Rowan Atkinson’s Revival racer for sale

Two of the most familiar and evocative cars from years of St. Mary’s Trophy racing at Goodwood are being offered for sale on 28^th March. “Goliath” is Rowan Atkinson’s 1964 Ford Falcon, the always immaculately turned-out turquoise thunderer that has been part of Revival landscape going back 15 years. 

“David” couldn’t be more different: half the size and power of the big Yank tank, it’s the 1959 BMW 700 coupe. It’s a car etched in the memory (and a hundred video clips) thanks to the always entertaining driving in three St. Mary’s Trophy races since 2012 by motorsport legend, Jackie Oliver.

“Mr Bean” has owned the Falcon since 2006. The period-liveried Ford has been raced at events in this country and overseas but is best remembered for its exploits in the St. Mary’s Trophy. A regular front-runner, usually with tyres smoking and impossibly sideways, its battles with Minis and Lotus Cortinas have gone down in St. Mary’s history. 

As you might expect, the Falcon is immaculate after years of pampering and professional preparation by the best race teams. The engine is the work of renowned specialist, Steve Warrior. Not being raced in 2019 or 2020, it has had little running time since a rebuild. 

The Falcon comes with in-date safety equipment, spares that include a set of wheels/tyres, a limited-slip differential and body moulds, and a comprehensive history file. It will need fresh FIA papers for racing, along with a new MOT.

An MOT? Yup, Rowan Atkinson’s Falcon is road registered. Now, what a cool machine for historic rallies this would make. Price? Silverstone Auctions reckon it will make between £55-65,000. 

For around half that you could pick up David: the weedy-looking but decidedly punchy BMW 700 coupe. In its owner’s hands and those of former F1 driver, team owner and Le Mans winner Jackie Oliver, the baby Bimmer from 1959 has a great St. Mary’s record: 2012 qualified 5^th; 2016 qualified 6^th and finished 6^th; 2017 qualified 4^th and finished 7^th. 

The BMW 700 is largely unknown today but in the ‘60s it played an important part in BMW’s revitalisation. It sold well and, surprisingly, did well in motorsport thanks to its lightweight (originally 659kg) and motorcycle-derived twin-cylinder engine at the rear. BMW 700s won both the German hillclimb championship, with Hans Stuck, and the German saloon car title in the early 1960s.

It’s a rare sight today but in race trim and with Jackie Oliver behind the wheel what a sight it makes at Goodwood keeping far more powerful cars honest. Built to HRDC 2011 regulations by marque experts Laranca Engineering, rarely has 110PS (81kW) from its 950cc twin counted for so much. 

Here’s hoping we see it at Goodwood again soon. Silverstone Auctions’ guide price on the BMW is £25-30,000. 

Both Falcon and BMW are being sold at the Race Retro Live online auction over the weekend of 27^th and 28^th March, with virtual viewings available before then. 

David or Goliath? Two cylinders or eight? Which would you choose to go racing in?