This year saw more electric cars running up the hill as well. The Tesla Model S, BMW i8, Nissan ZEOD RC and the Spark-Renault SRT-01E racer that will feature in the new Formula E race series this September were on hand. Porsche also brought an example of the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid, which went cruising by in a matte dark gray hue.
The Cartier Style et Luxe area remains a favorite area for designers, with judges this year including Jonathan Ive, Marc Newson, Charlotte Stockdale, Rowan Atkinson and artist Jonathan Yeo. Show categories included ‘Affairs of Status’ – leviathan American convertibles from 1958-60 including a yellow 1958 Mercury Park Lane Convertible with the ‘light sabre’ rocket tail lights, Lincoln Continental MkV with reverse rake window, and the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz.
Following the American theme, the ‘Horses for Courses’ Pony Car category included an example of the rare 1966 Mustang Mustero, made by Beverley Hills Mustang. In the one-year period between 1965-66, 50 of these rare cars with chopped roof and flatbed replacing the rear seats were produced.
A group of ‘Mid-Engined Masterpieces’ included the first appearance outside Japan of the forgotten Mazda RX500 ‘breadvan’ from 1971, with its rotary engine and unique tail lights that shone red for braking, orange for cruising and green for when accelerating. More familiar were examples of Giugiaro’s De Tomaso Mangusta, the Lamborghini Miura P400S and the original McLaren M12 GT from 1969.
Finally, there was a group of supercharged Mercedes models from late 1920s-30s including three different examples of the 500K and an early 700 SS Tourer. Once again reminding us of the thoroughbred heritage of Mercedes-Benz.
Over the last 20 years, the Goodwood Festival of speed has grown to accommodate the ‘Moving Motor Show’ – the sole auto show for car crazed Britain – as well as an area dedicated to aircraft, adding to the sporadic Red Arrow displays taking place overhead. While many of these are companies showing off their wares and services, there was also the beautiful ‘Icon’ sculpture by Sebastian Conran. Incorporating the nose of the sixth Concorde airframe, the sculpture is meant to epitomize the best of British engineering and design (though one mustn’t forget the Concorde was developed in collaboration with the French).
Up the famous hill and Goodwood’s historic brick wall was the Rally Stage, which saw a number of historic icons such as the Audi SWB Quattro and iconic Lancia Stratos HF designed by Marcello Gandini taking part. Star driver Sebastien Loeb was seen piloting Citroen’s DS3 WRC on the stage, kicking up rocks and pelting unsuspecting onlookers through the last corner.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is certainly a haven for automotive aficionados. From F1 and NASCAR cars to rallying classics, racing motorcycles and go-anywhere off-road vehicles, this year marked another successful passing of what has become one of the must-attend events in the annual automotive calendar.
