THE LISTER MOTOR COMPANY LAUNCHES KNOBBLY CONTINUATION FILM, FEATURING A VERY SPECIAL CAR

THE LISTER MOTOR COMPANY LAUNCHES KNOBBLY CONTINUATION FILM, FEATURING A VERY SPECIAL CAR

The Lister Motor Company, manufacturers of the LFT-666, LFP, LFT-C and a range of continuation models, has produced a film showing the road-legal Lister Knobbly continuation being constructed, and driven, at the Lister factory in Cambridgeshire.

All Knobbly continuation models are built to the very same specification as the original 1958 Knobbly racers, using the late Brian Lister’s original drawings and manufacturing jigs, but the car featured in this film has a very interesting story behind it.

The Lister Motor Company was acquired by the Whittaker family in 2013, a purchase that came about thanks to Andrew Whittaker buying the Lister Knobbly you see in the film, registration number 324 JTD.

The Whittaker family has a passion for cars, and it was long an ambition of Andrew to own an original Lister Knobbly. When a suitable car was offered for sale in 2011 a deal was struck, but the Knobbly he purchased was far from complete, in fact what Whittaker now owned was barely more than a Knobbly body and a few boxes of parts.

On the hunt for the items needed to complete the car, a call was made to Brian Lister Engineering in Cambridgeshire to enquire if they could assist with some hard to find Knobbly mechanicals.

As result of that call, Andrew and Lawrence Whittaker received an invite to visit the factory to view a number of spare parts which resided in an old wooden container, untouched since Lister cars stopped being manufactured in Cambridge many years previously.

Not only did that container yield some much-needed parts, it also contained some incredible Lister history, including technical drawings, blueprints, photos and styling bucks…in fact, all that was needed to create Lister Knobbly and Costin models. It was then that the Whittaker’s realised that Lister could be reborn.

Following that chance visit to Cambridge, and the arduous collection of meetings, exploration due diligence and negotiations that followed, in 2013 the Whittaker family finally became owners of five limited companies that now sit correctly under the group company, The Lister Motor Company Limited.

Long before the LFT-666 supercar was launched, the first Whittaker Lister was the Knobbly Continuation, built at the Cambridge factory by the same team who had built the Knobbly under Brian Lister, coaxed out of retirement by Andrew & Lawrence Whittaker, who helped a new, younger Lister team.

It was 324 JTD that was used to develop the continuation cars, providing a rolling chassis to ensure the drawings and blueprints were accurate and as a prototype to evaluate on the road. That car has long since been completed, and features in the film launched today.

All Lister Knobbly Continuation cars can be built to FIA specification and still be road legal, making them one of a small number of new cars you can drive to the circuit, race and drive home again. Despite following an original design laid out more than 60 years ago, the reborn Knobbly can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 181mph.

A new Lister Knobbly Continuation can still be purchased today, priced at £315,000.

Lister Motor Company owner Lawrence Whittaker said: “Every Lister Knobbly is special, be it an original or a factory approved continuation, but 324 JTD will always be regarded as the car that reignited Lister. This car and the subsequent search for parts led to car building restarting in Cambridge, the launch of the LFT-666, LFP and LFT-C and the opening of a new £5m Lister Headquarters in Blackburn.”

“This film captures the evocative nature of the Knobbly and showcases the Cambridgeshire factory and the glorious surroundings in which it is based. It’s a special film, featuring a special car, and we hope you enjoy watching it.”

The film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hefaivuvUAE&feature=youtu.be

Photo Credit: Robert Cooper

INVESTINDUSTRIAL ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY

INVESTINDUSTRIAL ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY

 Investindustrial has today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Morgan Motor Company Ltd (“Morgan”), the iconic 110-year old British sports cars manufacturer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and it is expected to complete in April 2019. The Morgan family will continue to act as stewards for the brand and retains a minority shareholding. Meanwhile, for the first time in its history, the management team and all employees will become shareholders in the business. The investment is executed without financial debt, and Morgan will have a positive net cash position upon closing of the transaction. The investment in Morgan is made by a separate fund (with a different strategy) from Investindustrial V L.P. (whose investment subsidiaries hold a stake in Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC).

Founded in 1909, Morgan continues to this day to hand-build premium sports cars with a classic design in its historic factory in Malvern, UK, which is visited by more than 30,000 enthusiasts each year. With revenues of £33.8 million and net profit of £3.2 million in 2018, the company sells around 700 cars per year including a portfolio of iconic car designs and a unique 3 Wheeler manufactured using three core elements: ash, aluminium and leather. The Morgan brand is synonymous of quintessential British craftmanship, elegance, performance and design. Morgan has a loyal and active owners’ community with more than 5,000 members and 50 clubs globally.

