HISTORY OF COACHBUILDING

1910s

For those who could afford it, carmakers offered a rolling chassis with an engine and you selected your desired coachbuilder to style the body to your specification. While Henry Ford made cars for the masses, coachbuilders created a golden age of individuality with beautifully crafted coachbuilt cars.

1948

Harold Radford Limited is officially founded. The coachbuilding business initially specialised in making custom bodies for new Bentleys.

1949

Harold Radford created a number of innovative designs that stand testament in today's market. Perhaps one of the most notable was his patent of the rear-facing seat.

1963

Harold Radford helped create one of the most iconic and famous Mini’s ever, for some of the most famous stars at the time. Featuring electric windows and leather interiors, the Radford Mini de Ville, was a favourite amongst stars such as Ringo Starr and Steve McQueen.

1965

Harold Radford designs and builds the DB5 ‘Shooting Brake’ for Aston Martin. Focused on creating extra storage space, the car was designed originally for Aston Martin’s David Brown to use on his shooting weekends. But most notably, achieving icon status as James Bonds car (Sean Connery) in 1964’s Goldfinger.

2021

Radford Motors is forging a path forward as the preeminent coachbuilder in the world today.