Skip advert
Advertisement

Radford secures trademark rights for John Player Special livery

The iconic black-and-gold livery, worn by the F1 Championship-winning Lotus Type 72D, will be available on Radford’s future models

Radford JPS livery

Radford’s US arm has acquired the trademark rights for the iconic John Player Special racing livery – and the brand has confirmed that it’ll be used on one of its future models.

The black-and-gold livery most famously appeared on the Lotus Type 72D F1 racer, in which Emerson Fittipaldi claimed five victories and the championship title during the 1972 season.

The same livery appeared on Lotus Formula One cars until 1986. It showed up for the final time on the 98T, which was driven by the legendary Ayrton Senna.

Advertisement - Article continues below

One of the company’s new co-owners, former F1 World Champion Jenson Button, said: “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 trademark acquisition is rather fitting, as Radford already has a technical partnership with Lotus. It will see the coachbuilding company create an exclusive sports car inspired by the Lotus Type 62 racer, which will be built on Lotus underpinnings.

Radford has codenamed the vehicle “Project 62” and the company says the finished car will blend classic design with modern coachbuilding techniques. Just 62 examples will be built.

Now read all the latest news on Radford’s Project 62 sports car

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025