As part of the transaction, and as a sign of its long-term faith in the company and the wider British automotive sector, Investindustrial will support Morgan to accelerate new product development, after the launch today of the new Plus Six at the Geneva motor show, the first to adopt the company’s new CX-Generation architecture, increase global distribution and broaden customers’ experience with unique events, enabling Morgan to fulfil its global potential as an iconic maker of hand-built British sports cars. In supporting the company, Investindustrial will leverage its vast experience and track record in the automotive industry, developed through a number of successful investments over the last 30 years, such as Aston Martin and Ducati.

Morgan will continue to focus on its niche classic segment within the automotive sector, with bespoke manufacturing, hand-built products, and the use of ash remaining central to its strategy. Investindustrial will work closely with current management and the wider Morgan family to make sure that future development of the business will be respectful of and remain true to the company’s unique heritage.

Dominic Riley, Chairman, Morgan Motor Company, commented: “The past two years have been the most successful in our company’s 110-year history. However, to really fulfil Morgan’s full potential and secure our long-term future, both the family and management team, felt it was essential to bring in a strategic partner. A partner that shares our vision for Morgan and has the expertise, financial resources and track record of success in the automotive world, to make it happen. That partner is Investindustrial.”

Jill Price, Peter Morgan’s daughter and longest serving Morgan family Director commented: “Having very carefully considered all options for the future success of Morgan, the family concluded that this new ownership structure and Mr Bonomi and Investindustrial, have the pedigree and resources to secure the long-term future of Morgan. It was important for the family to retain a shareholding, and we are delighted that our loyal management team and workforce will now also have a stake in the business."

Andrea C. Bonomi, Chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board, commented: “Morgan is one of the most famous names in the automotive world. Morgan’s handmade British sports cars are true icons of the industry. We have followed the company and seen its progress for some time and see significant potential for Morgan to develop internationally whilst retaining its hand-built heritage, which is at the heart of the Morgan Motor Company.”

Steve Morris, CEO, Morgan Motor Company, commented: “The future is bright for Morgan. We are coming off the back of two record years. We have an all-new vehicle architecture and powertrain, and have just launched the most dynamically capable Morgan yet, the exciting new Plus Six at the Geneva International Motor Show. Now we have the best possible owner and partner to take the business to the next level and develop Morgan’s global potential.”

About Investindustrial

Investindustrial is a leading European group of independently managed investment, holding and advisory companies with €6.8 billion of raised fund capital, which provides industrial solutions and capital to mid-market companies in Europe. Its mission is to actively contribute to the development of the companies in which it invests, by creating growth opportunities and offering global solutions through an entrepreneurial pan-European vision. Investindustrial has a history of more than 28 years of successfully partnering with companies in Europe. Certain companies of the Investindustrial group are authorized by, and subject to regulatory supervision of the FCA in the United Kingdom and the CSSF in Luxembourg. Investindustrial’s investment companies act independently from each other and each Investindustrial fund.

Additional information is available at www.investindustrial.com.

About Morgan Motor Company

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Morgan Motor Company manufactures hand-build iconic British sports cars, famous the world over for their unique blend of craft, heritage and pure driving experience. The company was established in 1909 by H.F.S. Morgan with the design of the now iconic Morgan Three Wheeler. It currently has 190 employees. Leading design capability, an extensive array of luxurious materials and the latest drive-train technologies combine to create unparalleled pure driving pleasure. Every Morgan is expertly crafted using three core elements: ash, aluminium and leather. Each Morgan is unique, hand-built to the highest standard by passionate craftspeople, who perfect their skill over a lifetime to bring together heritage, innovation and cutting- edge technology.

Additional information is available at www.morgan-motor.co.uk.

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY INTRODUCES RANGE OF ‘110 ANNIVERSARY’ MODELS AHEAD OF THEIR LANDMARK 110TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY INTRODUCES RANGE OF ‘110 ANNIVERSARY’ MODELS AHEAD OF THEIR LANDMARK 110TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

The Morgan Motor Company is excited to announce the first in a number of celebrations for its 110th anniversary year in 2019, which will see a series of ‘110 Anniversary’ models added to the line-up.

Each of the ‘110 Anniversary’ models benefit from unique badging, denoting their significance as 110th year editions, as well as an extensive list of specially selected performance and styling options included at no extra cost.

