To visit the 2024 Goodwood Revival is like taking a giant step back in time to the golden era of motor racing. To watch the world’s most iconic classic cars dice for position at the historic Goodwood Circuit, surrounded by thousands of fans in period dress has to be seen to be believed. And, with all competitors racing on sustainable fuel for the first time this year, it promises to be an even greater historical moment for the golden age of motorsport. Trust us, this is one event not to be missed…
When is the Goodwood Revival 2024?
This year’s Goodwood Revival takes place from 6-8 September 2024. Bringing the summer festival season to a close, it features three days of historic motor racing, recreating the golden age of motorsport from the 1940s to the 1960s. Tickets are already selling fast – book now or bookmark 12-14 September for the Goodwood revival 2025!
What is the Goodwood Revival 2024?
Entering Goodwood Revival is like stepping onto a glamorous film set. The only historic motor race meeting to be staged entirely in a period theme, Goodwood Revival 2024 is an immersive celebration of iconic cars and fashion. Every moment is wrapped in the aesthetic of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s – from the classic cars to the visitors’ period outfits, from the daring aerial displays to the gourmet food vans. Amongst the sea of rockabilly dresses, pearl chokers and trilbys, you might catch a glimpse of an authentic WWII ambulance, a 1940s bobby on the beat or a swinging jukebox jive. And the best way to enjoy all this fantasia is to get right into the heart of the action. Here’s how:
5 ways to get the most out of the Goodwood Revival 2024
1. Look the part and dress in period costume
Ok, it’s not compulsory, but when else do you get to show off your vintage Dior or Chanel? Celebrating iconic fashion from the 1940s to the 1960s, visitors to the Goodwood Revival can take advice from Revive & Thrive, the team behind the outfits, to channel their inner Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, or Marilyn Monroe. When it comes to dressing for Goodwood Revival 2024, don’t hold back – you may even get scouted for the prized Best Dress Competition!
2. Display your own classic car in the Pre-66 Car Park
The Goodwood Revival Car Show is an opportunity to show off your own pride and joy next to other iconic classic motors. Each year, the Pre-66 Car Park is traffic-jam-packed with rare and unique classic vehicles, driven or transported by car enthusiasts from all over the world. Even if you don’t have a car to display, make time to wander through this breath-taking, open-air collection of outstanding cars. Among the amazing machinery on display you might see a 1950s Willys Jeep CJ, driven all the way from Iceland, parked up next to post-war Rolls-Royce and Bentley models, 1960s Ferraris and 1950s Austin A30s.
It’s easy to book a place for your classic car in the Pre-66 Car Park but if you would rather not drive your own vehicle to the venue, we can arrange to have your car delivered to the Goodwood Revival through our car concierge services. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out about our private vehicle transportation services.
3. Join in the Jaguar XK engine celebrations
A special birthday party will take place at the Goodwood Revival 2024 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the legendary Jaguar XK engine. The XK was an inline six-cylinder engine first introduced in 1949 as a 3.4-litre for the Jaguar XK120. It was utilised for both road use and competition – notably in the likes of the iconic Jaguar E-Type – until it was retired in 1992. As well as the main event races, this year will see a special parade of up to 75 XK-engined cars with some significant history, including Le Mans-winning cars and period Goodwood race winners.
4. Commemorate D-Day with the largest ever gathering of military vehicles
To commemorate 80 years since D-Day, there will be a special gathering of military vehicles, including impressive machinery from land, air and sea (yes, you read that correctly!). This promises to be a one-of-a-kind parade, as over 150 authentic military vehicles take to the track on the Sunday for a memorable and moving display celebrating war-time heroism.
5. Get in the holiday vibe with the beach buggy parade
Setting the scene for the festival, 100 pre-1966 beach buggies will take to the Motor Circuit to kick off proceedings on all three days of the event. Central to the parade will be a special contingent of Meyers Manx buggies to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary. The first prototypes of the famous dune buggy were built in 1964, and although that initial production run came to an end in 1971, its popularity remained in the decades following. The brand returned in the 2000s with modernised designs, but the original Meyers Manx remains a cult model.
Must-see races at Goodwood Revival 2024
As if all of that wasn’t enough, what about the actual races themselves? Taking place in 15 races over three days, guests will be treated to a host of cars that would have raced during the original Goodwood era that spanned from 1948-1966. Witness hundreds of rare and priceless cars, driven by champions past and present, competing for the most coveted trophies in historic motorsport. Here are the Goodwood Revival 2024 races not to be missed:
1. Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy
Pre-1963 GT cars
Iconic cars in an iconic setting, this has to be the most evocative, valuable and glamorous race in the world. A parade of show-stoppers, from Ferrari 250 SWBs to E-types, Cobras and more, will take to the track providing visitors with a moment to cherish; a sea of dirty yellow lights piercing the dusky skies of the sun setting over the historic Goodwood Circuit. Glorious Goodwood? You bet!
2. Whitsun Trophy
Sports-racing prototypes 1960-1966
If you like your cars fast and noisy, this is the race to listen out for. This is proper big stuff – powerful sports prototypes such as the Ford GT40, Lola T70 Spyder and Lotus 30, all highly-tuned, and furiously battling it out for superiority in 2024. These cars helped to bring Goodwood’s modern racing period to a close back in 1966, and are an engine-roaring testament to the fast-paced progress of motorsport in the 20th century.
3. St Mary’s Trophy
For full-throttle, adrenalin-fuelled action, this battle between little and large will have you on the edge of your seats. It’s all about a question of nerve, as plucky Mini Coopers sneak through the corners to outsmart the massive Ford Galaxie 500s and twin-cam Lotus Cortinas. Sideways moves with plenty of close action makes this one of the Goodwood Revival’s most exciting events. Last year’s race featured racing legends Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson and Tom Kristensen – we wait with baited breath for this year’s line-up.
4. Sussex Trophy
World Championship sports cars from 1955-1960
Perhaps the most photogenic race of the Goodwood Revival, the Sussex Trophy moves from its regular event-closing slot to open the weekend with an incredible 60-minute, two-driver race. Imagine Lister Knobblys taking on Lotus 15s and stunning Ferrari Dinos, each with a professional and gentleman driver taking it in turns to do battle and you get the picture – spectacular action from spectacular cars with spectacular drivers.
5. Goodwood Trophy
Grand Prix and Voiturette cars from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s
Evoking the earliest days of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, these cars showcase what the world of motorsport looked like before, during and after World War II. Watch with awe as these English Racing Automobiles (ERAs), Maseratis and Alfa Romeos fly around the track like little racing bullets, looking every bit as road-worthy as they were 70 years ago. Not surprising, as they were the most technologically advanced cars of their time before the War and were instrumental in kick-starting the golden age of motorsport again once fighting stopped.
Classic car storage at glorious Goodwood
If you would like to take part in this year’s 2024 Goodwood Revival classic car display, we can help to make it happen. From securing VIP hospitality to arranging vehicle transportation, our classic car storage teams are ready to help you. Please get in touch with us to see what we can do.
