Lister Jaguar Artwork
Wally Thomason pays tribute to Archie Scott Brown and the Lister Jaguar.
Archie Scott Brown in the 1957 Lister Jaguar before Appendix C Regulations ruined its looks with a set of bug-eye headlights. Originally conceived by a customer in 1956, and with the prodding of BP who saw the potential and needed someone to battle the ESSO-backed teams of Aston and Ecurie Ecosse, Brian Lister was persuaded to build this car around a 3.4 D-Type engine and Scott Brown’s physical requirements. With nearly the same power-to-weight ratio as a W196 GP car, neutral handling on slow or fast circuits and characteristic overworked brakes, MVE 303 was a sensation in its maiden season, scoring 11 victories in 14 attempts and new or equal lap records on every circuit. Reg Parnell of Aston Martin referred to the Listers as “Your bloody effing specials” – to the delight of Brian Lister’s small band.
