British coachbuilder Radford is making a comeback. Better yet, the first car will arrive this year in partnership with Lotus. It is therefore no coincidence that it will be inspired by the Lotus Type 62.
Harold Radford & Co Limited of Melton Court, South Kensington, London (opposite South Kensington tube station and now Lamborghini London) were long established retailers of Bentley’s and Rolls-Royce’s which founded in 1948 (the same year as Lotus) under GH Radford a coachbuilding company for ‘bespoke coachbuilding’, called Harold Radford (Coachbuilders) Limited. The coachbuilding industry began by making bodies for new Bentleys, adapting to the rural lifestyle of the landed gentry.
Especially in the 50s and 60s Radford made a name for himself with modified Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Minis and Aston Martins. The most famous creation is probably the Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake, of which twelve were made with Aston Martin’s approval. In the Swinging Sixties, Radford was best known for their very luxurious versions of the cult car Mini. In addition to extras such as electric windows and open roof, this Mini de Ville was decorated with a lot of leather and walnut. It wasn’t for nothing that they were quickly nicknamed ‘baby Rolls-Royce’. Founder Harold Radford was also partly responsible for the production of the body of the Ford GT40, so it was possible to put together something beautiful.
Now Radford is relaunching to once again play a leading role in the creation of bespoke luxury cars. The iconic brand was revived by leading car designer Mark Stubbs, Ant Antstead, known for television program Wheeler Dealers, former Formula 1 world champion, Jenson Button, and leading business consultant and attorney Roger Behle and attorney Richard Cohen.
It is not just in name that Radford is revived: it will work like a real bodybuilder, to build unique cars according to the wishes of the customer.
The British gentlemen are eager to show their first creation. With the support of Lotus, hard work is underway on a car inspired by the Lotus Type 62, a racing car based on the Lotus Europa. The car also served as a prototype for the 2.0 liter 4-in-line engine that eventually made its appearance on the Esprit. Although only two Type 62s were made at the time and had limited success on the track, the design still appeals to the imagination today.
Lotus has not only given its blessing to build the car, the sports car builder also provides technical support for the project. In this case: by equipping the engine with the 62/2. It is not yet known exactly what that will be. Although we can say with confidence that it will be an internal combustion engine. But whether it will be the one from the (outgoing) Evora, Exige or Elise remains guesswork.
In the style of Radford, we can expect a pretty lavish interior. Don’t worry, though, that ride quality comes second: ”…driving it will really be a completely new and very special experience. It becomes completely ‘analogue’ and really involves you in the driving, but with the sophistication you have come to expect. He gets something pure that is lost in today’s cars”, said Jenson Button.
The Type 62/2 is already in an advanced state of development. Radford hopes to reveal the end product soon. We suspect that the car will show itself at the Goodwood Revival, which will be held again in September after a year of absence.
By the way, the 62/2 is just the first project Radford is embarking on. There are other collaborations in the pipeline, both with combustion engines and with electric propulsion. But in an era where all brands are focusing on one-size-fits-all electric SUVs, Radford will hopefully bring light into the darkness. We are already curious about the first result.
Yakymour 