Amazing Moments
Reflects on this landmark moment when the world’s most spectacular car show pulled off something extra-special – a one-off race just for Jaguar D-types
Goodwood Revival 2014
The howl of a race-tuned Jaguar XK straight-six at full chat is something you aren’t likely to forget in a hurry – but the bellow of 18 of them is something that’ll stay with anyone even vaguely into cars forever.
That was the treat Goodwood laid on back in 2014 for the flagship race at that year’s Revival Meeting – the Lavant Cup. In previous years Ford GT40s and Ferrari 250s had taken to the track for special races and high speed demonstrations, but to mark six decades since the D-type’s maiden Le Mans victory, Goodwood managed to bring five long-nose D-types to the historic circuit for the one-off race, plus a smattering of their short-nose cousins and a pair of road-going XKSS derivatives.
Among the cars taking part were Jaguar Heritage’s 1954 prototype, and a 1956 long-nose car originally campaigned by Ecurie Ecosse, making this the highlight of three packed days of historic racing. After a gripping 25-minute battle, with D-type drivers including Nick
Mason, Andy Wallace and Derek Bell, the race was won by Gary Pearson in a 1955 ‘ long-nose’ car.
Special guests included the late Norman Dewis, who helped to develop the D-type. He told CCW: ‘This is the first time that so many D-types have been brought together in Britain, and it’s wonderful. It’s not only nice to see that so many owners have looked after these cars over the years, but that so many people are still captivated by them.’
But the best thing about this awe-inspiring bit of choreography is that you don’t need a time machine and a valid ticket for 2014’s Revival to experience it. You can watch Goodwood’s own footage of the race in the comfort of your own home, mid-lockdown. You’re in for a treat. ❚
CANCELLED
Wednesday 3 Scotter Classic Night The Gamekeeper, Scotter, Lincolnshire DN21 3TW. 4pm till late.
■ thegamekeeperscotter.co.uk
Earls Barton Classic Car and Bike Meet White Nurseries, Earls Barton, Northamptonshire NN6 0EP. 4.30pm-9pm. ■ classiccarmeet.co.uk
Ace Hot Rod Night Ace Café, Brent, London, NW10 7UD. 6pm-11pm.
■ london.acecafe.com
B500 Barbers Monthly Meet Birch Coppice Club, Dordon, Warks B78 1SY. Entry £1. Autojumble stall £5. From 6pm.
■ stellabeaman40@gmail.com
Thursday 4 MYCCC Classic Car Meet The Black Swan, Brandesburton, East Yorkshire YO25 8RG. Free admission and no booking needed. 6.30pm-9pm. ■
Saturday 6-Sunday 7
Land Rover Legends Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PW.
■ landroverlegends.com
Thruxton Historic Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PW. Fourteen races over two days at new historic motorsport event.
■ thruxtonracing.co.uk
Shelsley Walsh Best of British Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Worcester, Worcestershire WR6 6RP. 8am-6pm. ■ shelsleywalsh.com
Sunday 7 Greenwood’s Classic Car Show Mimbridge Garden Estate, Station Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AR. Pre-1980s classics preferred. 8am. Free. ■ Alan 07768 616343
BVAC Classic at Thirlestane Thirlestane Castle, Lauder, Scottish Borders TD2 6RU. ■ bvac.org.uk
Haynes Future Classic Breakfast Club Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7LH. Meet for post1980 classics. Free entry. From 8.30am.
■ haynesmotormuseum.com
Simply Porsche National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7ZN. 10am-5pm. ■ beaulieu.co.uk
Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Coddington, Notts NG24 2NY. Display area for cars over 25 years old. From 8am.
■ newarkautojumble.co.uk
Middleton Motors Monthly Middleton Hall & Gardens, Tamworth, Warks B78 2AE. All classics welcome. Display cars £5. 9.30am-4pm. ■ middleton-hall.co.uk