MGs at ‘The Goodwood Revival’
To classic car enthusiasts the late1940s and early 50s must represent a golden age of motor sport. Goodwood’s Motor Circuit Revival meeting captures the very essence of that era and is one of the finest historic racing events staged anywhere. The noise, smells and sheer drama of being in such close proximity to so many beautiful classic racing cars is part of the magic spell of Goodwood.
There is a sense of occasion about the revival meeting that makes it quite unlike any other celebration of historic motor racing. The authentic atmosphere is carefully created as a result of meticulous attention to detail. Passing through the entrance gate takes you directly back into the past and it is 1950 once again. All the drivers, mechanics and even many spectators are dressed in the fashions of the late 40s to mid 50s. All vehicles used or parked inside the perimeter, the service vans, support vehicles, cars and even bicycles and motor scooters used are pre 1966. Fending off the attentions of a pair of spivs in loud suits, trying to sell you a black-market watch or a pair of nylons you make your way into the circuit. The noise of classic racing cars out practising on the track is quite shattering, the air vibrates with evocative howl and roar of Maserati, Ferrari, Jaguar and Aston Martin. Everywhere you look there are delightful period touches to remind you of the days when Goodwood first played host to these wonderful cars and their daring drivers.
MG 75th Display
This year the meeting had a very special MG dimension, celebrating the 75th birthday of the marque with a static display and procession MG sports and racing cars. From Old NoI to the last factory competition car, the MGC GTS. All the most significant historic MGs available, including the record breakers, were there on view and on Saturday they were to be driven around the circuit. In addition a track side car park was set aside for pre 66 MGs enabling owners to watch the racing from the comfort of their own vehicles.
MG Parade
So many famous MGs together on the track makes for a truly stirring spectacle. Especially when the cars are paraded to the accompaniment of engine noise, the scream of superchargers and the heady smell of Castrol R. A backdrop of dark sullen skies and heavy rain clouds only added to the dramatic quality of so many distinguished sports MGs. It was really great to see the spindly early square-rigger models and the sleek later cars, as they made their way around the track.
The display cars were joined on the parade by a group of very special racing MGs, entered for the Freddie March Memorial Trophy on Sunday. These were the Gammon MG, Cooper MG, Dargue MG, Lester MG T51 and Robert Thredder’s Playford MG that caused such delight at the Brooklands MG day this year.
Special Celebrations
Stirling Moss celebrated his 70th birthday on the first day of the meeting. As he crossed the paddock surrounded by journalists and cameramen several admirers called out birthday greetings to him. However he was to receive a special birthday treat. To mark the occasion a chauffeur-driven Cadillac arrived with a Marilyn Monroe look-alike riding in the back. While the chauffeur had more than a passing resemblance to Damon Hill. The limo pulled up on the track and Marilyn Monroe somewhat breathlessly sang ‘Happy birthday Mr Stirling Moss.’ Then Stirling climbed into the back of the Cadillac with Marilyn and did a lap of honour to the cheers of the crowd. Damon Hill, the chauffeur was also celebrating his 40th birthday.
Afterglow
Making your way back to the car park you cannot fail to have been totally absorbed in the atmosphere and excitement of being so close to such dynamic and beautiful machinery. Goodwood offers a unique experience to anyone who has a passion for classic cars, it offers both interest and excitement in very generous doses and there is no other event that is quite the same. If you haven’t been to Goodwood yet be sure to make a date for next year!
