Lister Bell STR, has anyone built one or own?
Discussion
I have always loved the Stratos, sadly my pockets aren't quite deep enough for an original...
I am familiar with the Hawk and Corse replicas but the Lister has only recently come to my attention.
I understand that building a Hawk car is not to be taken on By the novice, however from what I have read the Lister is a more straight forward kit to put together. I have absolutely no experience and very little mechanical ability but I do have time on my hands at the moment and quite fancy building one.
Has anyone built or building one at the moment?
Alternatively any owners on here care to share their experience with buying and running the car?
Many thanks
I am familiar with the Hawk and Corse replicas but the Lister has only recently come to my attention.
I understand that building a Hawk car is not to be taken on By the novice, however from what I have read the Lister is a more straight forward kit to put together. I have absolutely no experience and very little mechanical ability but I do have time on my hands at the moment and quite fancy building one.
Has anyone built or building one at the moment?
Alternatively any owners on here care to share their experience with buying and running the car?
Many thanks
This is probably your best bet: http://www.stratosec.com/Forum/forum.php Plenty of builds going on and a friendly bunch.
I built a CAE Corse S a few years back, if I was doing it now, an LB would be the one for me assuming I had the budget. It does depend on a few factors and personal taste/preferences to an extent (I'm not going to get into the whole replica/modern interpretation argument), but if you want the easiest build and best engineered kit, then LB is the way to go. Price wise there probably isn't much to choose between them.
I built a CAE Corse S a few years back, if I was doing it now, an LB would be the one for me assuming I had the budget. It does depend on a few factors and personal taste/preferences to an extent (I'm not going to get into the whole replica/modern interpretation argument), but if you want the easiest build and best engineered kit, then LB is the way to go. Price wise there probably isn't much to choose between them.
I've placed an order for a kit after being to see Lister Bell last summer. I've got a bit of mechanical ability but never taken on anything like this before! I went with the intent of getting LB to do the whole build but left a couple of hours later agreeing that I should get it to a rolling chassis and then take it back for the body to be fitted. Craig is very persuasive.
Having looked at the info supplied by LB and also joined the Stratos forums Chris linked to above I decided I could probably do it.
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
Thanks for the replies, I will take a look at the site!
LPH what sort of lead time is there with Lister for the kit to be delivered? I have read that they are running up to a year from order.
Can I ask what specification you are going for? Also being a little cheeky could I ask what your budget for the build will be given you intend to build it to a rolling chasis?
Cheers!
LPH what sort of lead time is there with Lister for the kit to be delivered? I have read that they are running up to a year from order.
Can I ask what specification you are going for? Also being a little cheeky could I ask what your budget for the build will be given you intend to build it to a rolling chasis?
Cheers!
LPH said:
I've placed an order for a kit after being to see Lister Bell last summer. I've got a bit of mechanical ability but never taken on anything like this before! I went with the intent of getting LB to do the whole build but left a couple of hours later agreeing that I should get it to a rolling chassis and then take it back for the body to be fitted. Craig is very persuasive.
Having looked at the info supplied by LB and also joined the Stratos forums Chris linked to above I decided I could probably do it.
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
Exciting times, I hope you'll do a build thread on here? It must be said these we're not on my radar when deciding to build the GT40 but they are really growing on meHaving looked at the info supplied by LB and also joined the Stratos forums Chris linked to above I decided I could probably do it.
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
T5GRF - the waiting list was 12 months when I placed the order in Sept last year. However due to a couple of quirks of fate with others not being ready for their chassis mine's ready and at the powder coaters. I collect it from LB sometimes after the middle of Feb! A bit earlier than I had expected.
Mine will use a 3.0 24v V6 from an Alfa 166 (£450 spares or repairs), it will be a Stardale dash and the round GP4 flared arches for the body. I'll be having some of the 'extras' to the standard kit such as anti-roll bars, air con, oil cooler etc. I also have a really bad habit of trying to make everything slightly better than it is so I'm sure I'll be replacing some of the kit bits just because I'm me.
