Explore the Meticulously Crafted Interior of the Radford Lotus Type 62-2

In the middle of the 20th century, Radford established itself as a prestigious custom car manufacturer, only to fade into obscurity later. However, the brand has now been revitalized by a team led by Jenson Button and Ant Anstead, with the Radford Lotus Type 62-2 taking the spotlight as the company’s newest offering. Recently, Radford introduced this exclusive sportscar with a bespoke interior crafted in collaboration with luxury watchmaker Bremont, enhancing the car’s classic yet sophisticated design.

The focal point was to embody the lightweight essence synonymous with the Lotus brand, utilizing the Evora platform and drawing inspiration from the original Type 62 racing car. Extensive use of carbon fiber, from the A-pillars to the headliner and flooring, contributes to a modern look that blends seamlessly with the sportscar’s high-end allure.

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The design prioritizes driver comfort and focus during exhilarating drives, housing a 430-horsepower supercharged V6 engine for the Classic variant, shared with the Lotus Emira. The Radford Gold Leaf editions receive a power boost to 500 horsepower. Additionally, the twelve limited-edition John Player Special models will incorporate an enhanced supercharger, elevating the power output to 600 horsepower at the flywheel.

Bremont’s influence is notably evident in the design approach. Nick English, co-founder of Bremont, expressed pride in the company’s contribution to the interior. “We are excited to have been entrusted with creating a sophisticated mechanical rally timer that includes a stopwatch and clock for the interior of this vehicle, all meticulously crafted in Britain, mirroring the ethos of the Radford Lotus Type 62-2,” remarked English. The prominent twin dials on the dashboard are impossible to overlook.

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Delving into the brand’s heritage, Radford’s design director Mark Stubbs sought to honor the legacy of the company. Reflecting on this, Stubbs inquired, “What approach would Harold have taken?” referencing the founder of the original company, Harold Radford. Stubbs added, “Our vision is to maintain the essence of a Lotus Type 62-2, incorporating expert artistry and utilizing premium materials that enhance rather than detract from the lightweight sports car experience.”

To accomplish this objective, numerous interior components feature intricate machining and finishing on metal components, instilling the car with a bespoke, deluxe ambiance. The manual transmission boasts an exposed linkage for the shifter, showcasing numerous gleaming metal parts, while the dashboard flaunts a row of substantial toggle switches.

Functioning as the vital connection between the driver and the road, the steering wheel maintains a beautifully straightforward design, featuring a three-spoke configuration with a prominent R denoting Radford at its center. It is accompanied by refined, basic controls to preserve the unadulterated essence of the vehicle. The seating comprises authentic racing seats, complete with harnesses and engraved metal nameplates bearing the Lotus emblem.

Although the design predominantly reminisces about the era of the original Lotus Type 62, technological advancements are evident. A primary digital display sits in front of the steering wheel, and instead of conventional rear-view and side mirrors, cameras and screens now fulfill those roles. The car also boasts a magnetic phone docking station with wireless charging functionality, though this can be omitted for drivers seeking an uninterrupted driving experience.

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Configured in a showcasing theme with black and gold accents mirroring the exclusive John Player Special (JPS) livery, the interior epitomizes the pinnacle of Radford’s capabilities. The controls and touch surfaces are evidently designed to highlight the intricate engineering and machining evident throughout the car. With ample options for customization to suit individual preferences and Radford’s commitment to the core principles of coachbuilding, the experience of sitting inside the Type 62-2 promises to be extraordinary.

Got a lead? Inform the author: lewin@thedrive.com

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