The Encor Series 1: A Masterclass in Lotus Esprit Reimagination for 2025
For over a decade, my journey through the automotive world has afforded me a front-row seat to an exhilarating evolution: the rise of the restomod. It’s a craft that transcends mere restoration, elevating beloved classics into bespoke, contemporary driving machines. In a market increasingly saturated with hyper-digital, over-styled supercars, a counter-movement quietly gains momentum. Discerning collectors and driving enthusiasts are seeking a different kind of thrill – one rooted in analog engagement, timeless design, and meticulous engineering. This brings us to a truly exceptional entrant for 2025: the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit.
This isn’t just another build; it’s a profound statement, a testament to what happens when reverence for heritage meets cutting-edge innovation. Encor, a name now synonymous with luxury performance restomod excellence, has taken a legend and meticulously crafted it into something utterly compelling for the modern era. Forget chasing gratuitous horsepower figures or screen-dominated cockpits. The Series 1 is about the experience – a tactile, visceral connection to the road, delivered with an elegance and precision that was simply unattainable in the original. As we delve into the intricacies of this magnificent creation, it becomes clear why the Encor Series 1 is poised to redefine the high-end sports car reimagining landscape.
The Genesis of a Legend Reimagined: The Esprit’s Enduring Allure
The Lotus Esprit, first unveiled to a stunned public in 1975, was a revelation. Penned by the masterful Giorgetto Giugiaro, its sharp, angular “folded paper” design was nothing short of futuristic, a stark contrast to the curves dominating its contemporaries. It quickly became a pop culture icon, gracing the silver screen in “The Spy Who Loved Me” and cementing its place in automotive folklore. Underneath that striking silhouette, however, lay the quintessential Lotus philosophy: “simplify, then add lightness.” While the original Esprit was celebrated for its extraordinary handling dynamics and raw, unfiltered driving experience, early iterations, particularly the Series 1, also carried the notorious reputation for… character. Electrical quirks, material compromises, and a power output that, while spirited for its time, eventually fell behind the curve.
This duality makes the Esprit an ideal canvas for a restomod. Its timeless aesthetics beg for preservation, while its mechanical foundation offers ample scope for intelligent modernization. In the hands of Encor, the Esprit doesn’t just get a new lease on life; it undergoes a meticulous transformation, retaining its soul while shedding its historical frailties. Encor’s approach is refreshingly nuanced. They aren’t chasing the current trend of cramming 1000+ horsepower into a classic shell, nor are they obliterating the car’s identity with outlandish body kits. Instead, they embody a philosophy akin to the early Porsches reimagined by Singer Vehicle Design – a subtle enhancement of every facet, an obsession with the details that elevates the driving experience to an art form.
The demand for such bespoke classic car restoration has surged by 2025. Collectors are no longer content with garage queens; they want vehicles that are truly drivable, reliable, and capable of holding their own against contemporary performance machines, all while retaining their vintage charm. The Esprit, with its mid-engine layout, lightweight philosophy, and inherently engaging chassis, provides an unparalleled foundation for this vision, and Encor has seized the opportunity with both hands.
Sculpting Aerodynamic Art: The Exterior and Design Philosophy
Stepping around the Encor Series 1, one is immediately struck by its familiar yet subtly enhanced presence. The iconic Giugiaro lines are all there, meticulously preserved, yet there’s an undeniable crispness, a precision in the panel gaps and surface finish that speaks volumes of the effort invested. The entire bodywork, a marvel of modern engineering, is crafted from carbon fiber. This isn’t merely for weight savings – though that is a significant benefit – but also for structural rigidity and an aesthetic finish that surpasses even the most exotic production cars of today. The weaving of the carbon fiber itself is an artistic statement, visible through the flawless paintwork in certain finishes, showcasing the lightweight carbon fiber automotive craftsmanship at its peak.
Encor began this process with state-of-the-art laser scanning of an original Esprit, allowing them to digitally map every curve and angle. From this digital blueprint, they subtly massaged the dimensions – not to dramatically alter the car’s character, but to optimize it. These slight enlargements here, a subtle reshaping there, serve crucial purposes: improving aerodynamic efficiency, allowing for enhanced cooling pathways for the modernized powertrain, and accommodating wider, more capable tires. Yet, crucially, the “folded paper” essence remains utterly intact.
A particularly delightful nod to the original, updated for 2025, are the pop-up headlights. In an era where safety regulations and cost-cutting have all but eradicated this charismatic feature, Encor has not only retained them but improved them. Fitted with modern LED technology, they offer superior illumination while preserving the Esprit’s signature “blink” – a small detail that speaks volumes about Encor’s dedication to authenticity and charm.
