Thursday, February 26, 2015

Lister Jaguar XJS Le Mans (1986-94)

Lister is one of the most renowned names in sports car racing history. The relationship between Lister and Jaguar goes back almost 50 years, and is synonymous with sports car racing. In 1986, the Lister name was revived. The new company, Lister-Cars Ltd, was based in Surrey and modified approximately 90 Jaguar XJSs, coupes and convertibles, which were marketed as Lister Jaguars. (Note: Jaguar changed the XJ-S model name to XJS in 1990). (classicdriver.com)

In creating what would be known as the 'MkIII' Lister Jaguar XJS, Lister Cars increased the original 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine, installed a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox, up-rated the suspension with Koni dampers, and fitted a muscular looking body kit featuring widened wheelarches, front air dam and a rear spoiler. Lister badges replaced those of Jaguar. On this extensively re-engineered car, which at around £55,000 in 1988 (including the donor XJS) was as expensive as a Ferrari Mondial or Porsche 928. In performance terms the MkIII was in equally exalted company, its claimed 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds bettering that of the contemporary Ferrari Testarossa, as did the estimated top speed of circa 200mph. (bonhams.com)

Full 7.0L Le Mans: Christened 'Le Mans' to celebrate Jaguar's success there in the late 80's, the Lister totally transformed its Jaguar XJS base into a mega powerful 200mph supercar. The full 7.0L Le Mans specification, with twin superchargers, produced a mighty 600bhp with an identical 600lbft of torque ensuring effortless acceleration in any gear. (classicdriver.com)

Earlier examples retained the standard XJS bonnet, whereas with the later cars Lister shifted the headlamps backwards a few inches and brought the edge of the bonnet down to meet the bumper - presumably in an effort to reduce frontal area and increase top speed. Rear buttresses were restyled. Approx. twenty XJSs were converted with the full body kit. (pistonheads.com)
































































For later conversions Lister shifted the headlamps backwards a few inches and brought the edge of the bonnet down to meet the bumper - presumably in an effort to reduce frontal area and increase top speed. Rear buttresses were restyled. 

































(Photos from silverstoneauctions.com, bonhams.com, 
autowp.ru, flickr.com, classicdriver.com)