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Encor Unveils Carbon Series 1 Restomod of the 1975 Lotus Esprit

Pricing starts at £430,000 before taxes plus a required donor car, with first deliveries planned for 2026.

Overview

  • Each build uses a late-1990s Esprit V8 donor reengineered under a single autoclaved carbon shell with slim pop-up headlights and modern LED lighting.
  • The rebuilt 3.5‑liter twin‑turbo V8 targets about 400 hp and 350 lb‑ft in a sub‑1,200 kg package, aiming for 0–62 mph in roughly 4 seconds and a top speed near 175 mph.
  • Encor extensively reworks the Renault‑cased five‑speed with a stronger shaft, revised ratios, a twin‑plate clutch and a limited‑slip differential to address the original gearbox’s weakness.
  • Chassis hardware includes Sport 350‑spec suspension, AP Racing brakes and retained hydraulic power steering to preserve driver feel.
  • The cabin blends a sloped dash and tartan accents with a digital instrument display and carbon center console, and production is capped at 50 cars with deliveries expected to begin in Q2 2026 and continue into 2027.