At the end of the 1950s, the Listers disrupt the established order
In 1957, Brian Lister developed the Lister Jaguar which quickly established itself as a serious rival for the big brands already well established in the racing world. With the talented British driver Archie Scott Brown at the wheel, the prestigious victories wrested from Ferrari and Aston Martin helped build the Lister legend. The "Knobbly" has thus enabled the former Cambridge ironwork company to rise to the highest level of international competition.
Brian Lister seeks to improve the Lister: The Lister bodied by Costin is born in 1959
In 1958, Brian Lister wanted to give the Lister a completely new body to improve its top speed and handling at high speeds. Indeed, the gnarled body of the Lister knobbly generated significant turbulence which caused its front end to float at high speed. In order to mitigate this effect, Ecurie Ecosse had also modified the shape of the hood before its car by adding riveted aluminum plates to the rear of the fenders. Considered effective, this modification was then applied to other Lister Knobbly. Brian Lister did not want to stop there ...
Frank Costin was the man for the job to develop a more aerodynamically efficient body. After designing airplanes as an engineer at de Havilland Aircraft Company, he specialized in the application of aerodynamics concepts in motor racing. Thus its collaboration with Lotus gave birth to the bodywork of the Lotus XI, adopted in broad outline on the Lotus XV.
In 1959, the prototype of the Lister Streamliner designed by Costin left the Cambridge workshops (BHL 121). This new body covering the wheels, and whose front face was refined, made it possible to increase the top speed of the Lister Costin and above all to ensure better handling at high speed. Frank Costin therefore brilliantly accomplished his mission. Beyond the improvement in performance that it conferred on the Lister, it gave it a fluid and slender line of rare elegance.
In all, only 12 Lister Costins will see the light of day, making it a particularly rare car today.
Chassis BHL 122, ex-Jonathan Sieff driven by Peter Blond
BHL 122 is the very first Lister Costin produced by the Cambridge workshops with a Jaguar engine out of a total production of 3. The other Costins having received a Chevrolet or Maserati engine.
It was acquired by Jonathan Sieff who entered it twice at Goodwood with Peter Blond at the wheel. BHL 122 participated in the same year in the International Trophy at Silverstone and in the 1000 km of the Nürburgring where it was involved in an accident. She then continued her career in the United States before returning in the late 1970s. in John Pearson's studio.
A car to seek victory in the most prestigious events
Today BHL 122 is a very competitive car. Powered by its 3.8L Jaguar wide-angle cylinder head and dry sump engine, it is regularly at the top of the many events for which it is eligible. It has been maintained and prepared for many years by Pearsons Engineering. Recently, it finished in 4th place in the general classification of Le Mans Classic 2014. It is also eligible for Goodwood Revival (where it has raced many times), Stirling Moss Trophy, Monterey and Daytona Classic, the first edition of which is will take place next November. Being registered in England, its new owner will have the pleasure, if he wishes, to drive this rare Lister Costin on the open road.
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