Beyond Expectation: Encor’s 2025 Lotus Esprit Restomod Reimagines a Legend with Modern Precision and Analog Soul
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electric powertrains and digital interfaces, a quiet revolution is unfolding for discerning enthusiasts: the rise of the impeccably crafted restomod. For over a decade, my journey through the world of high-performance vehicles, classic restorations, and bespoke automotive engineering has afforded me a front-row seat to the evolution of driver-centric machines. And as we navigate 2025, few vehicles encapsulate this burgeoning trend with as much finesse and reverence for history as the Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit. This isn’t merely a refreshed vintage car; it’s a profound re-engineering, an artistic statement, and a compelling argument for the enduring allure of analog driving at its most refined.
The original Lotus Esprit, a paragon of 1970s wedge design and Colin Chapman’s “simplify, then add lightness” philosophy, carved an indelible niche in automotive lore. From its iconic appearances in Bond films to its reputation as a pure, unfiltered driver’s car, the Esprit was a revelation. But time, as it does, brought obsolescence. Mechanical complexities, aging chassis technology, and a driving experience that, while raw, could feel antiquated by modern standards, led many to question its continued relevance. Until now. Encor, a name that’s rapidly gaining traction in the bespoke automotive sphere, has undertaken the monumental task of not just restoring, but truly reimagining the Series 1 Esprit for the 21st century. And with a starting price north of $575,000—plus the critical donor vehicle—this isn’t just a car; it’s an investment in automotive artistry and an exclusive driving experience.
A Philosophy of Restraint: The Art of Subtlety in Bespoke Design
What immediately strikes me about the Encor Series 1 is its profound sense of restraint—a quality often conspicuously absent in a market that sometimes mistakes extravagance for excellence. In an era where many luxury sports cars are visually shouting for attention with aggressive lines, oversized grilles, and an almost frenetic pursuit of aerodynamic drama, the Encor Esprit speaks in hushed, confident tones. It doesn’t attempt to rewrite Giorgio Giugiaro’s seminal design; rather, it refines it, elevates it, and subtly enhances its inherent beauty. This approach is reminiscent of the early Singer Vehicle Design 911s, which achieved legendary status by improving every aspect of the iconic Porsche without betraying its soul.
Encor, based in Chelmsford, England—a locale steeped in tradition and history—seems to imbue its creations with this very British sensibility. Their process begins with an obsessive, millimeter-perfect laser-scanning of an original Series 1 Esprit. This digital blueprint then serves as the foundation for meticulous, subtle modifications. The carbon-fiber bodywork, for instance, isn’t a radical departure, but an evolutionary step. Panels are subtly widened, lines are sharpened, and proportions are finessed to accommodate modern cooling requirements, larger braking systems, and sophisticated suspension geometry, all while maintaining the quintessential Esprit silhouette. This intricate dance of preservation and enhancement is what elevates the Encor Series 1 from a mere restoration to a true piece of automotive sculpture.
The choice of wheels and tires further exemplifies this thoughtful approach. While many contemporary performance cars opt for enormous rims wrapped in pencil-thin rubber bands, the Encor Esprit proudly sports staggered 17- and 18-inch wheels, shod with tires offering a substantial sidewall. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a performance decision that dramatically improves ride quality, offers better progressive breakaway characteristics at the limit, and more accurately communicates crucial road feedback to the driver – a hallmark of true analog driving pleasure. Even the pop-up headlights, a beloved Esprit quirk, are retained, but now house modern, efficient LED lighting elements, blending retro charm with contemporary functionality. This harmonious integration of past and future is a testament to Encor’s understanding of what makes a restomod truly special and positions it as a leader in the premium classic car market for 2025.
Engineering Prowess: Reimagining the Heart and Soul
At the core of the Encor Series 1’s appeal is its meticulously re-engineered powertrain. Each build commences with a donor, last-of-run Esprit V8 turbo chassis, the production of which ceased in 2004. While the original spine is retained, virtually everything else that contributes to the car’s dynamic character is either replaced, rebuilt, or significantly upgraded. The heart of this beast remains a 3.5-liter V8, but its transformation is comprehensive. This isn’t a simple tune; it’s a complete engine rebuild featuring forged pistons, precisely balanced connecting rods, enhanced cylinder heads, and completely rebuilt, modernized turbochargers. The result is a robust, reliable, and incredibly eager powerplant, a far cry from the temperamental nature some vintage engines could exhibit.
The output figures—a healthy 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque—might not break headline records in an age of hypercars pushing four-digit figures, but they are profoundly significant in context. The magic lies not just in raw power, but in its delivery, its character, and its harmonious interaction with the rest of the car. This V8 isn’t about brute force; it’s about responsive, thrilling acceleration, a rich, mechanical soundtrack, and a visceral connection to the driving experience.
Perhaps even more commendable is Encor’s commitment to the manual gearbox. In 2025, where dual-clutch automatics dominate the high-performance segment, the five-speed manual transmission in the Encor Esprit is a defiant statement. It’s not merely retained; it’s completely gutted and rebuilt with extensive strengthening upgrades from specialists like Quaife, known for their motorsport-grade components. This ensures not only durability for the increased power but also a precise, satisfying shift feel that is increasingly rare. This focus on driver engagement through a manual transmission is a powerful differentiator and a key reason why the Encor Series 1 appeals to those seeking an authentic, analog driving experience. For collectors and enthusiasts, this manual V8 combination represents a pinnacle of luxury sports car investment, promising an immersive drive that contemporary vehicles often struggle to replicate.
