The Rebirth of an Icon: Why the Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit is the Ultimate 2025 Restomod Masterpiece
As an automotive expert with a decade steeped in the nuances of performance vehicles, bespoke builds, and the ever-evolving collector market, I’ve witnessed countless trends come and go. Yet, one constant endures: the insatiable desire for driving purity, often found in the reimagining of classic icons. In the dynamic landscape of 2025, where electric hypercars push the boundaries of speed and AI-driven autonomous features become commonplace, there’s a growing reverence for the tactile, the analogue, and the exquisitely engineered. This brings us to a creation that perfectly encapsulates this ethos, setting a new benchmark for what a luxury restomod can achieve: the Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit.
This isn’t just another classic car with a modern engine swap. This is a profound philosophical statement, a masterclass in automotive craftsmanship that elevates the beloved Lotus Esprit to stratospheric new heights. For a discerning enthusiast or serious collector navigating the 2025 market, the Encor Series 1 isn’t merely a purchase; it’s an investment-grade automobile and an exclusive automotive experience, painstakingly crafted to offer unparalleled driving engagement without succumbing to the excesses of modern supercar design.
The Esprit Reimagined: A Philosophy of Refined Evolution
The original Lotus Esprit, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was a wedge-shaped marvel, a genuine supercar killer in its day. Its lightweight construction and sublime handling were a testament to Colin Chapman’s foundational principle: “Simplify, then add lightness.” The Encor Series 1, emerging from the heart of British engineering, doesn’t merely restore this icon; it thoughtfully re-engineers it for the 21st century while meticulously preserving its soul.
In an era where many boutique car manufacturers are scrambling to produce the fastest, most powerful, or most visually aggressive vehicle, Encor demonstrates a refreshing restraint. Their philosophy centers on subtle enhancement rather than radical reinvention. They understand that the beauty of the Esprit lies in its inherent balance and purity of form. The result is a vehicle that looks familiar, yet feels entirely contemporary, seamlessly blending vintage charm with cutting-edge performance car modification. This deliberate approach positions the Encor Series 1 as a prime example of high-end car customization for those who value understated elegance over ostentatious display.
Design: A Masterclass in Understated Aggression
From the moment the wraps came off the Encor Series 1, it was clear that this was something different. While many contemporary designs lean into aggressive angles and sprawling aerodynamics, Encor chose a path of evolutionary refinement. The carbon fiber bodywork, a crucial element in achieving its featherlight 2600-pound curb weight, is sculpted to accentuate the Esprit’s iconic lines rather than redefine them. Every panel, every curve has been painstakingly laser-scanned from the original and then subtly massaged to improve fit, finish, and aerodynamic efficiency without betraying the original aesthetic.
The stance is aggressive but purposeful. Crucially, Encor opted for a staggered wheel setup—17-inch fronts and 18-inch rears—shod with properly meaty tires. This is a critical design choice that speaks volumes about their performance-first ethos. In 2025, when many high-performance vehicles sport gargantuan 20-inch-plus wheels wrapped in rubber bands, Encor’s choice underscores their commitment to optimal handling dynamics and ride quality over mere visual flash. It’s a design decision rooted in genuine engineering, contributing to the car’s exceptional grip and compliant ride.
And yes, for purists, the pop-up headlights make a glorious return, now subtly integrated with modern LED technology. This is a perfect example of Encor’s dedication to blending nostalgia with contemporary functionality. The bespoke nature of these vehicle upgrades ensures that every component serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, cementing its status in premium automotive design. Whether finished in a classic British Racing Green with gold accents or a JPS-inspired black and gold, the Series 1 exudes a timeless allure that transcends fleeting trends.
Engineering Prowess: Beneath the Carbon Fiber Shell
The Encor Series 1 is built upon the robust spine of a donor Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo, specifically the last-of-run models whose production ceased in 2004. This strategic choice provides a strong, proven foundation while allowing Encor to undertake a comprehensive engineering overhaul. The genius lies in how they integrate modern cooling, braking, and suspension systems within the subtly revised original dimensions. This is sophisticated exotic car engineering, where every millimeter is accounted for.
The chassis itself is significantly strengthened, yet the judicious use of advanced lightweight sports car technology, particularly the extensive carbon fiber chassis components, keeps the overall mass astonishingly low. At a claimed 2600 pounds, the Encor Series 1 sits squarely in the lightweight sports car category, promising an agility and responsiveness that would challenge many modern supercars. This weight reduction isn’t just about speed; it profoundly influences every aspect of the driving experience, from braking to cornering, making it genuinely nimble and engaging.
The braking system, often an Achilles’ heel in classic cars pushed to modern performance levels, has been completely reimagined. Contemporary high-performance calipers and larger, ventilated discs ensure consistent, fade-free stopping power, matching the car’s enhanced speed capabilities. Similarly, the suspension geometry has been meticulously re-engineered, incorporating fully adjustable components to allow for precise tuning, catering to various driving styles and conditions. This comprehensive approach to performance car modification ensures that the Esprit is not only fast but also exceptionally safe and controllable.
