Radford reveals coachbuilt Lotus Type 62-2

British coachbuilder Radford has revealed its first modern-day car — a reincarnation of a classic Lotus racer.

Known as the Lotus Type 62-2 coachbuilt by Radford, the ultra low-production two-seater pays homage to the original Lotus Type 62 from 1969.

The car is underpinned by Lotus’s Evora GT chassis, with custom carbon fibre-composite panels and several mechanical alterations. The wet weight of the car is yet to be revealed, though the production examples are claimed to weigh less than 1000kg dry.

7

The original Lotus Type 62

Radford began coachbuilding operations in Kensington in 1948. Originally, the company assembled bespoke cars such as an Aston Martin DB5 shooting brake, the Bentley ‘Countryman’, and even custom Minis for The Beatles.

Today it is run by designer Mark Stubbs, broadcaster and car expert Ant Anstead, business adviser and lawyer Roger Behle, and former F1 champion Jenson Button. Radford describes itself as a “global company with British heart and soul”. The Type 62-2 represents the brand’s first self-built car in its 73-year history.

7

The Type 62-2’s bodywork is the most striking change from the Evora base car.

With tall arches, a lower bonnet and a flattened rear, it cuts a profile remarkably similar to the original Type 62. The doors reference classic endurance racers including Ford’s GT40, which featured body components designed partially by Radford.

At 1133mm, the Type 62-2 rests almost 10 centimetres lower than an Evora GT. “When you see the design, it looks just like a '70s Le Mans car,” says co-owner Jenson Button.

“And when you sit behind the steering wheel and look through the curved windscreen, you can see the front wheel arches — something you just don’t experience on road cars today.”

7

Details of two trim levels have so far been revealed. The Classic is powered by the Evora’s Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-litre V6, producing 320kW — on par with the Evora GT430 Sport. It’s backed by a six-speed manual transmission and electronic diff lock. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available.

Radford’s 373kW version of the engine is also optional, which is specced the same as the Gold Leaf model. The Classic has no rear wing, referencing the original Type 62’s earliest form. Wheels are 17-inch up front, with 18-inch rears.

7

The Gold Leaf features a 373kW version of the V6 with upgraded pistons, conrods and cams, mated to a seven-speed DCT with limited-slip diff. It wears split ducktail spoiler and red-on-white paintwork, reflecting the motorsport version of the Type 62.

Wheels are stepped up to two-piece 18 and 19-inch units, with a centre-lock design optional. Both cars use a bespoke titanium exhaust system.

A top-spec version of the Type 62-2, dubbed the JPS, is also on the way – though Radford has so far revealed few details. The car is said to feature a bigger supercharger – boosting output to 447kW.

It’s expected to feature the iconic black-and-gold JPS livery, the rights to which Radford acquired last year. Throughout the 1970s, Lotus F1 cars famously wore the tobacco branding.

7

Both Type 62-2s revealed so far use four-pot AP Racing brake calipers and iron rotors, with coil-over suspension “lowered beyond traditional Lotus geometry.” A hydraulic front lift system is optional, designed to raise the Type 62-2’s nose over speed bumps and uneven roads. Steering is an unassisted rack-and-pinion arrangement to maximise driver feedback.

The Radford’s interior is yet to be shown, though it will use cameras in lieu of traditional side and rear-view mirrors. The dash will be a six-inch TFT display with customisable options for public driving or track use.

7

The Radford Type 62-2 will make its debut public appearance this weekend at the Monterey Car Week, alongside the Lotus Emira and Evija.

Pricing has not been made public, but Radford is now accepting build slot applications through its website. Just 62 cars will be made, with Radford encouraging buyers to have a hand in the creation process.

“Moving closer to the car's start of production date, owners will be invited to ‘co-create’ their vehicle to their exacting vision,” the company says. Production is slated to begin late this year, before the first cars are delivered in the first quarter of 2022.