Encor Series 1 reimagines the Lotus Esprit with modern engineering
The Encor Series 1 is a carbon-fiber restomod that reworks the original Lotus Esprit into a low-volume production supercar, retaining its wedge-shaped silhouette while refining proportions and construction. Developed by British firm Encor, the car replaces the original fiberglass body with a single-piece carbon shell, improving rigidity and surface precision while preserving the geometric language of the 1970s design. The project is limited to 50 units globally, with deliveries scheduled from 2026.
The car is built on a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis, powered by a rebuilt 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing around 400 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission and hydraulic steering. The interior combines analog driving elements with modern systems, including updated infotainment, camera integrations, and improved materials. The design maintains a focus on driver engagement, using mechanical feedback and simplified controls rather than fully digital interfaces
Image Credit: Encor Design
The car is built on a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis, powered by a rebuilt 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing around 400 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission and hydraulic steering. The interior combines analog driving elements with modern systems, including updated infotainment, camera integrations, and improved materials. The design maintains a focus on driver engagement, using mechanical feedback and simplified controls rather than fully digital interfaces
Image Credit: Encor Design
Trend Themes
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Carbon-fiber Restomods — A shift toward replacing vintage bodywork with single-piece carbon shells is enabling high-rigidity, precision-built reissues of classic models at small production scales.
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Low-volume Heritage Supercars — Boutique runs of 20–100 units that blend iconic silhouettes with contemporary engineering are redefining scarcity-driven value in the collector market.
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Analog-modern Hybrid Cockpits — Combining tactile controls and mechanical feedback with selective digital systems is creating a new user experience niche that prioritizes driver engagement over full vehicle digitization.
Industry Implications
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Automotive Coachbuilding — Specialist small-volume manufacturers are positioned to disrupt mainstream OEMs by offering bespoke structural reinterpretations of legacy models using modern platform integration.
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Advanced Composite Manufacturing — Materials suppliers and fabricators focused on single-piece carbon structures could transform repairability, weight savings, and production workflows across premium vehicle segments.
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Niche Vehicle Electronics — Suppliers of modular infotainment and camera systems tailored for analog-forward interiors can create differentiated experiences for collectors who resist full digital conversion.
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