Radford is a British coachbuilding company that hasn't been active since the late 1960s. But now, designer Mark Stubbs, motorsport expert Ant Anstead, and Formula One World Champion Jenson Button have resurrected the brand, and the result is this stunning Lotus Type 62-2 coachbuilt by Radford, the company's first new project.
It is designed without a rear wing and rides on 17-inch front wheels and 18-inch rear wheels. With vintage paint and track-focused aerodynamics, the Gold Leaf model pays homage to the iconic Lotus race car. The Type 62-2 is equipped with two "wing mirror" cameras that reflect a picture of the outside environment onto the driver and passenger side A-pillars. The rear-view mirror also functions as a camera, and a 6.0-inch digital cluster is located directly behind the steering wheel.
This modern road-going version, inspired by the famous Lotus Type 62 racing vehicle from the 1960s, combines historical features with contemporary chassis components from the newest Lotus Evora. And, depending on the configuration, a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine in the center produces up to 600 horsepower.
The base Type 62-2 "Classic" produces 430 horsepower from the Evora's regular supercharged 3.5-liter engine. The "Gold Leaf" variant has the same engine as the standard model, but with 500 horsepower owing to improved pistons and camshafts. The “JPS” version is the top of the line, with a new supercharger and improved tuning software bringing total output to 600 horsepower. The Classic model comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission available as an option.
The Classic and Gold Leaf models also have four-piston AP Racing brakes, but the JPS has more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes. The Lotus monocoque chassis is shared by all Type 62-2s. This configuration also contributes to the Type 62-2's low curb weight; the Type 62-2 has a dry weight of just 1,000 kg.
Radford doesn't specify how much this beauty will cost, but with just 62 pieces available globally, we can't think it'll be cheap. Production will commence later this year at the company's California plant.