Every time I’m at Goodwood, the ambience is unique.

I’ve visited the beautiful Chichester venue numerous times over the past five years for various shows and events, but 2024 marked my first Goodwood Revival. I’ll admit, I had mixed feelings going into it.

Not because of the cars or racing, but due to the event’s commitment to the years between 1948 and 1966. Would this era-specific theme enhance the experience or add an unnecessary layer of fuss?

The post-war era was an exciting time for motorsport. Just look at the entry lists for the Revival’s racing categories – they’re full of legendary makes and models.

Take the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, for example. This race for pre-’63 GT cars is among the most competitive and spectacular at the Revival – especially when it rains.

Aston Martin DB4 GTs jostled with Ferrari 250 SWBs alongside Shelby Cobras and Jaguar E-Types of various body styles. Dropheads, fixed-head coupés and semi-lightweights sang their straight-six songs at full throttle.

If you think the drivers are merely there for show, think again. Take this pair of Ferrari 250s, which collided on the chicane exit onto the main straight. The owner of car #17 was not too happy about the contact.

For those who favour mid-engined cars, the Whitsun Trophy featured Ford GT40s battling early prototypes from Lola, McLaren, and Cooper. The #1 GT40 is an all-original race-proven example; the #5 car owned by Adrian Newey – former Red Bull Racing F1 Chief Technical Officer/new Aston Martin F1 Managing Team Partner – is rumoured to have all sorts of modifications under the hood.

If you’re into classic touring cars, the 2024 Revival had everything from Ford Galaxies to Mini Coopers. You could also catch tiny open-wheel racers and lunatics on pre-war motorcycles; there’s something for everyone at Revival, so long as you’re interested in historic motorsport.

Beyond the cars’ eligibility to race, access to the paddocks and inner circuit requires period-correct attire. This is part of the Duke of Richmond’s mission to relive the ‘good old days’ of racing, and I must admit, I enjoyed it.

My initial reluctance to spend three days shooting motorsports in suit trousers and formal shoes quickly melted away as I joined the queue to enter. Visitors with pre-’66 cars park right by the entrance, and being surrounded by the era’s vehicles and attire put a smile on my face.

The Goodwood Revival provides an authentic experience by transporting the surroundings back in time. The period shops and ‘high street bank’ are fun, as are the ‘army barracks’, but the BMW Group’s takeover of the infield was exceptional.

You could explore period-correct Rolls-Royce, Mini, BMW, and BMW Motorrad dealerships and garages – complete with vintage models. After all, Goodwood is closely tied to Rolls-Royce, with the cars being manufactured just down the road from the circuit.

Efforts to look the part didn’t go unrewarded either, with the bravest participants entering the ‘Best Dressed’ competition. A panel of judges selected their top three from everyone who embraced vintage fashion.

The prize for a standout outfit? A bouquet and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, along with the satisfaction of knowing you thrifted your way to the top.

The Settrington Cup – a chance for competitors’ children to race against one another in pedal cars – is a great time too, and a real crowd favourite.

Goodwood Revival 2024 blew me away. The scale and grandeur of the event, combined with some of the most desirable cars ever made, offer plenty of reasons to attend.

I feared the event might feel a little staged, as even mechanics and children are encouraged to wear period-correct outfits. I’m totally opposed to ‘organised fun,’ and nothing is worse than being made to participate in an ‘enjoyable activity’ with a mandated dress code.

Yet, the Revival was far from forced. The spectators loved every moment of the event, even in the rain, and the atmosphere was genuine. The place, the people, the cars – everything came together beautifully. I had an unforgettable time.

So much so that on Friday evening I set my cameras aside to enjoy the second half of the Sussex Trophy. As the sun set, the Ferrari 250 TR’s V12 was singing and the #54 Lotus-Climax spat flames with every downshift into St Mary’s and Lavant.

I was in heaven, even if my vintage clothes and hat were drenched.

If tens of millions of dollars worth of vintage metal racing on a historic circuit and a nostalgic celebration of days gone by with fewer rules gets you going then the Goodwood Revival is the place to be.

I’m already looking at accommodation for 2025. Bring it on.

Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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