’re a discerning collector, an enthusiast with a profound appreciation for automotive artistry, or someone seeking an investment-grade automobile that delivers joy far beyond its monetary value, the Encor Series 1 awaits your discovery. Explore the configurator, delve into the meticulous details, and envision yourself behind the wheel of a truly iconic machine, reborn for 2025 and beyond.
Discover the future of classic performance. Your journey with the Encor Series 1 begins now.
