Radford Type 62-2 is a beautiful modern version of a Lotus from the 1960s with up to 600 HP

Radford unveiled the first model in its modern history, a Lotus-based sports car designed as a tribute to the 1969 Lotus Type 62 racing car. The Radford Type 62-2 will be produced in 62 units from the end of 2021.

For those unfamiliar with the name, Radford began life in 1948 as a UK-based coachbuilder, designing and producing several bespoke cars based on Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Mini models.

In 2021, the company was revived in California, by a team including former F1 champion Jenson Button, television presenter and automaker Ant Anstead, car designer Mark Stubbs and lawyer Roger Behle, starting a collaboration. with Lotus Engineering.

The Type 62-2 is based on an original Lotus aluminum chassis with a new rear frame for added rigidity. The suspension consists of coil springs with four-way adjustable shocks, promising race-style handling, with Jenson Button describing the car as luxurious, comfortable and fun to drive. Braking is provided by AP Racing four-piston calipers on optional steel or carbon-ceramic discs.

Also Read: Jenson Button Joins Body Shop Company As Part-Owner of Radford

The mid-engine is the same supercharged 3.5-liter Toyota V6 found in the new Lotus Emira. The engine produces 430 hp in the “Classic” variant, 500 hp in the “Gold Leaf” through a series of hardware and ECU modifications, and up to 600 hp in the “JPS” which will be unveiled in the future. The base spec will use a six-speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear axle, while the more powerful models will feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and limited-slip differential. .

The Type 62-2’s carbon fiber bodywork is designed by Mark Stubbs, contributing to the low weight of around 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds). It did a great job merging the retro lines of the original like the side air intakes, gorgeous fender curves, and integrated ducktail spoilers (optional), with modern touches like the wing units. LED lighting. The height is only 1,133 mm (44.6 inches), which is slightly higher than a Lotus Elise but lower than almost every other car on the road.

Also Read: New Lotus Emira with AMG A35 and Toyota V6 Engines is the brand’s farewell to combustion cars

The retro red and white livery of the “Gold Leaf” variant, reminiscent of the 1968 Lotus Type 48B driven by Graham Hill, makes the car even more desirable. As for the next “JPS”, it will likely wear the black and gold livery of the 1972 Lotus Type 72D F1 driven by Emmerson Fittipaldi.

Radford has yet to show photos of the interior, but they have given some design information. The “sleek” dashboard will have a 6-inch digital instrument cluster, while the infotainment will support wi-fi, Bluetooth, and an audio system with five speakers. The cabin will have two seats and sufficient luggage space.

The company hasn’t announced pricing for the Type 62-2, but we expect it to be quite expensive given its exclusive nature. Production will begin at the end of 2021 in California, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2022.