It’s been 50 years since the original Lotus Esprit S1 concept was shown 1975 Paris Motor Show. Encor has unveiled its Series 1, essentially a modern carbon-fibre reimaging of the original Lotus Esprit S1.

It features a rebuilt 3.5 litre twin-turbo V8 engine that produces around 400 bhp and 350Ib ft of torque, with a kerb weight of under 1,200 kg. The 0 to 62 mph time should be around 4 seconds, with a top speed close to 175 mph.

The S1 Esprit was forward-thinking, pure and utterly uncompromised.

To touch a shape like this is a huge responsibility. Every line we’ve refined, every decision we’ve made, is about honouring the original’s intent while letting the car perform, feel and function the way its silhouette always promised.

Said Daniel Durrant, Encor’s Head of Design and former Lead Designer at Lotus for the Emira.

Lightness and tactility guide every decision. The Series 1 drives with the purity you imagine from an analogue supercar, yet with a depth of capability the original platform could only dream of. It’s a transformation carried out with complete respect for its DNA.

Added Mike Dickison, Technical Director and former MIRA engineer.

Production of the Encor Series 1 is limited to 50 individually commissioned cars worldwide with prices starting from £430,000.00.

Don’t forget a donor Lotus Esprit V8 will also be required.