--- title: "Jenson Button’s Sports Car Company Radford Motors Is Bankrupt" date: "2024-10-24" modified: "2024-10-24" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/jenson-buttons-sports-car-company-radford-motors-is-bankrupt" categories: - "Lotus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Coupe" - "Evora" - "Lotus" - "sports car" --- # Jenson Button’s Sports Car Company Radford Motors Is Bankrupt ![Radford Type 62-2 side profile]() *\Radford Motors\* A few years ago, [Formula 1]() champion Jenson Button announced that he was partnering with TV presenter and mechanic [Ant Anstead]() to start a sports car company called Radford Motors. They planned to specialize in limited-production coach-built cars, such as the [Lotus Evora]()-based Type 62-2. However, just three years into their venture, parent company Finest Coachbuilding LLC is filing for bankruptcy. "Radford Motors is going through a Chapter 11 Business restructure that will be implementing strategic changes to strengthen our foundation for the future," said Finest Coachbuilding CFO/COO Dan Bednarski. "During this process, it's expected that certain ownership transitions will occur, which is an important step in our evolution. These changes are part of our broader strategy to clear the way for new investment and underscore our commitment to continued and sustained growth. We are excited about the road ahead and remain focused on continuing business as usual with renewed energy and purpose." That sounds like a nice way of saying that Radford ran out of money. But when Bednarski's statement says ownership changes are expected and that Radford will be securing new funding, does he mean that either Button or Antstead will be out, as the company brings in new investors? ![]() *Radford Type 62-2. *Radford Motors** Bankruptcy seems like a far fall from where the company was just last year. Last December, Radford was selling the Track Edition of its Type 62-2 for $1 million each. The company only built 12, and they came with race training from Button and Tanner Foust. It packed up to 710 horsepower (each example was built to the buyer's spec) from a supercharged V6 in its featherweight 2,160-pound frame. While it's unclear how many Radford sold, rich folk love buying up ultra-exclusive track cars, regardless of price. It wouldn't surprise me if all 12 found homes. Whatever the reason for Radford's required bankruptcy, it wasn't for a lack of style. The Type 62-2 is a very pretty machine, in which I see hints of vintage [Lotus](), [Koenigsegg Regera](), and even some [Ford GT40](). It's a beautiful, lightweight mid-engine sports car. With boutiques like Singer and Icon proving that there's a market for transforming existing enthusiast cars for a high price, it's unfortunate that Radford got to this point. Hopefully, this restructuring will help get the company building cars again and, this time, more successfully and sustainably. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()