Sales of new 330bhp, 181mph Lister
Jaguar D-type recreation could allow Lister to develop a new contemporary modelLister, an iconic British sports car company, has revealed full details and pricing for its recreation of the classic Lister Jaguar 'Knobbly' race car.
The new continuation model of the Lister Jaguar D-type, nicknamed 'Knobbly' due to its muscular bodywork, will cost approximately 300k in race specification. A road-going version will also be offered, priced at around 311k.
Lister says the cars will provide an all-new, factory approved, entry into FIA/HTP Appendix K historic racing, without the risk of buying non-factory recognised, replica cars which may prove to be ineligible.
A company spokesperson said that Lister only intends to manufacturer around ten cars a year, as increased demand would require a considerable rethink with regards to the logistics of production. It's claimed that 50 per cent of the current annual production capability is already sold.
It's hoped, however, that the new car will help bring the Lister brand back into the public eye and allow the company to develop a sound financial platform, from which it could explore all-new designs.
The spokesperson also told Autocar that the company's managing director, Lawrence Whittaker, is intent on exploring future possibilities.
Whittaker loves cars and recognises that the Lister brand has collateral and is desirable, particularly with regards to historic racing. If the business proves profitable, he would look at exploring the idea of bringing the Lister name back to the contemporary market.
The new Lister Jaguars will be powered by the same Jaguar D-type engine used in the original cars. Lister states that the 3. 8-litre engine, in race specification, will produce 330bhp and 295lb ft.
Suitably race-like performance ensues, with the 787kg Lister Jaguar being claimed as capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in 4. 3sec. Its top speed is equally impressive, at a reputed 181mph.
Only 50 Lister Jaguars were produced, between 1954 and 1959, with the likes of Stirling Moss and Archie Scott Brown enjoying numerous competitive successes in them.
Both road and race variants of the Lister Jaguar are hand-built and designed to meet the requirements of each customer. The first cars will leave the factory in April 2014, and the company is planning a series of sponsored historic race meetings for 2015.