Driving The Radford Type 62-2 With Jenson Button | Top Gear

Radford’s Type 62-2 reimagines a particular variant of the 1960s Lotus Europa, the Type 62. It’s based on the Exige chassis and has a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 in the back producing up to 605bhp. That’s mated to a genuinely wonderful manual gearbox, although you can have a twin clutch if you want. It’s good for 0-62pm in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. But you’ll want to approach the Radford with caution. Because it has no driver aids. At all. Final pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but you can expect to pay around £500,000 for the version seen here.
Forming part of the Radford team are former F1 champ Jenson Button and TV presenter Ant Anstead, mastermind behind the Type 62-2. Top Gear Magazine’s Head of Car Testing, Ollie Marriage, heads to Radford HQ to catch up with them and get behind the wheel on road and track.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Driving With Jenson Button
03:55 Walk Around With Jenson Button
08:22 Track Driving Impressions
13:11 Chat With Ant Anstead
17:48 Interior & Usability
19:18 Road Driving Impressions
23:55 Conclusion
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[@radfordmotors]

We are incredibly proud of what we have created. And we further beamed with pride and excitement as we handed the keys to our baby over to Top Gear in what is the "first drive" of our Radford Type 62-2 prototype. Thank you Ollie Marriage and Top Gear team!

[@bobk3432]

No airbags, no ABS, no traction control…so it’s not legal for USA roads then? Sounds exactly like what I want but not allowed to drive.

[@ifeelcoke4347]

Will there be a more road focused version of the car as the previous reply asked? I believe having the ability to toggle ABS and TCS would be nice to have on the road

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I love the concept, and the end result is stunning! If I had the money you guys are exactly the sort of car maker I'd choose to support.

[@rahulsudhir666]

​@@bobk3432 Maybe it's allowed as a small manufacturer? I remember Pagani sold the Zonda in the US that way. Similarly Spyker too.

[@davidtofan2430]

Thank you for keeping the spirit of a manual gear change alive!

[@Fivestarrs]

Jensen is very honest about the drawbacks of the car unlike most other brands, bravo

[@sureyeah3678]

Yenson

[@secretsquirrel3793]

Great concept and it's certainly a looker. I'm disappointed that it's so difficult to see out of. You can drive a car to it's potential when you can see where you're going and the fat A pillars especially get in the way of that. Can they offer an A pillar air bag delete (as it's fitted with harnesses) to slim them down? What about more B pillar strength to help with rollover strength? Otherwise, I'm impressed!

[@DarkKnightwing75]

*Jenson

[@howarddavies136]

He always comes across as a really balanced and chill guy. He recently did a post race interview about his nascar drive and what a humble and honest bloke he is. Top bloke.

[@ConnorHammond]

@@secretsquirrel3793 actual potential buyers probably aren't that concerned by the A pillar, in the scheme of things.

[@srfhdx5584]

I think that the 62-2 and the t50 have to be some of the purest road cars ever

[@andersonramasray6356]

And t33 also

[@paulstorey9459]

For a 1/3 of a million quid, and about a million quid respectively, I'd bloody well hope so ! I think I'll stick to a £20,000, 300bhp/ton Caterham.

[@julianevans9548]

Can't really compare the T50 and this. T50 has a V12 that revs to 12,000 and is a lot less rough and ready than this. It's also a good £2 million more.

[@Leshic2]

Ariel Atom

[@_Ben4810]

I get the feeling if Radford ever actually manage to supply a paying customer with the car they ordered, the heavily-tweaked Exige chassis & powertrain will be an absolute pain-in-the-butt to drive on the road. A poseur's car yes, a driver's car no.

[@a8f235]

It's rare I see a car these days that just look great right off the bat. That car looks stunning, and just badass. The deep, dark color works as well. Most likely looks even better up close.

[@danteguevara1017]

Having seen this car in person, it is truly unbelievable

[@pihermoso11]

I think it's heavily inspired by the Porsche 904 look, that classic design just looks amazing and will never go out of style.. Google Porsche 904 and check the aesthetics of that car, very similar to this car

[@Gaudine]

@@pihermoso11it’s literally based on the 1969 lotus type 62. Has nothing to do with the 904 whatsoever. Every Le Mans racing car looked liked that btw

[@S-T-E-V-E]

The JPS edition is a thing of beauty, I thought this car was a bit strange looking when I saw the first pictures but now I'm sold on it! 👌

[@poorfordtransitowner1627]

I said exactly the same

[@paulelverstone8677]

Rear clam seems very reminiscent to me of the GT40 - as do the cutouts in the roof, of course. Nevertheless, it never fails to stagger me how many bespoke car manufacturers use Lotus either for inspiration, engineering or consultancy whenever they want to produce a drivers car. And this does look rather amazing in those iconic JPS colours...

