COVENTRY, U.K. — Radford is back, and Project 62-2 sees the iconic British coachbuilder partner with Lotus to design and build the Type 62-2. No detail has been spared to create the ultimate driving experience, including a world-leading braking system from AP Racing.
Radford has a rich heritage and today its aim is to design, build and drive some of the most sought-after cars of the modern era. The team behind this ambition is F1 World Champion Jenson Button, car builder and TV host Ant Anstead and legal expert Roger Behle. The coachbuilder’s revival project has been much anticipated to say the least.
The Radford Type 62-2 is based on the original 1969 Lotus Type 62 race car, of which only two were built by Colin Chapman’s team. Radford will also be limited in production and build just 62 models, available in three specifications but with each car bespoke to its owner.
A priority for the specially developed luxury car was to deliver a world-class driving experience. It features a bespoke JUBU built supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, alongside manual and DCT gearboxes. Braking performance and feel were therefore critical components to get right for the coachbuilder.
The perfect partnership
Radford turned to AP Racing, Lotus’ long-time braking system supplier, to kit out the 62-2 with a system worthy of this incredible build. With a history of supplying some of the globe’s leading race teams and most prestigious road car OEMs for more than 100 years, AP Racing was selected for its unrivalled on and off-track experience.
Working in close partnership with the Radford team, AP Racing created the ultimate package, including disc assembly, front and rear calipers and rear handbrake caliper. The calipers are an evolution of its HPK Mono R four piston high performance road car calipers.
This one-piece forged design allows road drivers to experience the superior race caliper performance that monobloc calipers offer. AP Racing adapted this design to meet Radford’s exact requirements, for which driver sensation was critical to Jenson.
This braking system gives drivers the all-important feel of a race car, giving back driving effort and control, without compromising on braking performance for the road. Following design, manufacture and extensive testing of the system, the Radford Type 62-2 is now being delivered to customers.
Ant Anstead, CEO of Radford Motors, said: “The Radford Type 62-2 is an incredible revival project for us. We knew what we wanted to deliver for drivers, and we set out to achieve that without compromise to get the right look, feel and experience behind the wheel.
“Getting the braking system right was no exception and we knew we were in very experienced hands with AP Racing. It’s long-standing partnership with Lotus and exceptional race series pedigree has delivered a braking system we’re proud of and contributed to a sensational driving experience.”
“Working with Radford on the Type 62-2 project has been phenomenal,” added David Hamblin, managing director of AP Racing. “The car has a sensational aesthetic and a unique driver feel. We were tasked with delivering a car that felt raw and visceral. A pure driver’s experience. For this we were able to bring our unrivalled road and race experience to this project, which continues to set us apart as the brake supplier of choice.”
