Every time I’m at Goodwood the atmosphere is unique.
I have visited the beautiful Chichester venue several times over the past five years for various shows and events, but 2024 was my first Goodwood Revival. I admit I went into it with mixed feelings.
Not because of the cars or the races, but because of the event’s dedication to the years between 1948 and 1966. Would this era-specific theming enhance the experience or cause unnecessary fuss?
The post-war era was an exciting time for motorsport. Just look at the entry lists for the Revival racing categories: they are filled with legendary makes and models.
Take the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, for example. This race for pre-’63 GT cars is one of the most competitive and spectacular of the Revival – especially when it rains.
Aston Martin DB4 GTs battled it out with Ferrari 250 SWBs alongside Shelby Cobras and Jaguar E-Types of various body styles. Dropheads, fixed-head coupes and semi-lightweights sang their straight-six songs at full throttle.
If you think the drivers are just there for show, think again. Take this pair of Ferrari 250s, which collided on the chicane exit to the main straight. The owner of car #17 was not too happy about the contact.
For those who prefer mid-engined cars, the Whitsun Trophy featured Ford GT40s going up against early prototypes from the Lola, McLaren and Cooper. The #1 GT40 is an all-original race-proven example, while the #5 car of Adrian Newey – former Red Bull Racing F1 Chief Technical Officer/new Aston Martin F1 Managing Team Partner – reportedly features a variety of under-bonnet modifications.
If you’re into classic touring cars, the 2024 Revival had everything from Ford Galaxies to Mini Coopers. You could also spot small open-wheel racers and pre-war motorcycle nutters; there’s something for everyone at Revival, as long as you’re interested in historic motorsports.
In addition to the race suitability of the cars, access to the paddocks and the inner circuit requires period-appropriate clothing. This is part of the Duke of Richmond’s mission to relive the ‘good old days’ of racing, and I have to admit I enjoyed it.
My initial reluctance to spend three days photographing motorsports in suit trousers and dress shoes quickly disappeared as I queued to get in. Visitors in pre-’66 cars parked right by the entrance and being surrounded by the vehicles and clothing of that era put a smile on my face.
The Goodwood Revival offers an authentic experience by transporting the area back in time. The period shops and high street bank are nice, as are the army barracks, but the takeover of the infield by the BMW Group was exceptional.
You can visit the Rolls-Royce, Mini, BMW and BMW Motorrad dealerships and garages from that era, complete with vintage models. After all, Goodwood is closely linked to Rolls-Royce, the cars being produced right on the circuit.
Efforts to look good didn’t go unpaid either, with the bravest contestants taking part in the ‘Best Dressed’ competition. A panel of judges selected their top three from all those who embraced vintage fashion.
The price for a striking outfit? A bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, along with the satisfaction of having thrifted your way to the top.
The Settrington Cup, where the participants’ children race each other in pedal cars, is also a great experience and a real crowd pleaser.
Goodwood Revival 2024 has blown me away. The scale and grandeur of the event, combined with some of the most desirable cars ever made, give me plenty of reasons to come.
I was afraid the event would be a bit staged, because even mechanics and children are encouraged to wear clothes that are appropriate for their time. I am absolutely against ‘organized fun’ and nothing is worse than being forced to participate in a ‘fun activity’ with a mandatory dress code.
Yet the Revival was far from forced. The spectators enjoyed every moment of the event, even in the rain, and the atmosphere was genuine. The place, the people, the cars – everything came together beautifully. I had an unforgettable time.
So much so that I put my cameras aside on Friday night to enjoy the second half of the Sussex Trophy. As the sun set, the Ferrari 250 TR’s V12 sang and the #54 Lotus-Climax spat flames with every downshift into St Mary’s and Lavant.
I was in heaven, even though my vintage clothes and hat were soaked.
If you’re excited about tens of millions of dollars of vintage metal racing on a historic circuit and a nostalgic ode to a bygone era with fewer rules, then the Goodwood Revival is the place to be.
I’m already looking at accommodation for 2025. Bring it on.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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