Dramatic racing, a string of circuit debuts for some fearsome cars, two fantastic centenary celebrations, and the inaugural C&SC People’s Concours in the Revival Car Show, put the 2011 Goodwood Revival up with the best in the event’s 14-year run of success.
The action and displays on track were matched by an improved period atmosphere, several incidental paddock surprises and a stellar turnout of diverse classics – from the run-of-the-mill to both rare and seven-figure value – in the Revival Car Show.
The latter was full to capacity on all three days, with the turnout creating massive competition for the C&SC People's Concours – a visitor-vote for their favourite car on display.
Strong contenders included a pair of Ferrari 250 GTEs – driven from Italy to attend the event – and a Facel Vega HK 500 (above), but the award went to David Callaghan’s superb Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, with the noted 300SL authority now to receive a bottle of bubbly from team C&SC. Three randomly drawn voters will also get a bottle of fizz.
Highlights of the weekend’s 16-race programme (see Saturday and Sunday's race reports) were complemented by an impressive parade of competition fare in the daily tribute (below) to F1 champ Juan Manuel Fangio – who was born 100 years ago – and Lord March’s creative efforts to mark 100 years of Ford in Britain.
The latter showcased the sole-surviving Carrimore transporter (below), complete with a couple of Ford Anglias on the back – along with a twin-engined 1963 Ford Doe Triple-D tractor, plus a 1970 Ford Zephyr Mk4 Camper that was built by the Walklett brothers of Ginetta fame.
Dagenham’s racing efforts were well represented, too, with a pair of Ford GT40s (including a roadster), a Lotus-Cosworth 49 and the 1970 World Cup Rally-winning Ford Escort Mk1.
The track antics and tribute displays meant the close-of-play meeting awards were hotly contested, with Ford Model T specialist Neil Tuckett picking up Pride of the Parade for an amazing showing of Model T variants.
