Lister Cars reveals brand-new continuation Knobbly

| 28 Jun 2016

An all-new continuation Lister Knobbly based on Sir Stirling Moss’ 1958 works racer has been unveiled at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

The Stirling Moss Limited Edition is a forensic facsimile of the factory cars campaigned by Stirling Moss and Archie Scott Brown, which were destroyed by the firm once they had reached the end of their racing days. Unlike most production Knobblys, such as those sold to the likes of Briggs Cunningham, the works cars featured a lightened 1/16 gauge tubular chassis and differential and clutch housings created from magnesium. 

Brian Lister wanted his factory racers to have an advantage over his competitors – even those who bought his cars – so didn’t disclose the difference in materials until shortly before his death. 

“I had no idea because he didn’t tell me,” said Sir Stirling Moss. “I had no idea until modern times. It’s a brilliant car, the handling of it is really good, and the speed of it…you could throw it around. It’s a fantastic car, it was certainly built in the right way.”

Just 10 of the Stirling Moss Limited Editions will be built, each finished in green with yellow scallops as per the original car, which Moss drove to victory at Silverstone. Each will feature the same magnesium upgrades as the 1958 works cars, offering customers the most accurate representation of the lost factory racers to date.

The new cars are priced at £1million, putting them into direct competition with the Jaguar Land-Rover’s recently announced continuation XKSSs. 

The cars come complete with a raft of FIA papers ensuring eligibility to a number of historic races and race series, including Motor Racing Legends’ Stirling Moss Trophy. It will also be possible to specify the Knobblys for road use. 

Each car will be handed over by Sir Stirling Moss, while the purchase price also includes a personal letter from and private dinner with the legendary driver. The Knobbly becomes just the second car to which he has lent his name, after the Mercedes-Benz SLR. 

With just 10 examples set to be built, demand is expected to be strong: the first car has already been purchased by JD Classics’ Derek Hood, who sealed the deal shortly after the big reveal. 

Read about Classic & Sports Car's experience of Lister's continuation Knobbly by clicking here