30 reasons to check out 2023’s Goodwood Revival sale

For sale in West Sussex

Goodwood Revival returns on 8-10 September 2023 with an on-track line-up of packed grids that includes tin-top racers, Grand Prix greats, pre-war legends and more. 

This fantastic variety of classic cars is what makes Goodwood great, and that goes for this year’s Bonhams sale, too.

From a Le Mans Porsche to an MG Midget tuned by Jack Brabham, this year’s Revival sale on 9 September is brimming with tempting lots.

Here are 30 of our favourites, in no particular order.

1. 1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost Tilbury Landaulette (est: £120-180,000)

This 100-year-old, US-built Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is one of the oldest cars crossing the block at the Bonhams sale. 

Delivered to its first owner in Michigan in 1924, the car stayed in America for more than 50 years before it started a new life in the UK in the 1980s. 

It’s never been restored and is believed to be one of just four cars fitted with this Willoughby & Co coachwork.

2. 1928 Riley 9hp Brooklands Sports (est: £80-110,000)

A low-slung sports car might not be your top pick for a 26-hour charge across the UK, but first owner Reginald Ellis Tongue contested the 1933 Land’s End to John O’Groats Trial in this lightweight Riley.

What’s more, he used it for the 1930 London to Exeter Trial, 1931 Yorkshire Trial and the 1931 London to Land’s End Trial, too.

Restored in the 2000s, it’s ready for whatever challenges its new owner might throw at it.

3. 1929 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix (est: £320-380,000)

Curiously, this Type 35B racer wasn’t constructed in Bugatti’s Molsheim factory, but more than 400 miles away in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in the UK.

Built by marque specialist Ivan Dutton Ltd using original drawings, components and his expert know-how, the car was compared with old factory paperwork to confirm it was manufactured accurately.

It’s been enjoyed by three previous owners, including a run up Prescott Speed Hill Climb.

4. 1929 Packard Series 645 Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton (est: £120-180,000)

Flamboyant Packard cars embodied America’s Roaring ’20s, and the Deluxe Eight – a descendant of the 1924 Single Eight – was among the most desirable open-top models.

Fitted with bodywork by coachbuilder Dietrich, this eight-cylinder Packard has been shown at concours events in America.

Rewind to 1929, with the Great Depression looming, and the production of this two-tone symbol of prosperity was poorly timed, but there’s no doubting its presence and it’s sure to draw a crowd at Bonhams’ Goodwood auction.

5. 1930 Bentley 6½ Litre Le Mans specification (est: £550-700,000)

The Bentley 6½ Litre-based Speed Six entered Le Mans history when ‘Old Number One’ became the first car to win the 24-hour race back-to-back in 1929 and ’30.

Its on-track success inspired buyers, and Bentley shifted 362 6½ Litres and 182 roadgoing Speed Sixes in four years.

The car on offer at Goodwood Revival 2023 started life as a standard 6½ Litre, but was transformed into a Le Mans-spec Speed Six replica by a previous owner.

6. 1932 Ford Sport ‘Bissell Special’ (est: £30-40,000)

Specials come in all shapes and sizes and this V8-powered Ford Sport isn’t for the faint of heart.

The brave buyer will be strapping themselves into a 1932 Ford Model A chassis that’s mated to a 5.7-litre Oldsmobile Rocket engine, fitted with some racy suspension and clad in a hand-crafted body.

It has to be said, Bob Bissell – the car’s creator – appears to have done a solid job when he built this car in the 1960s.

7. 1934 MG Q-type Monoposto (est: £150-200,000)

Designed and built for amateur racers, the MG K3-based Q-type was a limited-run model that championed lap times over creature comforts.

First owners Kenneth, Denis and Doreen Evans took this ethos one step further by commissioning a single-seat monoposto design, among other modifications. 

Following the upgrades, Doreen Evans placed first in the 1935 Second Haw Handicap race at Brooklands and went on to campaign the car at various events in the UK.

Just eight Q-type racers were made and this car’s period upgrades make it an even more compelling prospect.

8. 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster (est: £280-340,000)

This Type 57 was rebodied by its previous owner, Barrie Price, former President of the Bugatti Owners’ Club.

During his near 50-year ownership, Price took the car to shows and events in the UK and France.

It comes with a heap of history that charts the car’s story, from its arrival in the UK in 1937 to more recent maintenance work.

9. 1940 Morris Minor Z-type Royal Mail Van (est: £10-14,000)

From charming Pashley bicycles to trusty Ford Transit vans, Royal Mail has flirted with a variety of transport methods throughout its history, including Morris vehicles throughout the 1930s and ’40s.

This Z-type van spent its working life delivering letters and parcels around Oxford. 

It features plenty of original features including a brass fire extinguisher, stamped War Department spotlight and rear blackout windows.

