Radford acquires trademark for iconic John Player Special livery
Radford, the global luxury coachbuilding brand has 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.
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.
Radford CEO, Dan Burge “The acquisition of the JPS livery trademark is a clear statement of intent from Radford. We are an emotive brand steeped in British history and heritage. 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.”
Jenson Button “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. 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. Legends that inspired me to want to become a racing driver. We can’t wait to show you where this livery is going to be used, but expect to see it appearing on Radford cars in the near future. The sort of cars which evoke the great racing pedigree that these liveries bring with them.”
The iconic Radford brand is now owned and run by leading car designer Mark Stubbs, TV presenter and car builder Ant Anstead, FIA Formula OneTM World Champion, Jenson Button, and leading business adviser and lawyer Roger Behle.
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.
Notes to editors:
John Player & Sons was a prominent company during the early 1900s. As the brand gained in popularity during the 50s and 60s, it began sponsoring sports teams including the Norton Motorcycle racing team and the Lotus Formula 1 team. It was in 1972 that the first JPS liveried car appeared on the Formula 1 grid, driven by Emerson Fitipaldi who won the championship and constructors title in that same year. The JPS livery was present on Lotus Formula 1 cars until 1986 and the Lotus 98T which was driven by Ayrton Senna. The JPS livery is one of the most significant liveries ever to grace an F1 car, and it epitomised the glamour era of motor racing in the 1970s.
About Radford Motors
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.
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.
