Goodwood Revival: A magical step back in time for modern-day motor racing fans

Vintage cars and bikes gear up for action at Goodwood Revival. By David Williams
Blast from the past: the Goodwood Revival promises many attractions
David Williams @djrwilliams14 September 2015

For some, it’s the glamour. For others, the party atmosphere. But for most, the reason for attending the glittering

Goodwood Revival will be the nostalgia — and the chance to witness breathtaking action from vintage cars and motorcycles.

On the face of it, it’s a bizarre proposition. No vehicle younger than 1966 is allowed on to the historic West Sussex motor racing circuit, which effectively travels back in time for the duration of the three-day event packed with races, shows and personalities.

It’s a formula that, each year, works its magic — so much so that word has got out and all that’s left this year in the way of tickets are the rather costly hospitality packages. So what — for those who wisely planned ahead — is on the agenda?

About 150,000 visitors will attend from September 11-13, and as many as possible are encouraged to dress up in appropriate vintage attire. While the main attraction is, of course, the racing, sideshows will include a Fifties funfair, bands performing period hits, actors strolling the grounds in vintage clothing and a stirring aerial display.

For many, the simple pleasures are the best and browsing hundreds of old cars lined up in the paddocks will come top of the list.

This year, the Revival is celebrating 67 years of Land Rover production, with a huge gathering of early versions of the iconic British all-wheel-drive vehicle and some of the latest Defenders to roll off the production line. More than 50 pre-1966 Series

Land Rover models, charting the early days of the Land Rover, will take part in a track parade on each morning of the Revival, and will be on static display on Lavant Bank for the rest of the event. Other highlights will include the Lavant Cup race exclusively for drum-braked Ferrari sports racing cars of the Fifties and, as it is 50 years since Carroll Shelby introduced the legendary Shelby Daytona Coupe, a car that won the Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Sportscar Championships, all six original Daytona Cobra Coupes will be brought together for the first time. They will take part in a parade on each day and will be housed in a recreation Sebring pit area.

Businessman Theo Paphitis, of Dragons’ Den fame, will race a Ford Anglia in the St Mary’s Trophy for Sixties’ production saloons.

Bizarrely, there will be a live “dinosaur dig” outside the Rolex Drivers’ Club, including a full-sized dinosaur skeleton, while 60 years of the fish finger will be celebrated with a massive trawler at one of the main gates and other off-track events.

There will be a 12-aircraft flypast to commemorate the servicemen and women of RAF Westhampnett lost in the Second World War, while the Freddie March “Spirit of Aviation” will be Battle of Britain-focused, with 30 or so Spitfires, Hurricanes and the only airworthy Bristol Blenheim left displayed on the ground. No wonder the organisers claim it’s set to be one of the best Revivals yet. More at bit.ly/1hVY7S9.

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