Further reinforcing the car’s driver-centric philosophy are the staggered 17- and 18-inch wheels. In an industry obsessed with increasingly oversized rims and ultra-low-profile tires, Encor’s choice demonstrates a mature understanding of ride quality and handling dynamics. These chunky tires aren’t just for show; they provide crucial sidewall compliance and a larger contact patch, ensuring both formidable grip and a sophisticated ride. This measured approach contrasts sharply with the “most styling, best styling” arms race among contemporary supercars, where aggressive vents and exaggerated wings often overshadow true functionality. The Encor Series 1 is a testament to the power of restrained, thoughtful design, proving that elegance and performance can coexist without resorting to extroverted theatrics. This adherence to clean, functional design makes it a prime example of exclusive automotive craftsmanship.
Heart of the Beast: Powertrain and Performance Engineering
Underneath that stunning carbon fiber skin lies a mechanical symphony, meticulously orchestrated for a visceral driving experience. The foundation for the Encor Series 1’s powertrain is a donor last-of-run Esprit V8 turbo, a fitting choice given its inherent strength and the exotic appeal of its V8 configuration. While the original Esprit V8 was a potent machine, Encor’s engineers have undertaken a complete, ground-up overhaul, transforming it into a thoroughly modern and reliable powerplant.
The heart of the Series 1 is a re-engineered 3.5-liter V8, breathing through twin rebuilt turbochargers. This isn’t just a simple refresh; the internals are fortified with forged pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft, built to withstand higher stresses and deliver consistent, robust power. Modern engine management systems, sophisticated cooling solutions, and a bespoke exhaust system liberate the engine’s potential, creating a unit that is both more powerful and significantly more reliable than its progenitor.
The result is a healthy 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. In an era where electric hypercars boast four-figure horsepower numbers, 400 hp might seem modest on paper. However, this is where Encor’s true genius shines. When paired with a feather-light curb weight of approximately 2600 pounds (a remarkable achievement for a car of this stature), this power output translates into an astonishing power-to-weight ratio. To put that in perspective, a Mazda MX-5 RF, celebrated for its agility, weighs around the same, but with less than half the horsepower. The Series 1 will undoubtedly offer exhilarating acceleration and a dynamic thrust that belies its official figures, delivering a pure, unadulterated sensation of speed. This balance is key to driving experience optimization.
Perhaps even more compelling for the purist is Encor’s unwavering commitment to the manual gearbox. In a world rapidly succumbing to the ubiquity of paddle-shifted automatics, the Series 1 retains a five-speed manual transmission. But this is no ordinary gearbox. It has been completely gutted and rebuilt by the specialists at Quaife, renowned for their expertise in high-performance driveline components. Every internal part has been strengthened and upgraded, from custom gears to enhanced synchronizers, ensuring precision, durability, and a truly satisfying shift action. This focus on a manual transmission is a crucial element for those seeking maximum driver engagement and control, making the Encor a standout in the custom performance vehicles segment. It’s about connecting the driver intimately to the machine, allowing them to extract every ounce of performance through skill and finesse, rather than relying solely on computer algorithms. This is what defines a truly exceptional performance tuning classic cars.
Mastering the Dynamics: Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
The true measure of any Lotus, new or old, lies in its handling, and this is an area where Encor has truly excelled. While the car’s iconic “spine” chassis is retained, it’s been comprehensively strengthened and integrated with an array of modern chassis bits that transform its dynamic capabilities. Encor’s chief engineer, Will Ives, eloquently articulated their philosophy: they weren’t aiming to create a brutally stiff track monster à la a modern McLaren. Instead, the goal was to blend enhanced suspension compliance with the Esprit’s inherently deft handling, making it a more refined and capable road car without sacrificing its renowned agility.
This manifests in a bespoke suspension setup featuring custom-designed dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. The geometry has been subtly recalibrated to optimize tire contact patch and responsiveness, ensuring precise turn-in and exceptional mid-corner stability. The result is a ride quality that is remarkably sophisticated for a lightweight sports car, absorbing road imperfections with grace while maintaining incredible composure during spirited driving. This thoughtful approach directly addresses one of the common pitfalls of extreme restomods, which often sacrifice daily drivability for outright track performance.
