Reborn British coachbuilder Radford has revealed the first interior images of its new Lotus Type 62/2, drawing on a new partnership with luxury watchmaker Bremont in the design and development. Just 12 of the 62 cars will be built in JPS specification, paying homage to both the 1960s original and a number of other iconic racers of the ages. Sitting alongside the ordinary Classic and Gold Leaf cars, it features more than just a new paint job. The Lotus Type 62/2 coachbuilt by Radford as it’s officially known, is a Lotus-derived sports car with a bespoke body sat on top. This partnership has defined the Type 62/2’s construction that, like all (series-production) Lotus models, is constructed from bonded and riveted aluminium. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2021 with first deliveries commencing in 2022.
The engine itself is the same Toyota-derived unit that’s been found in Lotus models since the original Evora, and powers the rear wheels exclusively through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch. Radford has not specified where the dual-clutch transmission will be supplied from – this is an unusual inclusion as currently there’s no V6/dual-clutch combination available within the Lotus range, as the Emira’s V6 is only available with a torque-converter. Powering all Type 62/2s is a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine available in three states of tune depending on the model. Standard models produce 430bhp, the Gold Leaf 500bhp and the JPS 600bhp. JPS models develop their extra power from the use of reinforced pistons, conrods and camshafts, joined by a larger supercharger, resulting in the quoted 600bhp output. The JPS also features bespoke bodywork in comparison to the other models, reworked to signal its rise in performance, with the front splitter and rear diffuser enlarged for improved downforce and the intakes resculpted to help keep that upgraded V6 cool.
The bodywork’s skin is also constructed from a carbonfibre composite, which is both lighter than aluminium and more flexible in terms of its manufacturing when built in such limited numbers. The composite is utilised across the front clamshell, roof, wings and doors complete with GT40-like roof cutouts. At just 1153mm tall, the Radford’s waist-height stance will likely result in a snug cabin, which has been revealed with elements inspired from high-end watches. Precisely which Lotus model the Type 62/2 has borrowed from is still unknown, but the distinct fundamental proportions suggest it’s gone through quite a transformation from the current Lotus range. To help facilitate this change of proportions, the Radford has designed its own rear subframe from tubular aluminium, creating that extended rear deck. Yet the biggest difference to normal Lotus models is the bespoke carbonfibre roof, windscreen and firewall structure that partially makes up the passenger cell.
All models run a staggered wheel and tyre package, with base versions running 17- and 18-inch, and the two models above it running bigger 18- and 19-inch options. JPS models will run on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, lighter 18- and 19-inch carbon composite wheels and AP Monobloc calipers acting upon 360mm carbon ceramic rotors. No further detail as to the car’s interior or pricing has yet been revealed, although Radford has confirmed that there’ll be a total build run of just 62 units. Whatever the case, expect to see more of this sort of specialised low-volume in the coming years, with more companies like Radford ready and waiting to capitalise on a new market less interested in ultimate performance than driving something more bespoke. The standard and Gold Leaf cars utilise a 4-piston AP Racing setup on the front axle, with the steering totally unassisted.
