Tuesday 28th January 2025

Radical delivers 3,000th car

As its 30th anniversary nears, Radical's business looks in rude health

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It’s now 28 years since Radical was founded, at the end of January 1997 in fact. And yes, ‘97 is looking worryingly close to 30 years ago. In that time Radical has delivered 2,999 wild track cars, which is pretty good going given the niche they operate in. The 3,000th has received some extra special treatment. 

It’s an SR3, being delivered to a long-term customer and racer in the UK called John Hewitt. It’s a bespoke spec to mark the milestone, with a powder-coated chassis in bronze, plus matching wheels and decals. Which even in the gloom of a dreary Donington, looks absolutely fantastic. As an SR3, it’ll boast more than 230hp and a little over 600kg in weight - so really ruddy fast as well. It’s capable of 1:30 around the Donington GP loop, for example. Radical says that delivering the SR3 from Peterborough to a UK customer highlights its ‘strong domestic ties and commitment to its local racing community.’

Radical is far more international than its humble 90s beginnings now though, with representation in more than 20 countries and 14 Radical Cup championships across the globe. It’s profitable, and as this latest build proves, customers are coming back. However niche, it’s nice to have a good news story for our automotive companies right now. Dan Redpath, Radical’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Reaching the 3,000th car milestone is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team. It’s a proud moment not only for Radical but also for our customers and fans who have supported us through this incredible journey. Our success demonstrates that by focusing on what we do best – delivering world-class race cars and unrivalled customer experiences – we can thrive even in challenging times.” And for those that want to see what all the Radical fuss is about without having to join the queue, the sole example on PH ought to do the trick just nicely; there won’t be much faster on track than a Rapture…

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• 2020 Radical Rapture | UK Review
• 2022 Radical SR10 | PH Review

[gruppeb86]

Am unsure much thought was put into the anniversary livery.

[BigChiefmuffinAgain]

Not sure they're in that rude health looking at their accounts where profits last year where £250k down from £1.38M. Still, at least it's a profit....

[trevalvole]

Good for them.

[garypotter]

Great cars for the track less so for the road, but 3,0000 well doen to all at Radical, a great success

[Jimjimhim]

It's great news that companies like this even exist, the fact that they are in profit is even better.

[murphyaj]

BigChiefmuffinAgain said:

Not sure they're in that rude health looking at their accounts where profits last year where £250k down from £1.38M. Still, at least it's a profit....

From the perspective of small scale British sports car manufacturers the fact that they are not on the verge of bankruptcy, and then having to be bailed out by an oligarch / hedge fund / petro-state, is a virtually unbelievable performance.

[TA14]

murphyaj said:

BigChiefmuffinAgain said:

Not sure they're in that rude health looking at their accounts where profits last year where £250k down from £1.38M. Still, at least it's a profit....

From the perspective of small scale British sports car manufacturers the fact that they are not on the verge of bankruptcy, and then having to be bailed out by an oligarch / hedge fund / petro-state, is a virtually unbelievable performance.

+1. Well done Radical

[Frogmella]

BigChiefmuffinAgain said:

Not sure they're in that rude health looking at their accounts where profits last year where £250k down from £1.38M. Still, at least it's a profit....

Niche British manufacturer creating jobs, making a profit and selling cars to people enjoy them is absolutely roaring health.

[Meteor Madness]

I thought the received wisdom was that sports car companies have to also make lifestyle vehicles SUVs to stay afloat?

[GreatScott2016]

I do love Radicals, but as every year ticks by, I fear I’ve missed the boat with this one

[paddy1970]

Great cars!!! I am currently saving my pennies for a used sr1 xxr

[Bonefish Blues]

That's a remarkable achievement when small specialists have fallen by the wayside throughout the years

[frontsplitter]

What I never understand about these features by the writers and the quotes by company spokespeople is that they never recognise and remember the men who created Radical in the first place. Particularly Phil Abbott and Mick Hyde.
Even the SR3 that is being lauded here was created by them 23 years ago and it is essentially the same car now as it was back then.
So yes, congratulations on the achievements, but remember those behind it all.

[gruppeb86]

[Julian Thompson]

What a thing they are! Love my SR8