Radford, the global luxury coachbuilding brand with a British heart and soul, has today announced the acquisition of a US trademark for one of the world’s most iconic race liveries, John Player Special (JPS). The trademark of the livery is now owned by Radford in the US, and will be used on future Radford models.
Radford Motors is a global luxury automotive brand with a British heart and soul, creating on-trend vehicles based on classic timeless designs. It draws on the heritage and craftsmanship of Harold Radford, the creator of countless bespoke vehicles, to offer customers opulent coachbuilt and personalised cars.
The John Player Special livery is one of the most famous and significant racing car liveries. Its legendary black and gold colour scheme is most instantly recognisable from the bodywork of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories and championship victory during the 1972 Formula 1 season.
The JPS livery was present on Lotus Formula 1 cars until 1986 and the Lotus 98T driven by the legendary Ayrton Senna – it epitomised the glamour era of motor racing in the 1970s.
“We are an emotive brand steeped in British history and heritage,” said Radford CEO, Dan Burge. Adding, “one of the world’s most iconic racing liveries to our armoury, reinforces that. We’ll be using this livery in various guises in the coming years, on future Radford models, which we can’t wait to show the world.”
“We’re so excited to have acquired this trademark. John Player Special is, without question, one of the most iconic racing liveries ever to grace a Formula 1 car,” said F1 World Champion Jenson Button. “For me, it conjures images of the ‘Golden era’ of Formula One racing, adorning cars driven by heroes such as Emerson Fitipaldi and Ayrton Senna.”
Radford will create contemporary luxury commissions true to classic timeless designs, bringing a modern and relevant version of coachbuilding, to a new discerning clientele.
Radford recently announced a partnership with British sports car manufacturer Lotus. The company announced its first car ‘Project 62’ will be ultra-exclusive and based on Lotus technology. It will be inspired by the Lotus Type 62, and only 62 cars will be produced. Already in advanced development, the bespoke Radford model will be fully revealed in the coming months.
All Radfords will be track tested and meticulously tuned to offer a superlative driving experience by company co-owner and Formula one world champion, Jenson Button. The design is overseen by leading automotive designer Mark Stubbs. Radford’s third co-owner is TV star and renowned car builder and automotive craftsman Ant Anstead.
