Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

vs

Lister Knobbly

Italy vs UK — 1957 vs 1958

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (1957)
Lister Knobbly (1958)
Specifications
250 Testa RossaKnobbly Jaguar
Horsepower300 hp260 hp
Torque203 lb-ft243 lb-ft
Engine Size2,953 cc3,442 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec4.5 sec
Top Speed168 mph150 mph
¼ Mile12.5 sec
Weight1,764 lbs1,792 lbs
Wheelbase2,350 mm2,337 mm
Length4,030 mm3,835 mm
Units Produced3442
Value (Excellent)$45,000,000$3,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity10/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Italy and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa versus 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 260 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa uses a V12 SOHC displacing 2,953 cc, while the Lister Knobbly relies on a Inline-6 DOHC with 3,442 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. On the collector market, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa commands a significant premium over the 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.