The Driving Experience: A Symphony of Compliance and Precision
One of the most compelling aspects of the Encor Series 1 lies in its dynamic philosophy. Chief engineer Will Ives, in comments to U.K. automotive publications, articulated a vision that directly addresses the shortcomings of many modern performance cars. Rather than striving to create a stiffly sprung, track-focused machine designed to rival a McLaren or Ferrari on outright lap times, Encor aimed for something more nuanced: a blend of enhanced suspension compliance with the Esprit’s inherent deft handling.
This approach is revolutionary in a segment often obsessed with rigidity. The Series 1’s advanced suspension system, while incorporating modern dampers, springs, and bushings, is tuned to offer a supple yet controlled ride. This means the car breathes with the road, absorbing imperfections gracefully while maintaining superb body control through corners. The result is a truly usable high-performance restomod that can be enjoyed on spirited backroad drives as much as it can impress at a concours event. This sophisticated suspension setup, combined with a precise, communicative steering rack, ensures that the Encor Esprit isn’t just fast; it’s genuinely engaging and deeply rewarding to drive.
The weight, or rather the lack thereof, is another crucial factor. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body and chassis elements, the Encor Series 1 tips the scales at a feathery 2600 pounds. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly the same as a Mazda MX-5 RF—a testament to Encor’s commitment to Colin Chapman’s original ethos of “add lightness.” This exceptionally low curb weight, coupled with 400 horsepower and a perfectly balanced chassis, translates into explosive acceleration, nimble handling, and incredible braking performance. The absence of excessive weight magnifies every input from the driver, creating an unfiltered and exhilarating connection to the road. This focus on lightweight chassis design and driver-focused engineering positions the Encor Esprit as a benchmark in the evolving high-performance restomod market for 2025.
The Investment and Exclusivity: Craftsmanship at a Premium
The $575,000+ price tag, before sourcing a donor Esprit, places the Encor Series 1 firmly in the realm of premium classic cars and bespoke automotive craftsmanship. This isn’t a mass-produced item; it’s a hand-built, limited-production vehicle, a true automotive art investment. The cost reflects the extraordinary level of engineering, the thousands of man-hours dedicated to each build, the use of exotic materials like aerospace-grade carbon fiber, and the bespoke nature of every component. Sourcing a suitable donor Esprit V8 turbo, which are themselves becoming collector’s items, adds to the initial outlay, further emphasizing the exclusivity.
For the collector and enthusiast, however, the value proposition extends far beyond the monetary. What you are acquiring is a vehicle that offers unparalleled reliability and performance compared to an original Esprit, packaged within a design that turns heads for all the right reasons. Encor has successfully addressed the reliability issues that often plague vintage vehicles, incorporating modern cooling systems, advanced braking components, and thoroughly re-engineered electrical systems. This means owners can truly enjoy their investment without the constant worry of breakdowns or the significant maintenance demands typically associated with 50-year-old machinery.
The interior, too, is a masterclass in elegant modernization. While the original article briefly mentions the “wonderful tartan interior,” it warrants further exploration. Encor offers a range of exquisite interior customizations, from heritage-inspired tartans and houndstooth fabrics that pay homage to Lotus’s racing past, to contemporary leather and Alcantara finishes. Every stitch, every panel, every dial is crafted with painstaking attention to detail, creating a cockpit that is both luxurious and driver-focused. Modern conveniences like discreetly integrated climate control, contemporary infotainment (if desired, though many purists prefer minimalism), and enhanced ergonomics make the Encor Esprit a genuinely comfortable place to spend time, even on long journeys. The ability to customize these elements, from the exterior paint—be it classic green and gold, or the iconic JPS-style black and gold livery—to the interior trim, allows each Series 1 to be a unique reflection of its owner’s taste, further enhancing its appeal as an exclusive vehicle customization.
Legacy and Future: A Nod to Chapman, a Glimpse of Tomorrow
Colin Chapman, the visionary behind Lotus, famously championed the idea that performance comes from minimizing weight and maximizing handling. The Encor Series 1 is, in many ways, the ultimate modern interpretation of Chapman’s philosophy. It retains the lightweight, agile essence of the original Esprit, yet enhances it with the reliability, performance, and safety of 21st-century engineering. It’s a testament to the enduring genius of the Esprit design and a powerful statement about the future of classic car values in 2025 and beyond.
The restomod market, particularly for high-end bespoke builds, is projected to continue its robust growth. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, the demand for analog driving experiences, manual transmissions, and naturally aspirated (or expertly turbocharged) internal combustion engines will only intensify. Vehicles like the Encor Series 1 are not just cars; they are cultural touchstones, preserving a crucial part of automotive heritage while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in bespoke engineering. They offer a tangible connection to a golden era of motoring, enhanced by modern precision.
Encor’s meticulous approach, its respect for the original design, and its unwavering commitment to driver engagement establish the Series 1 Esprit as a pinnacle of the high-performance restomod movement. This isn’t about mere nostalgia; it’s about perfecting an icon, making it relevant, reliable, and utterly exhilarating for today’s discerning enthusiast. It’s a compelling argument that the most thrilling drives often emerge from a thoughtful dialogue between past and future.
Your Invitation to Rediscover Automotive Passion
The automotive world is at a crossroads, and for those who cherish the tactile, the visceral, and the profoundly engaging, the path forward is clear. The Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit is more than just a car; it’s an experience, a statement, and a meticulously crafted piece of engineering art. If you’ve yearned for a return to pure driving, where every input matters and every journey is an event, this reimagined legend offers an unparalleled opportunity.
We invite you to explore the Encor Series 1 configurator and witness for yourself the meticulous detail and customizable options available. Discover how this extraordinary restomod can ignite your passion for driving, offering a unique blend of heritage, performance, and bespoke luxury that is truly unmatched in the 2025 automotive landscape. Reimagine your drive, rediscover the joy of connection, and consider the Encor Series 1 Lotus Esprit as not just your next acquisition, but your ultimate driving companion. The road awaits.