[@samieb155]

I've followed Radford since I heard it was coming back with all the back stories etc. Looks mega in the Dark Red/ Violet colour too. An amazing car for the price tag, considering that most high-tech Super/Hyper cars are circa £1m +. So many references to the past, that still looks great imo. Just wish I could afford 1. JB & Ant amongst others have done a Stirling job with the Type 62-2. 👍👌👏

[@martinuso7446]

Nobody is doing this because they all think they are past it. While with all the developments on the chassis, carbon, engine side since the F40 (35 years ago) its exactly the right moment to revisit the pure thoroughbred drivers car. Its a beauty guys. Well done, Congratulations.

[@Ben-Rogue]

This is properly cool! Reminds me a lot of the Noble M12

[@MrMuz99]

I'm getting GT40/911 vibes. I loved the look of the Noble.

[@carltonleboss]

I loved the Noble cars.

[@aardvarkmindshank]

I thought the same. What became of them? They kinda just disappeared. Feels like it’s so difficult to be successful in this space where the car is not cheap and yet at the end of the day is an evolution of something quite standard.

[@pihermoso11]

Porsche 904

[@leehenry5764]

​@@aardvarkmindshankNoble came out with a car last year, M500

[@doaSkid69]

Been a JB fan ever since I was a teen, as a British man and a motor car enthusiast through and through, I am so proud of Jenson and everyone there who is working on this amazing development This is the way British sports cars should be light.. direct and no assists The fact it makes 600hp is a bonus as you said its all about how you can use it Look forward to seeing how this car continues to develop I didn't even say how utterly beautiful it is simple but purposeful just like a proper racer, Maybe it's just my take but it looks like it could be lined up in a 24hr race ❤❤❤❤🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@detaart]

Used to have an elise in that color. Velvet red. Very nice. 2GR is a fantastic engine. It will take a beating and then some. Sounds great, revs freely. Really good stuff.

[@kentbeitel9966]

I actually really like it. It looks like a mini gt40 , but yet still makes the same amount of hp as one. I think it’s the best sounding v6 out there right now,and i do like Jenson his driving is impeccable.

[@MindDezign]

That is exactly what the Europa was...a Blue Collar GT40, for the people. Worst thing is this is only built for 62 people that keep them in a collection.

[@philipgrice1026]

@@MindDezign Oy! Who are you calling blue collar? None of the T shirts I wear when driving my '70 Europa have blue collars! While they are not exactly 'white collar' I'll have you know the sweat and grime are well earned. And I'd love a 62-2.

[@jwalster9412]

0:45 that front fender line is so pleasing.

[@HairFollicle]

No joke i can literally feel the smoothness of the car the way power is deliverd without any jerks. The suspension isnt crashy which is typical of track cars.

[@andrewlipsiner9791]

An AMAZING alternative to all the " NANNY " assisted cars that are on the market Pure , raw , yet accessible power and performance that rewards the drivers respect and input Interesting to see if JB and his group have truly found the ultimate alternative at producing a high performance car that can produce on track yet still be livable in daily driving on the street BRAVO 🇺🇸🇬🇧🏁🏁

[@Te1ecastermaster]

Most people are going to bin these when they do finally take delivery. They will be a rare breed indeed in a decade's time.

[@michaelmcginn7260]

I loved the 'aren't you supposed to be asking me questions?'

[@RomanMoroniesFargingWall]

Something very late '80s Group B/early '90s IMSA GTU about this to me. Phenomenal thing.

[@marcust510]

I see a lot of GT40 in this. Stunning car & that color is incredible!

[@davidjudd564]

Interesting thing about it is... Radford created the original Fibre glass body for the GT40, pretty neat touch I must say, also the GT40 does look like it took some inspiration on the original Type 62

[@Lasergun74]

I have followed the build some months ago, in a tv program featuring also Ant Antstead and Roger Behle, it was interesting and inspiring! And seeing the car still being driven and presented around the world just feels good, good work lads! ❤

[@garyseaton4619]

Beautiful car. Spectacular color. Love the no rear window. Lightweight, powerful, and highly tactile with the omission of all those electronic driving aids is outstanding. Homage to one of my favorite cars of all times, the Lotus Europa, is yet to be seen...