10. 1946 Tatra T87 Saloon Limousine (est: £65-85,000)

The other-worldly Tatra T77 was introduced in 1934.

Its aerodynamic shape, with tapered bodywork and rear-wheel spats, looked the part, but period road testers criticised its handling.

The T87 was introduced to refine the T77 recipe, featuring a similar body but an improved, shortened chassis.

The T87 heading to the Goodwood Revival sale was imported from what was then Czechoslovakia to Germany, and later to the UK.

It was bought by its current owner in 1995 and restored in the early 2000s.

11. 1953 Land-Rover Series One 4x4 Royal Review Vehicle (est: £80-120,000)

Six custom-built Land-Rovers were produced for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1954 visit to Australia including this car, which will go under the hammer at 2023’s Goodwood Revival with Bonhams.

It’s one of two surviving examples from the trip and feature modifications including a bespoke rear door for easy access, and a rebodied rear cabin designed so that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip could stand and wave to the crowds. 

It won a best-in-class award at the Cartier Style et Luxe at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

12. 1953 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe (est: £40-45,000)

The six-cylinder Studebaker Champion boasted better handling and fuel consumption than the range-topping, V8-powered Commander. 

But American buyers didn’t care much for fuel economy.

This Champion Starlight Coupe has been retrofitted with a Chrysler Hemi V8 engine, plus a raft of modifications including a dashboard from a 1956 Studebaker Hawk.

13. 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 (est: £325-400,000)

Aston Martin is not a marque you’d usually associate with stage rallying, but in 1955 it entered three DB2/4s into top-flight competitions, spurred on by the success of privateer teams.

This car missed out on an overall victory at the 1955 Rallye Monte-Carlo, but managed to clinch the over-2-litre class win.

It was sold following a crash at the 1955 RAC Rally.

In recent years it has appeared at a number of classic rallies, including the Mille Miglia.

14. 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback (est: £285-320,000)

This imposing Bentley S1 Continental is one of 97 right-hand-drive Fastbacks styled by HJ Mulliner.

The four-door saloon is undoubtedly more practical, but the alluring Fastback is a stylish alternative, if a little less practical for rear-seat passengers

The car being offered at Goodwood Revival was owned by a Japanese collector between 1995 and 2005.

It was restored during their ownership and further recommissioning was carried out when the car returned to the UK.

15. 1961 MG Midget Roadster by Brabham (est: £20-30,000)

The standard MG Midget is synonymous with lightweight thrills, so this example, tweaked by the tuning company established by three-time Formula One drivers’ champion Jack Brabham, is likely even more of a hoot.

Boosted by a set of upgrades that includes a close-ratio gearbox, front disc brakes and a 1220cc Coventry Climax FWE engine, the Midget was modified at Brabham’s Surrey workshop.

Restored by the current owner after it was found neglected and with an A-series engine under the bonnet, it’s believed to be the sole-surviving Brabham-tuned Midget.

What’s more, it took part in the Sir Jack Brabham memorial at 2016’s Goodwood Revival.

16. 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (est: £450-550,000)

The current, third owner of this 92,000-mile DB5 embarked on a meticulous restoration project in the 2000s.

With the help of Aston Martin specialist Rikki Cann, the car was stripped down and rebuilt, using genuine and refurbished parts where possible. 

The careful work should ensure this striking DB5 stays on the road for the next 60 years. It comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate that confirms its authenticity.

17. 1965 MGB Roadster rally car (est: £30-40,000)

In 1989, this MGB Roadster was prepared for rally duties at the MG Show in Birmingham, targeting the Pirelli Classic Marathon later that year. 

Stirling Moss got behind the wheel alongside ex-Automobile editor Jean Lindamood; the pair finished first in class and third overall.

Since then, this MGB has completed plenty more classic rallies and has been well maintained – indeed, it is ready for its winning bidder to take it on another adventure.

18. 1966 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 (est: £80-120,000)

The GT350 was the first Shelby-modified Mustang available from Ford dealers.

This car belonged to late F1 driver Piers Courage, who bought the car in the mid-1960s.

Subsequent owners competed in various sprints, hillclimbs and races in this Mustang.

It has been in storage since its last outing at Oulton Park in 1998 and will need to be recommissioned.

19. 1967 Toyota 2000GT Coupé (est: £700-900,000)

Boasting a Yamaha-built engine and Lotus Elan-inspired chassis, the Toyota 2000GT is a Japanese legend, so it may come as a surprise that just 349 coupés were built.

Originally sold in Mozambique, this car spent more than 30 years in Portugal and as a result its bodywork was in great condition by the time it arrived in the UK in 2011 – even so, the engine was rebuilt and the car was lightly restored.

