Fifty years to the day since the world first glimpsed the Lotus Esprit S1 at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, a new chapter in the car’s storied legacy is being written. Encor, a specialist in remastering iconic automotive classics, has unveiled its vision for the Esprit: the Encor Series 1. With only 50 examples set to be crafted, this carbon-fibre-bodied homage elevates the original S1’s razor-edged design, marrying heritage with contemporary engineering and luxury.
A Backbone of Innovation
At the heart of the Series 1 lies Colin Chapman’s original backbone chassis, a defining element of the Esprit’s structural ingenuity. Encor has preserved this foundational geometry while replacing the original fibreglass shell with a meticulously engineered carbon-fibre body. The result is a structure that is lighter, more rigid, and constructed with millimetre-perfect precision. Every surface has been CAD-refined, aerodynamics enhanced, and even the Esprit’s iconic pop-up headlights have been reimagined as low-profile LED projectors.
“In every detail, we act as conservators of Chapman’s ideals,” says Simon Lane, Encor Co-Founder. “Our mission is to elevate the Esprit for a new era without sacrificing its soul.”
From Donor to Distinction
Each Series 1 begins life as a Lotus Esprit V8, selected for its enduring performance pedigree. Engines are fully rebuilt and refined, achieving higher output, improved drivability, and enhanced usability for modern roads. Importantly, the donor chassis, engine, and gearbox identities are retained, ensuring that each Series 1 remains a true continuation of Lotus heritage.
A Cabin That Transcends Time
Step inside, and the Esprit’s celebrated wraparound cockpit has been subtly reinterpreted. Leather, Alcantara, and machined aluminium create a cabin that honours the original while introducing contemporary comforts. Discreet digital integration incorporates Apple CarPlay, 360° cameras, and modern climate control, blending classic aesthetics with the functionality expected of a 21st-century sports car.
Expertise That Commands Respect
The leadership at Encor is drawn from decades of high-level experience across hypercars and luxury vehicles. Their collective resumes include work with Pagani, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lotus. This team was responsible for the Lotus Emira and bespoke programmes at Q by Aston Martin and Lotus Advanced Performance.
“Anyone can modify a car,” Lane adds. “What sets us apart is the way we treat the Esprit – not as a project, but as a responsibility. Progress should enhance, not replace.”
A Philosophy in Motion
The Encor Series 1 is more than a remastered classic; it is a statement of philosophy. By combining carbon-fibre engineering, rebuilt powertrains, and sophisticated interior craftsmanship, Encor ensures that the car delivers both historical reverence and contemporary performance.
Further technical specifications and imagery will be shared under embargo ahead of the Series 1’s full reveal in November 2025. The Encor Series 1 is priced from £430,000 GBP, excluding options, taxes, and the Lotus Esprit V8 donor vehicle.
About Encor
Founded to safeguard and elevate automotive heritage, Encor specialises in remastering icons for the modern era. The Series 1 exemplifies this mission, preserving the soul and intent of the original Lotus Esprit while enhancing structure, performance, and usability for today’s enthusiasts.
The Encor leadership team combines decades of expertise in design, engineering, and bespoke vehicle programmes:
- William Ives and Michael Perkins, co-founders of Skyships, bring advanced knowledge of vehicle systems and cockpit integration.
- Mike Dickison, a Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ experience at MIRA, Tickford, and C2P, directs technical delivery.
- Simon Lane, a veteran of Q by Aston Martin and Lotus Advanced Performance, ensures each build maintains heritage integrity.
- Daniel Durrant, former lead designer at Lotus, provides design continuity, bridging the original Esprit aesthetic with modern refinement.
Together, they make Encor not simply a modifier, but a custodian of automotive culture, demonstrating how heritage can be preserved, respected, and evolved.
For more information, visit www.encor.design or follow @encor.design on social media.
