Encor Series 1 is a Restomod Lotus Espirit

A few days ago we wrote about a company that is modifying first-gen Lotus Elise, turning them into lightweight single-seater driving machines. Click here to read original article on our site. We wondered when someone would turn their attention to the Elise’s older sibling. UK firm Encor didn’t make us wait long as they have just announced their restomod Lotus Espirit.

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In every detail, we act as conservators of Chapman’s ideals. Our mission is to elevate the Esprit for a new era without sacrificing its soul. Anyone can modify a car. What sets us apart is the way we treat the Esprit – not as a project, but as a responsibility. Progress should enhance, not replace
– Simon Lane, Encor co-founder

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Another Anniversary

The single-seat Elise by Analogue Automotive was teased on the day of the car’s 30th anniversary. The restomod Lotus Espirit was announced exactly 50 years since the wedgey sportscar was first shown to the world. The striking Lotus Esprit S1 was shown to the world at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, on this very day. These teaser images aside, the Encor Series 1 will make its full debut in a few weeks. Just 50 are destined for production with prices around the R10m-mark, before importation costs.

Click here to watch our video review of the lightweight Dallara Stradale sportscar.

True to Form

Encor maintains the original monocoque of an Espirit, but changes/upgrades almost everything else. First to go is the car’s glass-fibre body, to be replaced by all new carbon-fibre bits. This has the dual benefits of lowering the mass and increasing stiffness. Interestingly, Encor seems to start with the later V8 versions of the Espirit rather than the earlier, four-pot variants. However, it seems the styling follows the crisp lines of the earlier cars. The Esprit’s pop-up headlights are replaced by low-profile LED projectors.

Encor says that the V8 is fully rebuilt and refined, with higher performance, improved drivability and greater everyday usability. We assume that the brakes and suspension also come in for a bit of an upgrade. The cabin will also undergo a complete revision. Included among the changes will be better HVAC, parking cameras, and some new-age connectivity, but still retaining the car’s basic interior layout.