Lister Costin classic cars for sale

History of the Lister Costin

The Lister Costin was conceived during a vibrant era of British motorsport. Crafted by Frank Costin, renowned for his expertise in aerodynamics, this model marks a clear departure from earlier Lister shapes by prioritising minimal drag and maximum speed. Debuting in 1958, the Costin was a direct answer to the increasing competition in sports car racing. Only 17 units were built between 1958 and 1959, making each survivor a rare witness to the cut-and-thrust of late-1950s endurance races. Its unique silhouette and forceful presence on track quickly made it a staple of racing folklore, with privateer teams battling for honours against more established marques.

Model History

The Lister Costin followed on from the Lister Knobbly, adopting a streamlined body to exploit Frank Costin's wind tunnel designs. Where the Knobbly prioritised muscularity, the Costin’s curves are dictated by airflow, creating a visually distinct successor. While the road map was brief—spanning just two years—its blend of Jaguar straight-six and Chevrolet V8 options positioned it at the forefront of privateer racing line-ups. After the short-lived production run, the Costin name remained synonymous with aerodynamic innovation, but no direct successor was produced in period, reinforcing its stand-alone significance in Lister’s storied portfolio.

Highlights of the Lister Costin

The Costin is celebrated for its advanced aerodynamic body, engineered by Frank Costin—whose background in aviation translated to innovative solutions for reducing drag. Owners had a choice between the battle-tested straight-six from Jaguar or the raw power of Chevrolet’s V8. The car’s combination of lightweight tubular chassis and potent engines enabled exceptional track performance in period GT and sports car racing. With only 17 built, authenticity and originality are highly regarded in existing examples.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

During its concise production run, every Lister Costin was effectively unique due to bespoke race-focused specifications, often tailored to customer requirements and engines. Most models can be traced to their original race entries and specific configurations, making provenance an essential point when evaluating surviving cars.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Lister Costin’s chassis and powertrain blend delivers raw, analog performance seldom matched in period sports racing cars. Handling is highly responsive; its near-perfect weight balance and aerodynamic silhouette allow for high-speed stability. The Jaguar XK straight-six offers smooth yet potent delivery, while the Chevrolet V8 variant supplies sheer force with a more visceral edge. Gearshifts are characteristically direct, and the disciplined suspension keeps the Costin planted through challenging corners. Jaguar XK-powered Costins are known for their link to British racing heritage, whereas the Chevrolet V8-powered examples appeal to those seeking uncompromising straight-line performance. Each variant represents a distinct interpretation of 1950s motorsport engineering.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Frank Costin’s expertise in aerodynamics is etched into every line of the Costin’s profile. The tapering nose, enclosed cockpit, and minimalist approach inside highlight a strict focus on racing functionality. Cockpits are sparse, dominated by instrumentation and switchgear essential for endurance racing. Bodywork is hand-formed aluminium, with paint schemes often reflecting the racing liveries of original privateer entrants. Notable design features include the wraparound windscreen, integrated headlamps, and cut-down doors—there is little in the way of traditional comfort, as all aspects serve the pursuit of speed.

Summary

The Lister Costin stands apart as a symbol of aerodynamic ingenuity and motorsport commitment. Built in minute numbers, utilising proven British and American powertrains, it encapsulates one of the purest expressions of late-1950s sports racing design. Its enduring presence on and off the track is a testament to the vision of Frank Costin and the unwavering spirit of British racing.