Motoring: 10 special edition Jaguar racing cars up for sale as collectors hedge their bets on classic cars following Brexit decision

JAGUAR Land Rover’s decision to travel back to the future by using its Heritage Collection as inspiration for a series of special edition racing cars has seen the rebirth of some much-loved motor cars.

Taking its lead from JLR, Lister Motor Company is also producing a special edition of its famous ‘Knobbly’ Jaguars – each of which will command a heavy £1m price tag.

Limited to a run of 10 cars, the Lister Knobbly Jaguar will carry the name of Britain’s most famous racing driver, Sir Stirling Moss.

Each car features a handmade magnesium body and special lightweight specification, in keeping with the ‘works’ racing Knobblys of the 1950s.

These cars follow on from an initial run of 10 aluminium-bodied continuations – now all sold out – production of which began at George Lister Engineering in 2014. Each is built using the same techniques as the original 1950s Knobbly, following the acquisition of Lister Motor Company by Andrew and Lawrence Whittaker in 2013.

The 10 Stirling Moss editions will celebrate the driver’s races for Brian Lister in the ‘works’ racing cars in the 1950s.

While some original Lister Knobblys are still driven in historic racing, none of the original magnesium-bodied ‘works’ cars survive, making this limited run an incredible opportunity for collectors and Lister enthusiasts – providing they’ve deep pockets.

All 10 Lister Jaguar Knobbly Stirling Moss editions will faithfully feature the same specification as the ‘works’ car with which Sir Stiring won at Silverstone in 1958.

Each one of the 10 owners will receive a handover from Sir Stirling Moss and a personal welcome letter from the legendary racing driver.

Lawrence Whittaker, CEO, Lister Motor Company, said: “The launch of these Stirling Moss editions represents a truly unique opportunity. None of the original magnesium-bodied ‘works’ Lister Knobblys survived from the 1950s, so the fortunate few who get to own a Stirling Moss edition will be getting a period-correct continuation ‘works’ Lister made using the same techniques as the original.

Sir Stirling Moss said: “The Knobbly remains one of my favourite racing cars. I remember getting into it in 1958 and thinking ‘who is going to beat me in this?’ At the time I knew they were quick but I never realised, until now, that they were so different to the customer cars.

“These magnesium-bodied continuations redefine the word ‘special’: they are hugely collectible and they will be very fast indeed. They will be winners on the track – just as they were in their day. I’m looking forward to meeting the new owners and seeing some of these amazing cars on the historic racing circuit being driven flat out as there were designed to be.”

First deliveries are expected in autumn next year.

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IT may be my imagination being as it’s Brexit week, but Europe’s carmakers – at least those still in the EU – appear to have been especially active, promoting new models and special editions.

Although some might want to look again at their marketing campaigns, especially our friends on the other side of the Channel.

With all things French currently in vogue, Citroën has launched its new C3 for which it has high hopes.

The supermini has sold more than 3.6 million examples since it was originally launched in 2002 and with the carmaker keen to continue its presence in this key market it has wasted no time spelling out its ambitions.

A nice little car which I expect will be very popular, although the campaign adopted by the manufacturer might make you think twice.

In making the reveal, the company used this headline on its campaign: “The new Citroën Offensive”.

Really?

Offensive!

I’m not sure I’d want to be seen driving around in a car described as unpleasant.

Maybe it got lost in translation – or are they sticking it to us for the vote.

Maybe we should respond.

Jaguar Agincourt anyone?

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WHILE Britain may still be reeling from the aftershock of Brexit, there is brighter news for collectors of classic cars.

Classic & Sports Finance has said that despite the vote to leave, the outlook for the classic car market remains cautiously optimistic.

It said while economic uncertainty can limit demand for high value luxury items, some investors would see classic cars as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

If interest rates are pushed lower, the classic car market could flourish as investors look for security in tangible assets. Economists expect any increase in interest rates to be negligible, ensuring that classic cars remain a worthwhile investment.

Despite an immediate negative reaction to the referendum result in the financial markets, the classic car market has remained steady. Dealers and auction houses have reported no knee-jerk reaction in sales, values or customer enquiry levels.

Robert Johnson, managing director at Classic & Sports Finance, said: “While there is still plenty of uncertainty about the future of the wider UK economy following the referendum result, the outlook for the classic car market is largely positive.

“Lower interest rates will drive investment in classic cars, while exchange rates will not affect the majority of UK buyers, and credit remains readily available. While there are concerns about the free movement of cars and people, it is too early to say whether restrictions will come into effect.”