The Radford Type 62-2 is, I think, one of the most exciting retro-futuristic machinery in recent times. It’s drop-dead gorgeous and has all the makings to be a pure, engaging, and thrilling driver’s car to end them all. But before the 62-2 gets there, some fine-tuning and tweaking needs to be done. Who else could you call for such an arduous task other than a Formula 1 World Champion, Jenson Button?
The fact that he’s one of the key figures behind the Type 62-2, not to mention Radford’s rebirth, is all the more appealing. The first customer deliveries for the 62-2 should arrive sometime in 2022, so its crunch time will be decided at Lotus’ Hethel test track in Norfolk. Quite fitting, as the Radford 62-2 is built atop Lotus underpinnings. Simplify and add lightness, with a whole lot more crammed in.
One Step Closer To Production
This means that the running gear also came from a current Lotus. Its supercharged 3.5-litre V6 ought to be familiar to most. However, and in the case of the Radford Type 62-2, the output’s been ramped up to a whopping 600hp. Paired with that is a mid-engine road racer that weighs just under 1,000kg. That Lotus (and part Toyota) motor was heavily revised before going in the Radford Type 62-2.
It included uprated pistons, con-rods, and camshafts. Elsewhere, there’s adaptive suspension, as well as an abundance of carbon fibre. The addition of a slick 6-speed manual box comes in nicely. Yet, it can still sprint from standstill to 62mph in just 2.9 seconds. Impressively, it manages a 0 to 124mph boost in a mere 8.4 seconds. For me though, it’s that John Player Special livery that does it.
