HR Owen will be the retail provider for a new limited-run Lotus Type 62-2 after reuniting with luxury coachbuilder Radford as its official dealer partner.
Launched at HR Owen’s Jack Barclay showroom last night, the partnership marks the reunion of the Radford and HR Owen names, which last worked together in 1963.
Limited to 62 units, each example of the Type 62-2 is unique and bespoke built to an owner’s requirements.
HR Owen and Radford have re-ignited their working relationship alongside a pledge to help support the charity Chain of Hope’s, which works to provide emergency heart surgery for children all over the world.
To mark the beginning of the partnership, the businesses have committed £10,000 each to the charity for the first five Radfords sold – £100,000 in total.
HR Owen chief executive, Ken Choo, said: “We are incredibly proud to add Radford to the HR Owen portfolio of the world’s leading premium sports and luxury automotive brands – reigniting a historic link between the Radford and HR Owen names.
“What’s more, we’re proud to be doing it in a way that will raise vital funds for our long term charity partner, Chain of Hope.”
Between 1958 and 1963, the two businesses functioned in partnership with one another, after Harold Radford (Coachbuilders) Ltd. was acquired by the Swain Group, which also owned HR Owen’s Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership.
Harold Radford’s business was integrated into the servicing and body repair operations of H.R. Owen, under the Radford name, until late 1963, when it once again became an independent company.
Now Radford is co-owned by leading designer Mark Stubbs, broadcaster and motoring specialist Ant Anstead, former FIA Formula OneTM World Champion, Jenson Button and acclaimed business adviser and lawyer Roger Behle.
Built in partnership with Lotus, the mid-engine two-seater coupé takes inspiration from the revered 1960s Lotus Type 62 and is engineered for an unadulterated mechanical feel, exceptional engagement and uncompromising poise.
Each Radford Lotus Type 62-2 is offered to customers in two variations – both incorporating the details and ethos set by the British sportscar manufacturer.
Choo said: “The Radford Lotus Type 62-2 is a beautiful and very special sportscar, combining the latest technologies and elegant design to create something truly spectacular. Radford has a really exciting future ahead and we are thrilled to be able to be a part of it.
“With the addition of Radford to our portfolio, we further cement H.R. Owen’s position as the UK’s leading luxury automotive retailer group.”
Dan Burge, CEO of Radford, said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with H.R. Owen as our retail partners for the UK. There really is no better, or more experienced group, for a brand like Radford to be working with, especially now that we are really making a global impact.
“This new relationship makes it even more sense when you consider Radford’s long and close association with H.R. Owen and we’re anticipating an even brighter future.”