It was awarded the top prize at London Concours in 2022.

20. 1970 Austin Mini Clubman/Cooper ‘S’ Group VI rally car (est: £50-70,000)

Mini Coopers racked up numerous international rally wins thanks to their uncanny ability to scamper through stages with impressive precision.

Modified with a 1310 Cooper ‘S’ engine, Perspex windows, improved cooling and more, the car for sale at Goodwood is the final Mini that was prepared by the BMC Competition department before it was closed down.

It was sold privately before it had the chance to compete at the 1970 Spanish rally it was built for.

21. 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 (est: £75-95,000)

The range-topping Mercedes-Benz 600 was a mechanical tour de force, featuring air suspension, all-round disc brakes and a thumping 6.3-litre V8 under the bonnet.

A long list of celebrity owners established the 600 as one of the most in-demand luxury cars of its time. 

The black paint and matching leather interior suits this car.

22. 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR (est: £3.75-5.75m)

This Martini-liveried 911 RSR that’s crossing the block at Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival auction is a slice of Porsche motorsport history. 

In the hands of Herbie Müller and Gijs van Lennep it placed fourth at Le Mans in 1973, behind a trio of Formula One-inspired prototype racers.

The car’s authenticity has been confirmed at Porsche Classic by engineer and former team manager Norbert Singer.

If you want to know more about this legendary Porsche, don’t miss the October 2023 issue of Classic & Sports Car, on sale 7 September.

23. 1973 Jaguar E-type Series III V12 Roadster (est: £45-55,000)

Where’s Parker when you need him? This distinctively coloured Jaguar E-type could make the perfect two-car garage alongside Lady Penelope’s pink Rolls-Royce ‘FAB 1’.

Even if you’re not a Thunderbirds fan, this well-maintained V12-powered Series III is worth a look – although it’s probably not one for the shy or retiring.

24. 1975 Lancia Fulvia Barchetta (est: £28-35,000)

Before having its roof lopped off, this Lancia Fulvia competed in the 1976 Targa Florio and went on to win that year’s Italian Group 4 Championship. 

It was turned into a barchetta in the late-’70s and was campaigned throughout Italy.

Restored in 2006, the Fulvia took part in the Targa Florio Centenary. More recently, it’s benefited from some mechanical work to get it back on the road.

25. 1976 Maserati Khamsin (est: £125-150,000)

Presented in Luci del Bosco and with a light-brown interior, this Maserati Khamsin is a classy addition to the upcoming Bonhams sale.

It’s fitted with a manual gearbox and was treated to a three-year restoration amounting to £190,000, around 2008.

The sale includes Maserati Classiche documents, plus the original handbook and service book.

26. 1983 Opel Manta Competition 2-Litre 240bhp Red Top Coupé (est: £30-50,000)

Irish tobacco company Carrolls Cigarette Co ordered four rally-prepared Opel Mantas, including this one, which was used mainly as a reserve car and for promotional purposes.

Subsequent owners let it loose on rally stages, including a doctor who also used it as his GP surgery runabout.

It was restored by its current keeper after it was found in Ireland, having been left to decay for a number of years.

27. 1986 Aston Martin Virage Coupé Prototype (est: £250-350,000)

This Lagonda-based prototype is a hodgepodge of pre- and post-facelift body panels that was used to test different engines and gearboxes leading up to the 1989 release of the Virage.

After serving its purpose, it was put into storage until a willing buyer emerged.

After agreeing to sell the prototype, Aston Martin rebuilt it to the customer’s specification.

28. 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale 8v (est: £20-30,000)

This turbocharged Integrale was sold new in Germany before it came to the UK in 1995. 

It’s been restored by Richard Hammond’s workshop, The Smallest Cog, and will feature in the forthcoming series of Richard Hammond’s Workshop on Discovery+.

Proceeds from this sale go to the Amur Leopard Project to fund a new enclosure at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park in Devon.

29. 1992 Ferrari 348ts targa (est: £65-75,000)

This 9000-mile Ferrari 348ts was sold to its current owner at the Goodwood Revival sale two years ago. 

It’s been used sparingly since, and benefits from a recent service and inspection. 

The targa top provides easy access to wind-in-your-hair motoring and with minimal miles under its belt, this classic Ferrari should look and feel showroom fresh.

30. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (est: £120-160,000)

The SLR McLaren split opinions when it was new. Now, it’s a modern classic and has reached a new generation of enthusiasts.

This car’s previous owner was obviously a fan of the divisive looks: it’s been on static display for most of its life and the odometer shows around 110 miles.

As a result, this drop-top will need to be recommissioned before it’s used, but this could be a rare opportunity to purchase a super-low-mileage example of this high-performance grand tourer.

To see these and all the other lots in Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival Sale on 9 September 2023, please click here.