Encor Series 1 Restomods the Lotus Esprit in Carbon
The limited 50-car build blends a carbon-fiber body, analog-focused driving, and modern cabin tech for 2026 deliveries.
Summary
- British engineering firm Encor has unveiled its Series 1 restomod, a carbon-fiber reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit limited to just 50 units worldwide
- The project utilizes a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine upgraded to produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque
- Priced from £430,000 excluding the donor vehicle, the Series 1 features analog-focused driving dynamics including hydraulic steering and a manual transmission
Revealed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 Giugiaro-designed wedge, the Encor Series 1 replaces the classic fiberglass shell with a single-piece autoclaved carbon-fiber body. This material swap helps keep the vehicle’s wet weight to approximately 2,645 lbs, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 333 hp per tonne. Performance targets include a 0-60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
The upgraded Type 918 V8 engine has been fitted with forged pistons, new injectors, and remanufactured turbochargers, managed by a modern ECU with electronic throttle-body control. Despite its forced induction, the engine is tuned to deliver a sound profile reminiscent of a naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that has been extensively re-engineered in partnership with Quaife to include a helical limited-slip differential and a bespoke twin-plate clutch.
Inside, the cabin retains the signature sloped dashboard and tartan accents of the original while adding modern refinements. A digital instrument display is housed within a one-piece billet aluminum binnacle, and modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and 360-degree cameras are integrated discreetly to maintain an analog feel. Deliveries for the hand-built commissions are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
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