British sports car manufacturer Lister Cars is to resurrect production in Cambridge after confirming it will reinstate production of a new car after almost 25 years.
The three Lister companies of George Lister Engineering of Cambridge, Brian Lister Light Engineering and Lister Storm, are to reunite into one organisation that will herald the return of the Lister ‘Knobbly’ Jaguar, a 1950s icon.
The trio have consolidated within a new business called Lister Motor Company Limited, after a significant investment by WarrantyWise, one of the UK’s most successful aftermarket used car warranty providers.
It has invested in a new facility in Cambridge, which includes CNC machining, 3D scanning and Catia design, all of which will enable George Lister Engineering to develop and deliver a near identical development of the historic, race-winning, competition and track car.
Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of WarrantyWise and the investor in the project, said: “Anyone with a fondness for British sports car manufacturing and with an understanding of Lister’s remarkable heritage should rightly be excited by this news.
“The Lister ‘Knobbly’ was a powerful, giant-killing racing car in its heyday, and with all the expertise we have brought together for this project, I can promise that the new Lister will be a fabulously exciting and desirable car. This is a passionate undertaking for us and we also have some very exciting plans for the future.”
Jaguar D Type-specification engines and D Type gearboxes will be supplied by Crosthwaite & Gardener, with all race preparation and track commissioning undertaken by Chris Keith-Lucas of CKL Developments, a specialist in Jaguar restoration and preparation.