[@DLNix]

Great review. Drivetrain is fully built Jubu 2GR, Harrop 1900tvs supercharger 2gr kit, transmission is beefed up VW manual not the stock Lotus unit. DCT option is VW DQ500. Everything is available from Jubu but not cheap.

[@chiefdenis]

Love seeing new and exciting combustion cars, even better when they're manual

[@patrickpolak3832]

I am very grateful that I could order a 62/2. I admire and love the passion of Ant, Jenson and all at Radford. They make dreams come true. In a few months we can see a Radford on Dutch number plates!

[@Sangamo16]

You lucky, lucky man. I'm just hoping to get a Big Valve Twin Cam Europa before the prices skyrocket. But right now I have to finish my current project car, hopefully without bankrupting myself, and recover over the next couple of years before I can consider buying another toy. I've been thinking about getting a ratty Renault-engined Europa, finding a Toyota 2ZZGE engine and ECU from an Elise, and a Cayman transaxle, and building a fast, reliable Europa. But the Radford will be a Hell of a lot meaner. When you get yours and have had a chance to get used to it, post some videos for us. I want to know what the car is like from an owner's perspective. Let us know what it's like on twisty back roads. I bet it will be incredible.

[@_Ben4810]

So, did you ever receive your 62-2...??? Did it have the Lotus chassis tub in it or the carbon fibre chassis with zero Lotus Cars parts in it..?!?

[@patrickpolak3832]

@@_Ben4810 nope… still waiting

[@patrickpolak3832]

I’ve bought an exige 410 as donor car, shipped it to Radford in Q1 2023- still no idea when/if they ever build it.

[@_Ben4810]

@@patrickpolak3832 Oh dear Patrick....that sounds somewhat worrying. I had a feeling they had fallen out with Lotus Cars...here's hoping you get your car eventually.

[@Priapos93]

I doubt I could ever afford to run one, but it has rekindled my interest in buying a Caterham

[@IISocratesII]

One of the best looking cars i've seen in a long time.

[@bamboosho0t]

I still remember watching a then 19 year old Jenson Button drive the snot out of a BMW M car before his 1st F1 season with BMW Williams. My has time flown by!

[@wojtekswiezak148]

Yupp, started watching In 98, remember Flavio had some choice words about him, and the whole Williams/Honda contract fiasco. Man time has flown. If you haven't already read Jenson's book, I highly recommend it.

[@tonymaxwellhatt1175]

@bamboosho0t Yeah, like the illegally designed Brawn Racing car he won the 2009 F1 championship with.

[@69ssj]

@@wojtekswiezak148 I remember from the one Top Gear episode (Monaco GP), he (Flavio) was never short of "Jesus Christ".

[@ant2312]

@@tonymaxwellhatt1175 wasn't illegal you bellpiece

[@xanderstamp4108]

The first time I saw a picture of the Radford type 62-2 it was love at first sight, then i heard the power figures and weight which caused severe dribbling, and now to see it driving, hearing that soundtrack 😳 it is just super sexy and wow I wish I was a millionaire and had the chance to own one...! We need a new meaning to describe how much I really want one of these as 'Want one' just doesn't cut it. 🤤🥰

[@TheDoosh79]

Fair play to Jensen, he really knows the car down to the technical details, not just some rent a gob racing driver asked to put his name/face to something. I like that. I hope it's a success for them.

[@Lasergun74]

He was heavily involved in both the project and the build, he knows everything about the car. Great guy, following the build on TV was a charm!

[@ToreHansen]

This reminds a bit of Gordon Murray, not that is a bad thing! Good luck and great video!

[@overbuiltlimited]

Yes, like a T50 without the elitism.

[@augustortiz]

@@overbuiltlimited LOL, its a discount T50 for sure. But I kind of like it more, it has more presence on the exterior.

[@overbuiltlimited]

@@augustortiz Agree!

[@ChubiPanda]

This is my kind of supercar. Small, driver focused and laser precise in its intentions.

[@NinjaRunningWild]

Good to see a return to manual pure light driver's cars that prioritize the experience over chasing HP, lap times, & 0-60 records.

[@allensaunders449]

Beautiful I was wondering when I'd see a first drive. Honest opinion also nice to hear

[@michaelj7069]

Wow. Even has that Europa decklid styling as well. I love it.

[@MatthewRead-qr3kj]

Well summarised - great video

[@ziggyjinx]

Jenson button is a legend and I would trust the bloke with my life and I don’t even know him, just seem so honest and always has been 👍

[@Drifty325i]

Wow this is beautiful and goes so well, the sound of the engine is incredible!!!

