The Lotus Esprit has been reborn as a $540,000 carbon fiber remaster with only 50 units being made
Published on Dec 08, 2025 at 5:12 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Dec 08, 2025 at 5:12 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Fans of the Lotus Esprit sports car can rejoice, as the British icon is making a comeback, except this time it is with a difference, as a restomod.
The company behind it is Encor, and rather than just remake the Lotus as it was in the 1970s and 1980s, they’ve given it the modern touch.
In fact, we should think of this as a remaster of the sports car, and one that will be limited to just 50 units overall.
It certainly won’t come cheap, but it looks like the 50 customers will have spent their money wisely.
DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars
The Encor Series 1 is a Lotus Esprit remaster
Called the Encor Series 1, the company has taken the Lotus Esprit to the next level.
It’s a ground-up remaster, making extensive use of carbon fiber while also rebuilding the V8 engine.
While this is a restomod, it still stays true to the spirit of the original sports car.
The car features the iconic wedge shape of the original, while also featuring pop-up headlights.
These are complete with LED projectors, while the wheels recreate the Lotus design with a forged construction.
Instead of a fiberglass body, however, the restomod sports a brand-new carbon fiber shell.
One noticeable external change is the wider stance, which can accommodate bigger tires and better cooling.
Yet it still looks unquestionably like a Lotus Esprit.
Under the hood is a rebuilt V8 engine
The chassis comes from a fully restored Esprit V8, but re-engineered to suit modern standards.
Under the hood, Encor has rebuilt the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
The changes include modern fuel and cooling systems, plus uprated turbos, as well as a stainless exhaust.
With all these changes, the throaty V8 now makes 400hp and 350lb-ft of torque.
Sticking to Colin Chapman’s philosophy of lightness above everything else, the Series 1 weighs just 2,650lbs.
That makes the sports car a feather compared to some of the modern giants on today’s roads.
Encor has kept the cabin as close to the original Esprit as possible, even down to the angled dashboard.
The cabin also has the iconic tartan seat accents.
It does have modern infotainment, but it is very discreetly installed.
Only 50 of these amazing restomods will be produced, starting at $540,000 with delivery expected in mid-2026.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