Craig at LB told be abut 100 hours to get it a rolling chassis (running engine and car can travel under it's own power) and then you take it back to him for the body fit. After that it's then interior and glazing etc. So not sure on total build time - maybe 200 hours if you were very optimistic and lucky. I have to say the kit does look like like it's very comprehensive and should be straightforward to construct. Doesn't seem the need for much messing and fettling as such - it's pretty much a bolt together job.
Budget-wise I'm completely rebuilding the engine and gearbox. Getting people to do this for me whilst I'm preparing the chassis. Saves time and will be done better than I can do it! The engine might need new liners and pistons (it has over 177k on it) and will have hotter cams, new starter, alternator, air con pump, belts gaskets, seals etc. I'm also planning on putting ITBs on it which will need an after market ECU. I'm also going to have the car painted where a lot of people have it in a coloured gel coat that they polish. I also want to add some extras in the cockpit like central locking, extra dash lights, possibly keyless start and such like.
I've already got a spreadsheet running and I've spent £1550 so far on the donor car, a £500 deposit to LB and a load of x1/9 bits needed to complete it. The ITBs are £2k a set but I'm very lucky to have a contact at Triumph and the pan is to fit some ITBs of one of their bikes (triples) and this will cost me much much less.
Kit price from LB is about £30k so being realistic I'm reckoning on £40k poss a touch more to do what I want to do. Not cheap but if I'm going to do it I've got to do it right!
Hoonigan - might do. I will have a build thread over on the Stratos Forum and also on SELOC as I'm a Lotus owner and use that forum a lot. Might do one on here if I remember, I very rarely frequent this place.
Mine will use a 3.0 24v V6 from an Alfa 166 (£450 spares or repairs), it will be a Stardale dash and the round GP4 flared arches for the body. I'll be having some of the 'extras' to the standard kit such as anti-roll bars, air con, oil cooler etc. I also have a really bad habit of trying to make everything slightly better than it is so I'm sure I'll be replacing some of the kit bits just because I'm me.
Craig at LB told be abut 100 hours to get it a rolling chassis (running engine and car can travel under it's own power) and then you take it back to him for the body fit. After that it's then interior and glazing etc. So not sure on total build time - maybe 200 hours if you were very optimistic and lucky. I have to say the kit does look like like it's very comprehensive and should be straightforward to construct. Doesn't seem the need for much messing and fettling as such - it's pretty much a bolt together job.
Budget-wise I'm completely rebuilding the engine and gearbox. Getting people to do this for me whilst I'm preparing the chassis. Saves time and will be done better than I can do it! The engine might need new liners and pistons (it has over 177k on it) and will have hotter cams, new starter, alternator, air con pump, belts gaskets, seals etc. I'm also planning on putting ITBs on it which will need an after market ECU. I'm also going to have the car painted where a lot of people have it in a coloured gel coat that they polish. I also want to add some extras in the cockpit like central locking, extra dash lights, possibly keyless start and such like.
I've already got a spreadsheet running and I've spent £1550 so far on the donor car, a £500 deposit to LB and a load of x1/9 bits needed to complete it. The ITBs are £2k a set but I'm very lucky to have a contact at Triumph and the pan is to fit some ITBs of one of their bikes (triples) and this will cost me much much less.
Kit price from LB is about £30k so being realistic I'm reckoning on £40k poss a touch more to do what I want to do. Not cheap but if I'm going to do it I've got to do it right!
Hoonigan - might do. I will have a build thread over on the Stratos Forum and also on SELOC as I'm a Lotus owner and use that forum a lot. Might do one on here if I remember, I very rarely frequent this place.
t at building cars, sadly most likely the latter 
The ListerBell looks a suberb car, though I was surprised Craig went with McPhersons at the back - I met him at CAE when he was trying to put a triple rotor wankel into the back of an extended Corse I, and it was agreed the double wishbone rear was superior to the S strut version. I've not heard how the ListerBell compares, handling-wise, with the Corse I or S - if it's as good I may well get one, or else i'll do my own thing (how hard can it be ;-))
My Corse took 2 years of weekends to build, back then (1991-1993) you had to make so many parts yourself - boy was it worth it though, whether you were driving it or just looking at it. Worse decision ever when I sold it.
