GOODWOOD REVIVAL MEETING

The Goodwood Revival Meeting delivered another weekend of exceptional motor racing surrounded by its period atmosphere.

The Goodwood Revival has become a ‘must go’ event within the English summer sporting calendar adding to other special events such as Wimbledon, Henley and Ascot.

What is so special about the Revival is its dedicated period atmosphere, one where visitors and team supporters are encouraged to dress in the style of the 1940s-1970s.

Situated on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, owned by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the circuit was originally the perimeter track of RAF Westhampnett a relief airfield for nearby RAF Tangmere. The race circuit dates from 1949 and was used for racing until 1966, re-opening for classic racing in 1998 for the Goodwood Revival Meeting.

Over the last 24 years the event has grown in popularity and organisers now limit the number of entrance tickets available.

Considered by many to be the mecca of classic car motorsport, the Goodwood Revival attracts the very best of the surviving cars and bikes of the historic and classic eras.

As previously mentioned, the Revival is also one of the very few motoring events to be staged where the public is encouraged to dress in appropriate clothes to match the many buildings and displays that echo the glory days of the circuit. To be seen and to help create an appropriate atmosphere encourages the public to search for that ‘perfect’ personal statement. Actors and performers also embed themselves amongst the crowds with dance displays and concerts – this year there was even a display depicting a crashed flying saucer and confused aliens.

With the increasing uptake of electric vehicles, the Revival showcases priceless cars and motorcycles from the glory years of internal combustion engine racing, fuelling a strong public fascination and nostalgia for those times.

THE SETTRINGTON CUP

Now in its 10th year, the Settrington Cup consistently shows itself to be the ‘greenest’ race on the calendar.

This race is for Austin J40 pedal cars, as built by the Austin Car Company in a dedicated factory in Wales. It was a government-assisted scheme for disabled Welsh coal miners to be given a new vocation. The factory opened in 1948 and the pedal cars made there were predominantly based upon the Austin A40 of the time. The factory employed 250 men, utilising scrap metal from the Longbridge car plant to produce a high-quality pedal car with working lights, Dunlop pneumatic tyres, leathercloth upholstery and quality chrome fittings.

The Austin J40 sold for £26 (plus £6 purchase tax) which made it an expensive toy. Production ceased in 1971 after a total of 32,098 cars had been made.

The Settrington Cup is hugely popular, and this year attracted more than 70 entrants. Children/pedallers aged eleven and under compete in two races along the track grid. It was quite a spectacle, with enthusiastic supporters and parents adding to the drama and competitive nature of the race.

PEOPLE WATCHING

This is one of the special joys of the Goodwood Revival. With attendees all making an effort, there are many opportunities to capture a nostalgic snapshot of past fashions and styles.

PITS AND THE DUMMY GRID

The cars … the sounds … the smells … the people.

GOODWOOD REMEMBERS QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Spectators, competitors, staff and drivers paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who passed away 10 days before the event. As the state funeral would be held on the following Monday, organisers felt that the Queen’s attitude was always to persevere in times of hardship and crisis, and so the Goodwood Revival carried on with the Palace’s blessing. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Charles Gordon-Lennox, paid tribute to the Queen on the Friday, flags were flown at half mast, gun salutes fired, moments of silence observed, and many wore black arm bands for the event.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Once again the Concours of Elegance returned to Hampton Court Palace. This Grade 1 listed building is a mix of Tudor and baroque architectural styles with its surrounds and grounds making it a stunning venue for this premier event.

Initially a country house, it was transformed by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century and would then be used by Henry VIII. Situated close to London, it is one of England’s most stately palaces.

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2. Now this is serious racing - pedal power to the finish flag;

3. Interviewing the joint winners;

5. PC Kelly Manifield and explosives dog Peggy (both genuine) on patrol in the J40 parc ferme.

4. After the J40 race – post-race contemplation; better luck next year!,

7. Looking very stylish and taking a break in one of Goodwood’s hangars are (l to r) Mary Brewin, Annemarie Tretheway (ex-Nelson NZ), Kevin Brewin, Frank and Pat Annable;

8. Enjoying lunch and a Pimm’s, visitors from Buckinghamshire look the part with their 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Arriving in a period correct car allows for special parking close to the entrance, an added benefit at a huge classic car show;

10. Looking fabulously stylish – Aimee Meek from Lower Hutt, now working in the UK, was on hand to offer support in her position as a member of the ‘best seat 360 degree in car live coverage’ team.

9. Reflecting the diversity of the event, sharp and well-coordinated biker wear;

4. Steve Tillack (foreground) waits to move to the dummy grid with support from Brittany Wilson and mechanic Andy. His car is a Lancia D50, a Jim Stokes recreation to Vittorio Jano’s original design using many period-correct and original parts;

1. Tim Gunn fettles the only 1919 Grafton cyclecar;

2. Showing the authority a Pit Marshall requires – Beth McMorraw clears the way for a BRM Type 15 powered by a V16 of 1496cc;

5. Victory roll – including 1st place at the Lady Wigram Trophy race – on the flanks of the 1961 Cooper-Climax T53 ‘lowline’ now owned by Nicolas Topliss.

3. Jenson Button being interviewed before the Royal Automobile Club TT celebration race;

1. Representing aircrew of the era, Elise Donoghue, Rufus Cameron and Maddie Adams stand beneath a flag at half mast;

4. Coming up from the under-track tunnel, pedestrians walked through an avenue of Union flags at half mast;

3. Entertaining the public at one of the entrance gates was a civilian ‘military style’ band made up of many exservices personnel – all wearing black arm bands;

5. A few exhibitors, some with a close association with HM Queen Elizabeth II, paid tribute.

2. Some cars also displayed EIIR memorial script – this on a 1961 Lotus-Ford 20;

1. Situated in the Base Court of the Palace, Gooding & Company displayed vehicles up for auction, with the top price being paid for a 1960 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione (the yellow car middle of the photo), which sold for £7,762,500.In the foreground, of more humble status, a 1955 Jaguar Mark VIII was sold for £28,125;

2. Both winners of their category in the foreground – a 1956 Maserati A6G Zagato and behind, a 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato;

4. Classic car dealer Simon Kidston shows a Bugatti Type 57C that his father ordered new. The car is now proudly owned by his son.

3. The distinctive 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia Coupé – built for French racing driver André Dubonnet – made a repeat appearance having won Best of Show in 2016;