7.10.10
From 1948 until its closure in 1966,the former RAF Westhampnett, at the base of the Sussex Downs, was a prominent venue in global motor-sport. Opened as Goodwood by the current Earl of March’s grandfather, its wartime contribution and that of its entrants and competitors, is celebrated annually at the Revival.
Now in its thirteenth year, the meeting combines cars, planes, fashion and culture with some of the Globe’s best historic racing and a Bonhams auction…… and with 134,000 attendee’s over the 3 days, many in ‘40’s/’50’s/’60’s dress, it was undoubtedly the best yet. The on track activity has received widespread coverage elsewhere, here were my personal highlights:
- In March 1960, seven times motorcycle world champion John Surtees, participated in his first car race…..at Goodwood. Subsequently he achieved the unique “double”, winning the 1964 F1 World Championship in a Ferrari 158, followed by the inaugural Can-Am Cup in 1966, before leading his own F1 team in 1970. Celebrating his 75th birthday, organisers reunited the tifosi’s “Il Grande John” with his 1964 mount and the display also included his first ever motorbike (Triumph Tiger 70), a BMW 507 he’s owned from new, a Ferrari 250GTO and 330P3 raced in the mid sixties and three F1 cars of his own team’s construction.
- Almost 60 years to the day since Reg Parnell won the Woodcote Cup at Goodwood, in a BRM V16 Mk1, the Revival celebrated this win with a 30 car celebration of the BRM marque. Originally conceived by ERA founders Raymond Mays and Peter Berthon, British motor industry backed BRMs, were plagued by eccentric management and slow development in the ‘50’s, complex engineering in the late ‘60’s and insufficient funding in the ‘70’s. Nevertheless, under the patronage of Sir Alfred Owen and the leadership of Tony Rudd in the "1½ litre" years of the early-mid 1960s they were a mighty force; winning both 1962 F1 Championships with Graham Hill and finishing second in '63. '64 and '65. Unlike all of the other British constructors they made all their car, chassis, engine and gearbox and were called "The English Ferrari" by some. The representative display included drivers Tony Brooks, Peter Gethin and Richard Attwood, accompanied by ‘70’s team manager and Reg’s son, Tim Parnell. Let us not forget that BRM gave Sir Jackie Stewart his F1 break and he too drove one of their cars.
- Lance Reventlow was the London born only child of American Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton. Raised in Los Angeles amidst sumptuous wealth, he opened Reventlow Automobiles Inc, to pursue his motorsport ambition in both F1 and sports car racing. With 3 Chevrolet powered sports racers, 3 desmodromic front engined single seaters and 2 rear engined formula cars – the build quality, of the pale blue and white, Troutman and Barnes constructed "Scarab" racers belied their lack of racing success. Californian father and son, Don and Patrick Orosco raced an example of the sports racer and front engined single seater at the Revival, before continuing their European trip, to Spa Francorchamps the following weekend.
- Kiwi Bruce McLaren was killed testing a McLaren M8 Can Am racer, on Goodwood’s Lavant straight on June 2nd 1970. Winner of the 1966 Le Mans 24 hrs with fellow Kiwi Chris Amon in a Ford GT40 and founder of the eponymous, now multiple F1 world championship-winning team, a memorial service commemorating the 40th anniversary of his premature loss, took place prior to the weekend - in the garden of remembrance, at the rear of the paddock.
- In the central paddock, where gentlemen are required to wear ties, cars were arranged by marque including ERA, Maserati, Jaguar, Porsche, Aston Martin and Ferrari. Attracting much attention were the 4 ex-Scuderia Ferrari Alfa Romeo P3s (5 in total: 50003 Matt Grist. 50004 Stefan Rettenmaier. 50006 Umberto Rossi. 50007 Tony Smith. 0002 Hugh Taylor, raced at Indianapolis as the Don Lee Special), the sadly static Rudd-chassised BRM V16 MK2 and Sir Anthony Bamford ’s 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO, driven to victory in the RAC TT Trophy by ex F1 racer Jean Marc Gounon and Peter Hardman.
- I visited the adjacent pre 1966 car park often during the weekend - the diverse display of collectors cars, undoubtedly worth the trip alone. Proximity to the Channel ports ensures there is something of a Continental European invasion, acknowledged by a Dutch registered Suzuki Fronte (!) and Italian Lancia Aurelia amongst many others. Most interesting cars for me were the Fiat powered Ghia GT and Jensen built, Austin A40 Tourer, although the 2 road registered Ferrari 250SWB’s, Lussos, 330 GT MK1 and 3 330GTCs also caught my eye.
Special Awards
- Rolex Driver of the Meeting – Nick Wigley
- Fastest Lap of the Meeting – Andrew Smith – 1:18:954 (109.43mph)
- Fastest Lap by a Lady driver – Desiré Wilson
- Best Presented Team – Roger Wills' Gaz Volga M21
- Spirit of Goodwood Award – Hall and Hall
- Will Hoy Memorial Trophy – Tom Kristensen
- Freddie March Spirit of Aviation – Howell Davies – Hawker Demon
The Revival was a huge success and thanks to Lord March and his team, whose attention to detail ensures no matter, whether your preference is for motor racing (cars or bikes), aviation or fashion, this an unmissable event…including a trip to a very retro ‘60’s Tesco supermarket!!
No need to pack my trilby and flannels for my next trip – the well subscribed, second Historic Festival at the Algarve Motorsports Park is next…. see you there!!
Click here for a slideshow.
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