Following high demand for an open-top LFT-666, British carmaker, Lister Motor Company, is launching its most potent drop-top supercar ever, LFT-C, in readiness for summer 2019. Based loosely on the Jaguar F-Type, it boasts a top speed over 205mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.0s. Powered by a Lister-tuned and supercharged 666bhp V8 engine, it features Lister developed alloys, exhaust system, suspension and brakes. Its interior is bespoke and handstitched.
The car’s alloy frame is clad in purposeful carbon-fibre panels, designed and manufactured by Lister in the UK. Each of just 10 LFT-Cs will be built to specific customer demand and will carry a numbered silver plaque. Prices starts at £139,000, with an unlimited options list available.
Both the LFT-C and LFP models will be displayed at the brand new, purpose-built, £6m, Lister headquarters and showroom in Blackburn, Lancashire, which opened earlier this year. The showroom area also displays a range of historically important Lister racing cars (including the renowned ‘Knobbly’) alongside classic Lister and other selected collectibles. Both Knobbly and Costin continuation models are still being built at Lister’s Cambridgeshire factory.
The LFT-666 coupe (based on F-Type again), which was limited to a total of 99 cars, received orders from around the world. Delivery of customer cars commenced in January, with examples heading as far afield as Canada and Australia. The entire 2019 allocation is now sold, although wealthy buyers can still place an order for delivery in early 2020.
In addition to the production LFT-666 and LFT-C models, Lister is also offering wheel and body enhancements for all Jaguar F-Type models worldwide, with kits starting from just £9,750 for the Lister badge, bumper and wheel upgrades. Cars with only the Lister body enhancements will be known as simply Lister LFT, with no power designation added. Warrantywise, is providing extended warranties for all Lister vehicles, meaning that a 7-year programme is now available across the entire Lister range.
Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Lister, said: “Launching the new LFT-C is a personal triumph, as I have always loved convertible cars, ever since my second one, an MG Midget. While we are famous for cars like the Knobbly and the Storm, the LFT series heralds a new era for Lister and continues our historical enhancement of Jaguar drivetrains, which dates back to 1957. In 2019, we shall launch two new cars and have also just opened our new headquarters in Lancashire that will be known as the home of the new Lister.”
While it might not be the best-known of British car-making specialists, Lister does possess an illustrious history and, in the capable hands of the Whitaker family, it looks sure to enjoy a viable future too.