[@giorx5]

JB is one of the best to make a pure car driveable and input sensitive. Kudos!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

The fact it's based on a Camry engine & gearbox is a real reliability benefit 👍 The Power/Weight ratio is pure Veyron...

[@brandonbaptiste]

Did a great job. That thing is beautiful and looks like a absolute blast to drive.

[@leslienordman8718]

Very nicely done! Extra kudos to the video group who had to endure the cold and rain to film the Radford on the road drive.

[@lennylegary1399]

Thank you for building what drivers want. We need more cars like that.

[@466rudy6]

You know Gordon Murray is going to have one of these.

[@VjRj84]

Really cool project, Button is the right guy to do something like this.

[@nothinghere7391]

Hey, it's the new NASCAR driver. Now he's on Top Gear, he's going places

[@perryburns6515]

Intense. Looks and sounds fantastic!

[@joefattal7592]

Wish the guys the best with this. Stunning car.

[@DMSparky]

What an absolutely drop dead gorgeous car.

[@ciaranwalsh96]

Don't know if he wants to do it but always thought Jenson would make a great Top Gear presenter. Big name, funny and charismatic and drive very fast.

[@carnatono]

What a beautiful thing! Looks so pure

[@paulhawkins95]

This car looks phenomenal and that is such a fun track to put a car through its paces.

[@TundeEszlari]

Very good content, keep it up. 👍🏻

[@MangoFlamingo]

This car is amazing. Well done

[@jamespink4202]

What a gorgeous looking car... Nice video, thanks!

[@johnathanmoyer2375]

It's so cool to see Radford making a car and driving it on a track 3 miles from my house! Hopefully I can see it at Cars and Coffee soon.

[@anonlincracing2484]

The John player special colours omg absolutely exquisite nothing else looks as le mans retro styling throwback ever a real nod to true motorsport enthusiasm

[@kieranbond2321]

This is exactly the beast I’ve been waiting for, not that I’ll ever afford it 😂

[@danielcobb8886]

"We purposely engineered a little bit of understeer in the car. Because you wouldn't want it as pointy as it can be on the road". Yet there's no ABS. Hmmm.

[@ByDemonsBeDriven]

Excellent video as always! This is something like a retro look Ultima RS :)

[@dpheaslip]

I love the honesty

[@Djoki1]

The sound this machine makes is super cool. Definitely doesnt sound like your bog standard V6.

[@billshoe22191]

Just reminds me how amazing the 2005 Ford GT production car is. Basically the same idea as this

[@cosyneproject]

This is a lovely car, with a great story, and no doubt immensely quick. Nice first drive too. Great job!

[@ViceCityNightcrawler]

Such a sick car 🥵, I’m glad I was lucky enough to see it in person a couple months ago

[@CarLoverPhotography]

Sounds very good, looks very good. The classic colour way option looks so sick!

[@dansburns]

Absolutely brilliant! 🔥

[@Neojhun]

Oh wow it's still using the Camry Engine. That is a good choice.

[@jeffsloane8628]

JB is a prince and that car is dead gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.

[@briangoldrich1860]

Gotta admit absolutely love the shape of the car.

[@generalsedan517]

Beautifully done

[@macunion1225]

you can just see how the steering wheel was moving its a car that feels real , it makes you a real part of the driving experience , if it were something i could afford it would be this or that gordon murray thing not a ferrari

[@oskar6661]

As you creep north from Phoenix (around 1,100 feet or 330 meters elevation) to Flagstaff (closer to where you are I'd imagine) the elevation climbs to some 6,500-7,000 feet. The desert can get downright cold and weather-heavy up there.

[@BrendanEvan]

What an occasion that thing would be. Gorgeous, light, powerful, part racecar.

[@mjrowden]

The gold and the JPS liveries are awesome. Such a beautiful car

[@WankenZeFurious]

Looks amazing, what a beauty

[@avmelidor]

Great looking cars. Raw yet inviting

[@MindDezign]

The color and the name ,I didn't remember I had watched this car before. In it's red livery. But the car is HOME to me! This is what I call a Sports Car. I've owned Europa's and Sprites and mini's and always daily driven Sports Cars. I have two Datsun Z cars currently. Only because, I love a true Sports Car, everything everyone complains about,I find ,home comforts. Noise ,rocks hitting under side noice, engine,gearbox exhaust noises. They let me know I'm driving. No anti- this, no power assist - that! Light weight, I want to slip into a mechanical, extension of me and wear it down the road. I love every thing about this. Except it's rarity.

