Words: Rory FH Smith
For car fanatics it is the holy grail of classic motor racing and the most highly anticipated fancy dress party of the year. Recreating the romance associated with the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s era of motor racing, the annual Goodwood Revival takes place from 12th – 14th September and offers up classic cars, vintage fashion and period planes, music and entertainment for those after a hefty dose of nostalgia. For some, it’s an overwhelming experience, so here’s a gentleman’s guide to get you through.
DRESS,
Petrolheads and fashion are words that seldom appear in the same sentence but at the revival weekend, period dress is essential, especially if you’re trackside. The organisers go to great lengths to ensure that even the buildings reflect the romance of the era so there’s no excuse for not looking the part. For gentlemen, think along the lines of tweeds and trilbies and for the Ladies, it’s a case of classic frills and frocks. Anything from the wardrobe that was fashionable in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s will be very well received, so it’s the perfect opportunity to have a rummage in the attic or dust off Grandpa’s old suit.
CARS,
The Revival offers a motoring line up like no other. Showcasing only the finest in classic automotive artistry, fans have the opportunity to see them in action as they compete against each other around Goodwood’s infamous race circuit. Remember that classic Ferrari 250 GTO that recently sold at auction last month for a staggering £21.5m? Well, at least one of these peerless machines will be appearing in the starting line up for the RAC Tourist Trophy Celebration.
Representing the best of British engineering at the Revival is the iconic Jaguar D-type, which will be celebrating it’s 60th birthday on the track alongside 20 others and are each worth several million pounds. With that in mind, the starting grid should be one of the most valuable starting grids in classic car history.
Further still, the Ford Mustang, the car made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1968 blockbuster film Bullitt, will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary alongside several Ford falcons, a Plymouth Barracuda, Mercury Comet and Studebaker Lark in a race devoted to V8 Saloons.
RACES
If you only manage to tear yourself away from the hospitality tent for one race per day then make sure it’s one of those listed below. From American V8 classics to multimillion-pound Aston Martin prototypes, the Revival is unparalleled in the way it recreates the golden age of motorsport.
Friday 12th: Sussex Trophy,
Cars produced between 1955 and 1960, such as the Le Mans-winning Aston Martin DBR1 will battle for victory against the likes of, Ferrari, Jaguar and Maserati in this spectacular two-driver race, which will end at dusk.
Saturday 13th: Shelby Cup,
Watch as V8 muscle cars pound the circuit piloted by celebrity drivers such as Mr. Bean actor and self-confessed car fanatic Rowan Atkinson, as well as Marussia F1 driver Max Chilton to name but a few.
Sunday 14th: RAC TT Celebration,
As the highlight of the weekend, the RAC TT Celebration boasts a starting grid full of some of the most beautiful classic racers to ever grace the track. Here, drivers such as five-times Le Mans winner Derek Bell and Sauber F1 reserve Giedo van der Garde will race against each other to create the most valuable classic race in the world.
The Goodwood Revival will take place between 12th-14th September. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Goodwood website by clicking here.
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