In addition to performance and styling options, a new range of standard colours has also been introduced. In addition to the ‘Sport Range’ of colours, there is now a ‘Classic Range’ and ‘Metallic Range’, which includes a selection of colours chosen by Morgan Design. These colours reflect some of the most popular Morgan colours throughout the company’s history, as well as some personal favourites hand-picked by Morgan’s design team.

A mix of performance and visual enhancements are also offered with each ‘110 Anniversary’ model. A front valance, rear exit sports exhaust and leather bonnet strap stand out as the more purposeful and race inspired options for Plus 4 and Roadster.

Interior trim and detail enhancements include a leather or wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, performance seats, a mohair hood pack and any choice of Yarwood leather, also available across Plus 4 and Roadster. In addition, customers will also have the option to have the ‘110 Anniversary’ logo embroidered on their headrest in matching or contrasting stich-work, further signifying the special nature of their new Morgan. All of these options are available at no extra cost.

The Plus 4 is priced from £44,106.00 inc. VAT in the UK, with 15 options worth a total of £8,700 now included within the price of the ‘110 Anniversary’ model.

The Roadster starts at £55,074.00 Inc. VAT in the UK, and similar benefits from a total of 15 new options offered at no extra cost but worth £8,000.

As well as the Plus 4 and Roadster, the 3 Wheeler also receives a selection of interior and exterior ‘110 Anniversary’ options at no extra cost. For the interior, quilted leather stitching, centre split seats, storage pockets and a mohair tonneau cover are now all included.

Stand out exterior options for the 3 Wheeler comprise any solid colour from the newly introduced colour ranges, black roll hoops, black exhaust heat shields and a body coloured engine cowl. The 3 Wheeler is priced from £39,486.00 inc. VAT in the UK. In total, 10 options are now included at no extra cost with the purchase of a new 3 Wheeler, worth a total of £3,300.

The announcement of the ‘110 Anniversary’ model changes for 2019 is the first in a series of announcements Morgan will make in their 110th year, their most significant milestone since the 2009 centenary.

“It is an immense pleasure and an honour to lead the Morgan Motor Company as we approach such a significant milestone in our history. We are delighted to be thriving as a privately owned, British, family-owned automotive manufacturer, and in our 110th year of business are stronger than ever. Milestones such as a 110th anniversary offer everyone associated with the brand an opportunity for reflection, as well as an opportunity for us to offer even more to our customers. The ‘110 Edition’ vehicles are the beginning of our celebrations, and we look forward to making further exciting announcements throughout 2019.”

Steve Morris, Managing Director, Morgan Motor Company

NICHOLAS MEE & CO OPENS NEW EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME

NICHOLAS MEE & CO OPENS NEW EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME

Established in 1993, Aston Martin Specialist, Nicholas Mee & Co opens its new expanded, state-of-the-art home on the historic Hatfield Park Estate, Hertfordshire, UK

Nicholas Mee & Co, the globally renowned Aston Martin specialist, has recently completed a multi-million-pound project, rebuilding a collection of historic farm buildings in Essendon, Hertfordshire. Forming part of the Hatfield Park Estate, the sympathetically repurposed 17th-century buildings, have been woven into a new heritage facility, covering a two-acre site in rural surroundings. Having moved from West London over the summer months, Nicholas Mee & Co’s service, parts and car sales operations are now fully operational in its new facilities.

Ample parking and new spacious workshops, equipped with the latest technologies, combine to create the definitive environment demanded by today’s discerning Aston Martin owner. Nicholas Mee & Co has created a centre of excellence for its heritage business, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Rapidly becoming a destination experience for both existing Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts alike, this new home for the business enjoys close proximity to some excellent transport links. The A1(M), M25 and M1 motorways are all within easy reach, while nearby international airports and even a dedicated area at the premises for helicopter landings, allow easy access for ‘time-limited’ clients from afar.

Speaking of the move, Company Founder and Managing Director Nicholas Mee said, ‘This is an extremely exciting time for our company, our new and existing Aston Martin-owning clients and our dedicated workforce. As the ever-expanding classic car world continues to evolve, our relocation is in direct response to the needs of both our clients and ourselves. Operational in our new home for some three months, the universal praise I’ve received from Aston Martin owners for our commitment to the future and standard of facilities, has been heartwarming. Away from the hustle and bustle of London, we’ve found our clients to be highly appreciative of the expansive facilities and relaxed rural ambience, when visiting to discuss their requirements!’

The Essendonbury Farm heritage site incorporates a state-of-the-art, galleried show hall that can be configured for a variety of purposes, including customer and media events. While the expansive new workshops have already allowed Nicholas Mee & Co to develop further its in-house activities, additional buildings on site also provide an opportunity for the business to continue its growth over the coming years.