Lister
Lister
Founded
1954
Founders
Brian Lister
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Lister
Founded
1954
Founders
Brian Lister
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
About this brand
Discover the history
Lister Cars, a distinguished British automotive manufacturer, was founded in 1954 by Brian Lister in Cambridge, England. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-performance sports cars and racing vehicles, embodying Brian Lister’s passion for speed and engineering excellence.
Lister’s initial focus was on creating racing cars, and the brand made its mark with the Lister Sports Car, which featured a lightweight design and powerful engines. The company’s early successes in racing were bolstered by its collaboration with various engine suppliers, including Jaguar. This partnership proved crucial in establishing Lister’s reputation in the motorsport world. One of the brand’s most significant achievements came with the introduction of the Lister Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ in 1958. This model, powered by a Jaguar engine, was renowned for its exceptional performance on the track.
The Lister Jaguar Knobbly quickly gained prominence in sports car racing, with notable victories in various competitions. It was particularly successful in events such as the 1958 Nürburgring 1000 km, showcasing Lister’s prowess in creating competitive racing machines. The Knobbly’s success helped solidify Lister’s standing in motorsport and established the brand as a serious contender in the racing world.
During the 1960s, Lister continued to build on its racing heritage with models like the Lister Costin. This car featured a streamlined design and was powered by a range of high-performance engines, contributing to Lister’s success on the racetrack. The Lister Costin competed in numerous races and achieved notable results, further enhancing the brand’s reputation for engineering excellence.
However, the rise of new regulations and changes in the racing landscape in the late 1960s led to a decline in Lister’s involvement in motorsport. The company faced financial challenges and eventually ceased production of racing cars. Despite this, Lister’s legacy in motorsport remained strong, and the brand’s achievements on the track continued to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors.
In the late 1980s, Lister Cars experienced a revival under new ownership. The company, now led by Lawrence Whittaker, reintroduced the Lister brand with a focus on creating high-performance road cars. The revival included models like the Lister Storm, a road-going sports car that drew inspiration from Lister’s racing heritage. The Lister Storm achieved success in racing events such as the British GT Championship, demonstrating the brand’s continued commitment to performance and engineering.
In recent years, Lister has continued to build on its legacy by producing high-performance variants of existing sports cars. The company’s modern offerings, including Lister editions of vehicles like the Lister Jaguar Knobbly, celebrate the brand’s history while incorporating contemporary engineering advancements.
Today, Lister Cars is renowned for its rich history in motorsport and its dedication to producing high-performance vehicles. The brand’s legacy is a testament to Brian Lister’s vision and the company’s achievements on the racetrack, reflecting a storied history of engineering excellence and racing success.
