What is the Cartier Style et Luxe?

The Cartier Style et Luxe was added to the Festival of Speed programme in 1995, positioned on what has come to be known as the Cartier Lawn, tucked away from the noise and drama of the Hill. 

It’s a place for quiet contemplation, and appreciation of some of the world’s most exceptional feats of automotive engineering and design. Each year a gentle stroll between the exhibits will expose you to some of the most influential and historically valuable vehicles to ever exist. 

But this isn’t just a living museum, the Cartier Style et Luxe is a judged showcase. Every car displayed on the Lawn is subjected to a stringent assessment that will see one entrant acclaimed as the Best in Show. 

The judging panel is refreshed every year and is set apart from other concours by featuring names from beyond the automotive world. Over the years, the experts have been joined by the likes of Jodie Kidd, Kevin McLoud and Marcus Wareing. 

Within the overall concours, the Cartier Lawn is also split into several classes, each positioned as a celebration of either an influential designer, or the anniversary of a particularly revered creation. 

In years gone by, Goodwood has used this concours to showcase the brilliance of Marcello Gandini, the man behind the mesmeric lines of the Lamborghini Miura, and a freighter of many of the world’s most eye-catching car designs.  

This world-famous Lawn was the home for a unique celebration of the Rolls-Royce Phantom during its centennial in 2025, while we enjoyed a commemoration of the Jaguar E-type's 60^th anniversary in 2021. 

Those smaller classes are also judged separately, with winners for each crowned alongside the overall winner on the Sunday of the Festival of Speed. 

There is a huge amount of prestige associated with having a vehicle featured in the Cartier Style et Luxe. Nothing but the very best examples of the world’s most sought-after vehicles will be considered for a place within an esteemed line-up, and to come away from the Festival of Speed with a favourable result adds further prominence. 

In every case, a car or bike parked quietly on the Cartier Lawn would be equally fit to appear as a museum piece among the most exclusive collections. You feel a sense of majesty as you walk among them. 

After more than 30 years, the Cartier Style et Luxe remains an unmissable component of the Festival of Speed experience. An opportunity to observe automotive artistry up close, to learn more about their stories and the minds that brought them to life. 

Positioned to the southwest of Goodwood House, we would thoroughly recommend taking a moment to soak up the atmosphere of this sanctuary of excellence. 

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are limited. Friday, Saturday and four-day passes are now sold out and Thursday tickets are selling fast. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, joining the Fellowship means you can save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoy a whole host of other on-event perks.

Photography by Matt Dunkinson, Johnathan James Wilson, Raife Smith and Tom Shaxson.