The Heartbeat: A Reborn V8 with a Manual Soul
Central to the Encor Series 1’s appeal is its powertrain. Retaining the 3.5-liter V8, Encor has embarked on an intensive rebuild that transforms it into a robust and reliable powerplant. Every internal component is upgraded, featuring forged pistons, connecting rods, and a meticulously balanced rotating assembly. The twin turbochargers are rebuilt and optimized for enhanced responsiveness and a broad powerband. The result is a healthy 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque—figures that, in 2025, might not grab headlines for sheer output, but are perfectly calibrated for a car weighing just 2600 pounds. This isn’t about raw numbers; it’s about the power-to-weight ratio and, critically, the delivery of that power.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the drivetrain, and one that resonates deeply with purists, is the retention of a five-speed manual transmission. In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by rapid-fire dual-clutch automatics, Encor’s commitment to the manual gearbox is a bold, almost revolutionary statement. This isn’t just any manual; it’s the original unit, completely gutted and rebuilt with strengthening upgrades from specialists like Quaife. This ensures not only reliability but also a precise, satisfying shift action that connects the driver directly to the machine. It’s this unadulterated, analog engagement that defines the Encor Series 1 as a true high-performance classic car, offering an interaction level that modern vehicles often lack.
The Driving Experience: An Analogue Symphony in a Digital World
This is where the Encor Series 1 truly distinguishes itself. Chief Engineer Will Ives’ philosophy on suspension tuning is particularly insightful. He emphatically stated that the goal wasn’t to create a stiffly sprung, track-focused machine akin to a modern McLaren rival, but rather to blend greater suspension compliance with the Esprit’s inherently deft handling. This approach yields a car that is tremendously capable, yet remarkably comfortable and communicative on real-world roads.
The steering, unburdened by excessive electronic intervention, offers sublime feedback, allowing the driver to feel every nuance of the road surface. The lightweight nature means directional changes are instantaneous, and the car pivots around the driver with an almost telepathic responsiveness. Driving the Encor Series 1 is an immersive experience, a symphony of mechanical precision and sensory feedback. It’s a car that demands engagement, rewards skill, and genuinely makes you a better driver. In a world increasingly saturated with digital interfaces, the Encor offers a rare, refreshing opportunity for an exclusive automotive experience that prioritizes the human element. This kind of vintage car modernization is about enhancing, not erasing, the original feel.
Interior: Heritage Meets Bespoke Luxury
Step inside the Encor Series 1, and you’re greeted with an environment that perfectly marries heritage aesthetics with bespoke luxury. The signature tartan interior, a delightful nod to Lotus’s racing past, is executed with impeccable craftsmanship, providing a visually striking and tactilely rich cabin. This isn’t a superficial overlay; the seats are ergonomically re-sculpted for modern comfort and support, yet retain the classic look.
While maintaining a largely period-correct aesthetic, Encor subtly integrates essential modern amenities. A tastefully concealed, yet fully functional, infotainment system offers navigation and connectivity without dominating the dashboard. Updated HVAC systems ensure comfort in any climate, and contemporary safety features are discreetly incorporated. Every stitch, every material, every component speaks of a relentless pursuit of quality. This bespoke interior design automotive approach allows for significant personalization, enabling owners to truly make the car their own, whether it’s through unique material choices or personalized trim accents.
The 2025 Investment: More Than Just a Car
The starting price for an Encor Series 1 stands at around $575,000, plus the cost of a donor Esprit. In 2025, this places it firmly in the realm of high-end luxury vehicles and collector car investments. However, considering the level of engineering, the extensive use of carbon fiber, the bespoke nature of its construction, and the limited production numbers, this price is entirely justifiable.
This isn’t a mass-produced item; it’s a hand-built sports car, a tangible piece of automotive art. The value proposition in the 2025 market for limited edition vehicles and meticulously crafted restomods continues to appreciate. As an investment-grade automobile, the Encor Series 1 stands to hold its value exceptionally well, likely appreciating over time as demand for such unique, driver-focused machines intensifies. The classic car restoration cost and inherent rarity of such a comprehensive reimagining make it a highly desirable asset for astute collectors. It represents not just a vehicle, but a piece of automotive history reborn with a future-proof sensibility.
The Encor Legacy: A Beacon for the Future of Restomods
The Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit stands as a testament to what is possible when passion, expertise, and a reverence for history converge with modern engineering. It’s a powerful statement against automotive homogenization, offering a refreshing alternative to the increasingly digital and automated driving experiences of today. In the complex and diverse automotive landscape of 2025, Encor has not only revived an icon but has also set a formidable benchmark for the entire restomod industry. Their meticulous attention to detail, commitment to driver engagement, and profound respect for the original Esprit’s DNA make this car a truly special creation.
For those who believe that the essence of driving lies in the visceral connection between human and machine, who appreciate automotive craftsmanship at its highest form, and who understand that true luxury lies in exclusivity and unparalleled experience, the Encor Series 1 is more than a dream car—it’s a revelation.
If you’ve been searching for that unparalleled blend of classic allure and modern performance, the Encor Series 1 beckons. We invite you to explore the exquisite details of this automotive masterpiece further, to delve into its configurator, and imagine the thrill of experiencing this reimagined legend for yourself. Discover how this truly unique machine can redefine your driving passion.
