by Revival of a Classic
British startup Encor is giving new life to the legendary Lotus Esprit by adapting it to modern requirements. The company uses the late 1990s V8 model as a base, supplementing it with carbon fiber body panels. A limited series of 50 cars is planned, with each costing £430,000, excluding the price of the donor vehicle.
Cinematic Inspiration
The project’s design is based on the original S1 series, made famous by chase scenes and underwater adventures in the 1977 James Bond film ‘Live and Let Die’. The company recreates the car’s characteristic profile using new carbon fiber body elements and also modernizes the lighting units, implementing LED technology instead of classic pop-up headlights.
Technical Features
Despite the exterior mimicking early models, the technical component is borrowed from later Esprit V8 versions. The original body frame, engine, and gearbox are used, which allows preserving the historical heritage of the Lotus brand and avoiding complex certification procedures. As company representatives note:
This allows us to maintain continuity with the Lotus heritage, as well as avoid the costs of expensive homologation.
Updated Power Unit
The two-liter turbocharged V8, which once produced 350 horsepower, is being completely modernized. Engineers report increased performance, improved dynamic characteristics, and enhanced convenience for daily use.
Modern Interior
The car’s interior has been completely reimagined, with only the original ‘cockpit’ concept surrounding the driver being preserved. The use of high-quality materials such as leather, Alcantara, and aluminum is combined with modern technologies: a multimedia system with Apple CarPlay support, climate control, and surround-view cameras.
Development Prospects
The company has announced the first public display of the finished car next month. Although future plans for other models have not yet been disclosed, enthusiasts suggest the possibility of creating a reincarnation of the Esprit Turbo in the characteristic red and gold livery, as if from the 1980s Essex Petroleum motor oil advertisements.
This project demonstrates the growing interest in restoring and modernizing automotive icons of the past. Using original technical components combined with modern materials and technologies allows preserving the spirit of the era while providing the comfort and reliability required today. Such initiatives open up new opportunities for collectors and automotive history enthusiasts.
