Six terrific touring cars to see at the Revival
The Goodwood Revival plays host to some of the most valuable and significant ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s sportscars and F1 machines on the planet, racing around the Motor Circuit. There is a splash of “everyman racing” from the period, though, in the form of our touring car line-up. This year, the St. Mary’s Trophy presented by Motul returns, joined by the John Whitmore Trophy presented by Sure, an all-Mini race in celebration of Sir John Whitmore, who won the British Saloon Car Championship in a Mini in 1961.
Mini Cooper S
So naturally, we open with a Mini. Well, not a Mini. Any Mini. We’re recommending you don’t miss the race packed full of them. Why? Well, who doesn’t love Minis first of all. Secondly, there are some excellent drivers and owners that are going to be seen competing. Cool owners include Aston Martin Creative Director Marek Reichman and BMW Group Classic. Yes, BMW is entering a classic Mini to the race. Martin and Alex Brundle will be providing the Dad vs. Lad action, with racing titans Emanuele Pirro, Nick Padmore, Darren Turner, Matt Neal and many more joining the action. Some of the finest racing hands on the planet thrashing a pack of Minis. Sounds like a riot.
Jaguar MkVII
There are a number of cars and drivers (to follow) not to be missed in the St. Mary’s Trophy but we’re starting with the legend Rowan Atkinson in his very own Jaguar MkVII. Mr Atkinson needs very little introduction from us but his car. Well, it’s not exactly a featherweight racer. Watching this stately saloon being ragged around Goodwood on the limit by Atkinson is the kind of satire he’s usually paid to appear in. Go well, old Bean!
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
If any saloon car has a claim to being beautiful, it’s the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti. They’re bloody quick, too, in the right hands. This gorgeous little 1959 example is being driven at the 2021 Revival in part two of the St. Mary’s Trophy by journalist and racer, Dickie Meaden. He has a few top drives in historic motorsport to his name, to say the least. One of them being in an Alfa around Goodwood. It’s a beautiful car that could well sweep the field, so keep an eye out.
Ford Thunderbird
The little Alfa will of course be facing stiff competition, in the form of everything from the small to the mighty. In the latter corner is this. Of course, it’s Bill Shepherd’s monstrous Ford Thunderbird. If the generously displaced V8 wasn’t enough, Bill has enlisted the dab hand of Le Mans winner Romain Dumas for part one of the St. Mary’s Trophy. Not that you’ll miss it but watch out for the Thunderbird. In the hands of Dumas it could well storm everyone.
Morris Minor
Incongruous driver combinations are always an amusing phenomenon at the Goodwood Revival. This year we have Martin Brundle in a Mini and Andre Lotterer in an Austin A90. Neither, we reckon, can top Richard Attwood in a Morris Minor. Yes, the very same Richard Attwood that brought home Porsche’s first victory at Le Mans in 1970, in the Salzburg Porsche 917. Nevermind the fact that the man continues to race, in defiance of his advancing years but in a car that couldn’t be less ‘motorsport’ if it tried. We love to see it.
Riley One-Point-Five
Last but very much not least, the Riley One-Point-Five. Why? Firstly, it’s going to have Goodwood regular and Le Mans winner Jochen Mass at the wheel. Secondly, the car is being entered by the Oxford University Motorsport Foundation. Yes, the bright young minds of motorsport’s future dabbling in a celebration of the past. There’s something poetic about that. The Riley will also be a unique entry on the grid, so once you’ve spotted it, it won’t be difficult to keep track of.
So there we have it. Top-tier tintops to keep an eye out for at the Revival 2021. Lordy, we’re excited.
Photography by Jochen Van Cauwenberg, Drew Gibson, Nick Dungan and Motorsport Images.