Complementing the chassis and suspension are thoroughly modernized braking systems. Multi-piston calipers gripping large, vented discs provide immense stopping power and excellent fade resistance, bringing the car’s performance capabilities firmly into the 21st century. The steering, too, has been meticulously calibrated to deliver precise feedback and a natural, unassisted feel, further enhancing the driver’s connection to the road. This combination of lightweight construction, sophisticated suspension tuning, and powerful brakes makes the Encor Series 1 a truly formidable machine on winding roads, embodying the very best of premium automotive engineering.
The achievement of a 2600-pound curb weight is central to this dynamic prowess. Every component, from the carbon fiber body to the lightweight interior trim, has been scrutinized for its mass contribution. This relentless pursuit of lightness, a core tenet of Colin Chapman’s original Lotus philosophy, ensures that the car feels agile, responsive, and utterly engaging at all speeds. It’s a testament to Encor’s commitment to building not just a fast car, but a feel good car, making it a highly desirable collector car modernization.
Crafting the Cockpit: Interior and Driver Experience
Stepping inside the Encor Series 1 is like entering a time capsule that has been exquisitely updated for the future. The interior design pays homage to the original Esprit’s minimalist, driver-focused cockpit, but with a dramatic uplift in materials quality, ergonomics, and modern amenities. The first thing that captures the eye is the bespoke “tartan interior” option – a bold, characterful choice that harks back to classic British sports cars while feeling utterly contemporary. This isn’t just any tartan; it’s a carefully selected, high-quality fabric that adds a touch of bespoke charm and personality to the cabin.
Beyond the striking aesthetic, every surface feels premium. Supple leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber accents adorn the dash, door cards, and seats. The seats themselves are beautifully sculpted, offering both exceptional support for spirited driving and long-distance comfort, a crucial improvement over the original. While maintaining an analog feel, Encor has discreetly integrated modern conveniences. A subtly integrated infotainment system, compatible with current smartphone connectivity, provides navigation and media options without dominating the classic dashboard aesthetic. Contemporary climate control ensures comfort in all conditions, another significant upgrade for practical usability.
The steering wheel, a tactile work of art, provides a perfect grip, while the manual gear lever falls naturally to hand, its mechanical action providing satisfying feedback with every shift. The instrument cluster, though visually classic, uses modern backlit gauges for clarity and reliability, another example of thoughtful modernization. The cabin exudes a sense of occasion, a feeling of being in something truly special and hand-built. This blend of vintage charm and modern luxury elevates the Encor Series 1 into the realm of investment-grade classic cars, offering an unparalleled sensory experience for its fortunate owner.
The Investment and the Future: Pricing and Market Position
Naturally, such meticulous craftsmanship and engineering excellence come at a cost. With a starting price point around $575,000, plus the requirement for a donor Esprit, the Encor Series 1 is unequivocally positioned at the very pinnacle of the exotic car upgrades market. This is not a car for the casual enthusiast; it’s an acquisition for the discerning collector who understands and values bespoke artistry, unparalleled driving dynamics, and a unique automotive statement.
In the evolving landscape of 2025, the market for hand-built automobiles and high-quality restomods continues to strengthen. As mass-produced performance cars become increasingly complex and electronically filtered, the appeal of a meticulously crafted, analog-focused machine like the Encor Series 1 grows exponentially. It’s an automotive masterpiece that transcends trends, offering both immense driving pleasure and the potential for long-term appreciation as a truly limited-production, iconic reimagining. Encor isn’t just building cars; they’re crafting future heirlooms, establishing themselves as leading artisan car builders.
A Legacy Reborn, A Future Defined
The Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit is more than just a restomod; it’s a philosophy in motion. It encapsulates the very best of what the automotive world can achieve when passion, expertise, and unyielding dedication converge. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Lotus Esprit, elevated to a level of performance, reliability, and sheer desirability that Colin Chapman himself would undoubtedly applaud. Encor has not merely restored a classic; they have perfected it, transforming a beloved icon into a breathtaking vintage supercar enhancement for the 21st century.
For those who yearn for a driving experience that engages the senses, rewards skill, and embodies timeless design, the Encor Series 1 offers an unparalleled opportunity. It stands as a beacon for what collector car modernization truly can be – a vehicle that respects its past while boldly embracing the future.
If you’ve been captivated by the vision and craftsmanship of the Encor Series 1, we invite you to explore further. Visit Encor’s configurator today and immerse yourself in the exquisite details, from the classic green and gold livery to the JPS-inspired black and gold. Discover how this truly exceptional luxury performance restomod could become the crown jewel of your collection. Your definitive driving experience awaits.
