436HP Chevy-Powered ’59 Lister Roadster Soon To Hit Auction

It’s a great time to be an enthusiast in the industry. Vehicles that were once virtually forgotten have now been revived, rejuvenated and offer up the ability to essentially have an all-new life. Case in point, the ’59 Lister-Chevrolet, which has caught a new generation of fame with owners and enthusiasts appreciating the performance that once dominated tracks.

1959 Lister-Chevrolet

Chassis No. BHL 127

Engine No. 3789935

Estimate: $500,000-$600,000 US

With the relatively few that have survived the hard life serving track duty, it’s no wonder their rare existence has increased their desirability. To be exact, as production began to slow in 1959, only 50 of these bodies were ever produced, 16 of which were powered by a Chevrolet small-block.

We caught wind of this racing gem while cruising the RM Auctions page and couldn’t resist showcasing this historic vehicle. The Lister-Chevrolet is set to hit the auction block on Friday, January 18, 2013. If you’re not familiar with the make or model, join the club. Not many of these British roadsters were built, let-alone with small-block Chevy power.

Better known as, “Knobbly,” nicknames for its seductive and curvacious body lines, the Chevy-powered roadster is well-known in the vintage racing community. In fact, this example comes complete with FIA papers and was prepared by Lister experts.

This particular chassis number was a winner of the Sussex Trophy at Goodwood in both ’08 and ’10, won the BRDC ’50s Sportscar Championship and is the all-time lap record holder for a ’50s sportscar at Oulton Park, Goodwood, and Spa.

Of course, what makes this chassis so unique is the ultra-rare powerplant. With the success of dropping in American power into a British sportscar, the Lister got one, too, thanks in part to a high-winding and rev-happy, 436 horsepower 283ci small-block Chevy. The motor is good for 6,400 rpm and even backed by a Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed. Suspension consists of a parallel wishbone front suspension with coil springs up front with a de Dion rear suspension. Girling disc brakes hang on all four corners. This was for the time, “the car to beat.”

For more on the Lister-Chevrolet, make sure to check out it’s full line of history through the RM Auction website, which you can find here

About the author

Sean Haggai

The former Associate Editor of Chevy High Performance, joins publication Chevy Hardcore, Sean is a true blue Bow Tie guy and a core do-it-yourself technician. If it doesn't run a "mouse motor" or a big rat between fenders, Sean ain't interested.
Read My Articles

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