1958 Lister Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ Continuation

1958 Lister-Jaguar Knobbly Continuation. 

• Recent and meticulous continuation build
• Chassis log book dating back to 1961
• Supplied with Full FIA HTP’s
• Eligible for Goodwood Members’ Meeting and Le Mans Classic.

This 1958 Lister Knobbly continuation has been thoroughly built and restored upon an ‘original’ Lister chassis, with a stamped log book tracing its history back to 1961. The car has been rebuilt to a very high standard. Nicholls Engineering repaired and completed the chassis, with mechanical attention centred around a full Crosthwaite & Gardiner engine kit fitted with a Crosthwaite wide-angle head. Induction is by Weber DCO3 carburettors mounted on a Crosthwaite manifold. A Tilton clutch drives through an all-synchromesh gearbox (with Tom Seal gear kit in TWR specification) to a 3.77 Power-Lok differential, providing excellent usability. Lynx D-Type wheels are fitted, and the car is finished in the distinguished Ecurie Ecosse colours, a fitting nod to 341 SG and one of the most distinctive periods in British motorsport history.

The quality of the bodywork is particularly impressive, showing as one of the most accurate Knobbly recreations, the result of builders Fred Fairman and Ian Headon’s painstaking efforts to measure original examples in extraordinary detail. Unlike most Knobbly’s encountered, 650 HOD follows the original body lines with a lower, sleeker rear end and smaller rear arch gaps. The overall execution of the build reflects the same care and attention, producing a continuation car that is both highly authentic in appearance and meticulously prepared for use.

The precise origin of the chassis remains a subject of interest. It is thought either to have been retained by Lister as a spare chassis. Ian Headon purchased the chassis in the early 1960’s from which he then created a Special. It was only later on that the origins of the chassis became more obvious, and then it was built/rebuilt as a Lister. It presently carries the chassis number IGH1, though a BHL chassis number may be applied for directly from Lister without difficulty should a new owner wish to do so.

Fresh FIA HTP papers will accompany the car, providing access to leading historic race meetings. It will be eligible for events such as the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and the Le Mans Classic, and can be further equipped with a roll hoop or quick-release steering wheel if desired.

Accompanying paperwork, together with the long-held log book, adds weight to the car’s provenance. Whether this was originally a spare chassis or a Special remains open to interpretation, but there is sufficient documentary evidence to place the car firmly within the Lister story.

This 1958 Lister-Jaguar Knobbly continuation offers a rare combination of originality, accuracy and thoughtful preparation. With its period chassis, high-quality mechanical specification, and careful build, it is a car of real distinction, ready to be enjoyed both on the road and at the most significant historic events.