My Corse took 2 years of weekends to build, back then (1991-1993) you had to make so many parts yourself - boy was it worth it though, whether you were driving it or just looking at it. Worse decision ever when I sold it.
vojx said:
The ListerBell looks a suberb car, though I was surprised Craig went with McPhersons at the back - I met him at CAE when he was trying to put a triple rotor wankel into the back of an extended Corse I, and it was agreed the double wishbone rear was superior to the S strut version. I've not heard how the ListerBell compares, handling-wise, with the Corse I or S - if it's as good I may well get one, or else i'll do my own thing (how hard can it be ;-))
I think the number of sales of the LB STR would suggest that replicating the Stratos' rear stuts and rear chassis/frame matters to most buyers?Hi Andy, my biggest hurdle (apart from being inept with the spanners) is going to be selling the Griff as I won't be able to dry store both cars whilst building the Lister.
I need to blag a drive in a sorted car and arrange a trip to Nottingham to have a good look at a kit and a chat to make sure in theory I'm capable of bolting one together.. Fancy a day up there in 2017?
I need to blag a drive in a sorted car and arrange a trip to Nottingham to have a good look at a kit and a chat to make sure in theory I'm capable of bolting one together.. Fancy a day up there in 2017?
Edited by T5GRF on Sunday 18th December 17:13
T5GRF said:
Hi Andy, my biggest hurdle (apart from being inept with the spanners) is going to be selling the Griff as I won't be able to dry store both cars whilst building the Lister.
I need to blag a drive in a sorted car and arrange a trip to Nottingham to have a good look at a kit and a chat to make sure in theory I'm capable of bolting one together.. Fancy a day up there in 2017?
absolutely, lets get a date sorted in our diary.I need to blag a drive in a sorted car and arrange a trip to Nottingham to have a good look at a kit and a chat to make sure in theory I'm capable of bolting one together.. Fancy a day up there in 2017?
Edited by T5GRF on Sunday 18th December 17:13
Tempest_5 said:
I was looking at the LB website last week. Looks a really well made bit of equipment. I also visited the Hawk website which didn't seem to have been updated for ages. Are Hawk still in business?
Hawk are still selling Stratos kits.The ratio of new builds in the Stratos Enthusiasts Club is (very roughly) half a dozen Lister Bells to one Hawk.
Bump!!
Anyone else have any other thoughts, insights, opinions or words of wisdom re the LB Stratos?
I spent a lot of time on the LB stand at Stoneleigh last week and am mightily tempted to push the button. I think the Stratos looks timeless and in full Alitalia rally spec looks awesome.
I have a fairly detailed mental image of what I want to end up with and have gone through the price / spec sheet and know I can get that end product but haven't quite got my head around the costs. Despite owning an Ultima (I didn't build it) I don't really have much background in kit cars and for me it would be a factory build or a bespoke commission build so wonder if there are any thoughts on how the values of 2nd hand cars relate to the build costs.
I haven't seen many LB Stratos sold 2nd hand.
Anyone else have any other thoughts, insights, opinions or words of wisdom re the LB Stratos?
I spent a lot of time on the LB stand at Stoneleigh last week and am mightily tempted to push the button. I think the Stratos looks timeless and in full Alitalia rally spec looks awesome.
I have a fairly detailed mental image of what I want to end up with and have gone through the price / spec sheet and know I can get that end product but haven't quite got my head around the costs. Despite owning an Ultima (I didn't build it) I don't really have much background in kit cars and for me it would be a factory build or a bespoke commission build so wonder if there are any thoughts on how the values of 2nd hand cars relate to the build costs.
I haven't seen many LB Stratos sold 2nd hand.
There is a chap on mloc forum building a Lister Bell Stratos, he is doing a build thread, worth checking out, looks to be a superb bit of "kit".
https://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/65032-...
https://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/65032-...
Edited by djb222 on Tuesday 9th May 16:53
djb222 said:
There is a chap on mloc forum building a Lister Bell Stratos, he is doing a build thread, worth checking out, looks to be a superb bit of "kit".
https://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/65032-...
Thanks.https://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/65032-...
Edited by djb222 on Tuesday 9th May 16:53
Yeah, that is one of my bookmarks and it really does seem a fabulous kit.
I am going to head down to the factory on thursday and work my way through the price / spec sheet with them and and see if I can man-math it into anything worth going forward with.
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