Encor Series 1—the Esprit Reborn as a Modern Masterpiece

Encor Series 1: The Iconic Esprit, Rebuilt for the Modern Gentleman

Engineered and designed by veterans from Lotus, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, and Skyships Automotive, the Encor Series 1 is a detailed, ground-up remastering of the classic Esprit S1, executed with one goal in mind: to elevate a 20th-century icon into a 21st-century machine worthy of its silhouette.

Built on a philosophy Encor calls “respectful enhancement,” the Series 1 doesn’t reinvent the Esprit—it reimagines it with the kind of obsessive precision and aesthetic purity only decades of hindsight and technological advancement can provide. From a handcrafted carbon-fibre shell to a rebuilt 3.5L twin-turbo V8, every detail of the Encor Series 1 pays tribute to the Esprit’s soul, while finally delivering on the performance its wedge-shaped form always promised.

This is a machine for connoisseurs. For those who understand that automotive greatness is about what’s next while honoring what came before, with discipline, passion, and purpose.

Encor Series 1: Carbon Form and Analog Firepower

Encor began by digitally scanning the original Esprit’s body, then resurfacing it with tighter highlights, cleaner transitions, and millimeter-perfect geometry. Gone is the old fibreglass shell—replaced by a seamless, autoclaved carbon-fibre monocoque that captures the essence of the original design while refining it for modern eyes and aero expectations.

The low-profile pop-up headlights, now ultra-compact LEDs, give a contemporary crispness to the classic wedge face. The stance is subtly widened to accommodate modern rubber and brake ducting, and the billet-machined wheels are a respectful nod to the original slot-mag and Sport 350 designs, updated with structural clarity.

But the real thrill lives beneath the skin. Underneath the outer, the Encor Series 1 retains the original Lotus Esprit V8 chassis—but that’s where the retro ends. The 3.5L twin-turbo V8 has been stripped and rebuilt with forged pistons, upgraded injectors, remanufactured turbos, a new electronic throttle, and a modern fuel and cooling system. The stainless exhaust system isn’t just tuned for power—it’s tuned for poetry.

Output stands at an estimated 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. At under 1,200 kg kerb weight, the Series 1 promises a 0–62 mph sprint in around 4 seconds and a top speed approaching 175 mph. The five-speed manual transmission has been completely reengineered by Quaife, featuring a helical limited-slip diff and twin-plate clutch for modern durability and control.

Suspension components are upgraded to Sport 350 spec. AP Racing handles the braking. And steering? Mercifully, it remains hydraulically assisted—because real drivers want real feel.

Encor Series 1: A Cabin Built for the Purist Driver

Inside the Encor Series 1, you’ll find a balance between reverent preservation and modern luxury. The iconic sloped dash and wraparound binnacle remain, enhanced with billet aluminum switchgear and a digital display integrated so cleanly it feels like it was always meant to be there. The carbon-fibre “T” dash structure is both a visual centerpiece and a tactile control hub, housing every essential command exactly where it belongs.

The seats are re-foamed and re-trimmed but retain their 1970s ergonomics and bolstering. Tartan accents harken back to the Esprit’s original flair without veering into cosplay. Skyships Automotive discreetly integrates modern amenities like climate control, rear-view cameras, and infotainment—but crucially, they never overpower the analogue soul of the car.

Only 50 examples of the Encor Series 1 will be produced globally, with prices starting at £430,000 ($573,318.00)—excluding taxes, options, and the required donor Esprit V8. Each commission is a personal affair, taking place at Encor’s HQ in Chelmsford, UK, or through bespoke consultations for international clients. Deliveries are slated to begin in Q2 2026, extending into 2027.

But don’t mistake this limited run for a swan song. For Encor, the Series 1 is the beginning of something bigger: a movement to preserve, enhance, and reintroduce landmark designs with modern credibility.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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