The restomod boom has delivered some truly stunning machines, but let’s be honest, it’s starting to feel a bit predictable. Another Porsche 911, another air-cooled revival, another six-figure reinterpretation of a shape we all know by heart. Beautiful? Absolutely. Surprising? Not anymore.
That’s where the Encor Series 1 steps in, sharp edges first. This limited-run restomod, built on the foundation of the legendary Lotus Esprit, does not attempt to surpass the 911. Instead, the Encor Series 1 zigzags where others repeat themselves, reviving one of the most daring sports car designs ever made and reengineering it for modern performance. Let’s discover it!
Why the Lotus Esprit Is the Perfect Anti-911
The Lotus Esprit has always stood apart from the mainstream. While 911 refined a single idea for decades, the Esprit arrived like a sci-fi concept that somehow escaped into production. Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, its wedge profile defined an era, and still looks futuristic today. Encor recognized what many builders overlooked: the Esprit’s mid-engine layout, lightweight philosophy, and dramatic proportions make it an ideal foundation for a next-generation restomod. The Series 1 sharpens the Esprit’s personality.
A Carbon-Fiber Rebirth
Gone is the original fiberglass bodywork. In this place, Encor fits an entirely new carbon-fiber shell, meticulously shaped to echo the earliest Series 1 Esprit while smoothing and modernizing every surface. The silhouette remains unmistakable, but the execution is far more precise. Modern LED lighting, forged five-spoke wheels, and large AP Racing brakes add contemporary muscle without overwhelming the design. The result is clean, purposeful, and aggressively restrained, exactly how a modern wedge should look.
Manual Gearbox, Mid-Engine Muscle
Rather than chasing outrageous horsepower figures, Encor focused on usable performance and driver engagement. Power comes from a heavily revised 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8, derived from later Esprit V8 models and rebuilt with modern internals, cooling, fueling, and engine management.
Output lands at roughly 400 horsepower, delivered exclusively through a five-speed manual transmission. No hybrid systems, no automated theatrics, just boost, balance, and mechanical connection. Expect a 0–62 mph time of around four seconds and a top speed near 175 mph, numbers that feel earned rather than engineered.
Modern Comfort Without Losing Character
Inside the cabin, Encor strikes a careful balance. The wraparound dashboard and low seating position honor the original Esprit’s cockpit-like feel, while modern displays and infotainment are integrated subtly. Nothing screams for attention. Everything serves the driver.
Materials, fit, and electronics are worlds beyond the original car, yet the interior avoids the sterile, screen-heavy approach seen in many modern supercars. This is a place built for driving, not just scrolling.
Rare by Design
Production of the Encor Series 1 is capped at 50 cars, with builds expected to begin in 2026. Pricing starts around $575,000, excluding the donor vehicle. This firmly places the Series 1 among ultra-exclusive, coachbuilt machines aimed at collectors who value originality as much as performance. This isn’t a volume play. It’s a statement.
Images: Encor
