British startup Encor Design has revealed the ultimate Lotus Esprit restomod to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original concept’s 1975 Paris Motor Show debut.
Dubbed the Series 1, Encor claims it has “approached the Esprit not as a blank canvas, but as a piece of cultural heritage” when it came to creating the ultimate homage to one of the most iconic wedge-shaped supercars out there.
First teased back in October, just 50 examples of the Series 1 will be made – although despite the name and styling, it isn’t actually based on the S1.
Rather, this carbon-bodied creation is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the S1’s form built upon the underpinnings of the Esprit S4 produced from 1994 to 2004.
Encor clearly hasn’t skimped in modernising the S4 underpinnings, as the original chassis sees the fibreglass bodywork ditched in favour of an uninterrupted autoclaved carbon fibre body shell.
To create its stunning new lines, the Encor design team, led by Lotus Emira head designer Daniel Durrant, digitally scanned the original Esprit before refining its geometry using modern design tools to create tighter highlights with greater precision.
Key design enhancements include the tautness of the wheelarch surfaces, the crispness of the shoulder line, the exquisite sharpness of the front volume.
A broader stance to accommodate wider tyres and better brake cooling ducts, along with compact LED projectors integrated into pop-up housings complete its distinctive wedge front end.
“The S1 Esprit was forward-thinking, pure and utterly uncompromised,” says Durrant.
“To touch a shape like this is a huge responsibility. Every line we’ve refined, every decision we’ve made, is about honouring the original’s intent while letting the car perform, feel and function the way its silhouette always promised.”
Being based on the Esprit S4, however, means the Encor Series 1 is powered by its mid-mounted 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 which has been treated to forged pistons, upgraded injectors, remanufactured turbochargers, a new electronic throttle body, modern fuel and cooling systems, and an all-new stainless.
The result is around 298kW (400hp) and 475Nm (350lb-ft) in a car with a target kerb weight of under 1200kg. The 0-100km/h (0-62mph) sprint is estimated to take just four seconds, while its top speed should be close to 282km/h (175mph).
The five-speed manual gearbox has also been reengineered by Quaife to handle the modern performance, with it now boasting a stronger input shaft, revised ratios, a helical limited-slip differential, and a bespoke twin-plate clutch.
Suspension components are upgraded to Sport 350 specification, AP Racing brakes are fitted on all four corners, and the steering rack remains hydraulically assisted rather than electric.
Inside, the Series 1 preserves the Esprit’s dramatically sloped dashboard, cockpit-like wraparound instrument binnacle, and tartan accents. However, all have been tweaked and modernised.
The floating instrument cluster is perhaps the most striking, with it now machined from a single billet of aluminium and now houses a modern digital display.
Its seats have also been restored, re-foamed, and re-trimmed, maintaining their original ergonomics while elevating support and finish.
Infotainment, climate, and camera systems – designed in-house by Skyships Automotive – are also integrated discreetly, providing quiet convenience without disturbing the analogue intent.
“This car is analogue at heart,” says Encor co-founder Simon Lane.
“We wanted to avoid the modern tendency toward gadgetry, therefore the technology exists to enhance the experience, not to dominate it.”
Although a newcomer in the restomod scene, the Encor team boasts decades of experience with the likes of Lotus, Aston Martin, and Koenigsegg. Safe to say they know a thing or two about building serious supercars with pedigree like that.
It’s perhaps no surprise, though, that pricing doesn’t start cheap for work this thorough. Pricing for each of the 50 individually commissioned build slots starts at £430,000 – the equivalent of roughly A$865,100 in our money – and that’s before you factor in the cost of on-road costs, optional extras, and even the donor Esprit V8.
Commissioning takes place either at Encor’s UK headquarters in Chelmsford, or via private consultation for international clients. However, for those simply left dreaming, the company has put a configurator on its website to see just how good you can get this thing looking.
Encor Series 1 deliverties are set to begin in Q2 2026 before continuing through 2027.