[@miamimo70]

It's a beauty, especially in the liveries

[@chronicmachines6717]

Can't wait to collect one of these.

[@roguedogx]

20:26 was literally every car reviewer in Arizona that week?

[@cervelo9465]

Apparently it is still badged as a Lotus. I will buy one. In my dreams.

[@_Ben4810]

Something has dramatically changed in the relationship between Radford & Lotus, & Ant Anstead is now claiming they are building cars containing no parts supplied from Lotus....

[@brianrainey2739]

You probably want to sit in one before you write the cheque. Good chance many potential buyers wont physically fit. Certainly not with a copilot. Great to see Ant and Jenson working on this beauty.

[@maximborodyuk3773]

Absolute masterpiece. The only thing it's missing imo is a high revving N/A V8.

[@mitchellsteindler]

Better off with this engine since the company won't be around to support it.

[@maximborodyuk3773]

@@mitchellsteindler kinda dumb take for the car of this price. Plus you can get some crate options.

[@mitchellsteindler]

@@maximborodyuk3773 no, your take is kinda dumb. Guess we'll agree to disagree 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️

[@EB240]

That thing is gorgeous!

[@SHIREDRIFT]

Before Ant even said about the Radford /GT40 connection, i thought it had GT40 vibes. Looks like one that's smoothed out and modernised for more ground effect downforce. Hell of a car though, TVR levels of driver bravery with no electronic aids at the moment, but i'm sure they'll tame it down a bit with suspension and brakes. Money don't make you a skilled driver!

[@bentaylor9021]

Looks like an amazing piece of work. Beautiful looking car too.

[@kiwihame]

The sound of that thing is addictive.

[@Matt.Schofield]

There has never been, and I doubt ever will be, a car more beautiful to my eye than the JPS edition they briefly showed.

[@geomonkey]

Absolutely stunning car! Here's to more 👍

[@SL4PSYM4XY]

Maybe the front will grow on me, but right now, that's the only weak spot imo. (specifically the headlights and DRLs) The rest of it is MAGNIFICENT, especially the rear 3/4 view. What a car.

[@echodub81]

Brilliant design, the back looks stunning! I love that they‘re making it clear that it‘s gonna be a track oriented car and not another hypercar with tons of gimmicks

[@howarddavies136]

This, Emira, CC850, T50, T33; I feel like we are in a renaissance of the light weight manual sports car. Yes I know the Emira has gained some chonk, but it's still no Nissan GTR on the scales. Now, if only Ferrari would pull the hybrid gizzards out of the 296 and slap a gated shifter in there...

[@echodub81]

@@howarddavies136 true facts! If i would be in the market for a fun sports car, i would go for something light before i look for something powerful. You can‘t rev out the casrs these days like 20yrs ago. Maybe it‘s because the sportscars are now used to win a show and shine comptetition in the city area and not trophies on the circuits

[@howarddavies136]

@echodub81 they've just got out of hand with numbers, too. I have an e46 M3 that is about 200bhp/ton and it is plenty. Probably too much a lot of the time. And the gearing is just all wrong. 62mph in second gear? Just unnecessary for real driving, but essential for emissions and that all important 0-100kph figure. I do frequently regret not getting an MX-5.

[@echodub81]

@@howarddavies136 had a tuned Astra VXR and it was fun, but too loud, suspension was too hard for daily commute. I miss the astra sometimes, but i‘m happy with my boring kia atm, haha

[@howarddavies136]

@echodub81 I've always had a soft spot for those astras, they had a real attitude and character that the CTR, GTI, Megane, and ST never really had. Cars like that have a time and place in our lives though. I'm very fortunate that I get to have two, otherwise I don't think I could keep the M3 as a daily.

[@erikig]

😍 Saw this in Miami Concours - what a machine!

[@alexbelmonte4581]

Between this and GMA, there is some hope!

[@SoundBoy808]

Thats a knockout! Lovely looking and a great concept.

[@warrenphillips69]

Looks like a great car. Well done!

[@retroflash-fv1iu]

insane project

[@IngramCars]

It's absolutely stunning! All the ingredients for the perfect super car.

[@sidbobby3233]

Jenson is pure gentlemen and dude love what he is doing and u can tell he is enjoying what he is up to. 😎😎✌✌👌👌👍👍

[@bbpy80]

Its an absolutely stunning design.

[@johnnysmith863]

Sounds like there are some fundamental things to sort and finesse but they've certainly got the styling and marketing right! Hope they get it all sorted for the owners. The idea deserves to be a big success and I'd like to see more cars produced in this vein.