It was E-types galore in Goodwood’s most beautiful race

The Protheroe Cup was always going to be a spectacle, and the race duly delivered as the sun began to set on the opening day of the weekend. It was the perfect time for a race like this, as the low sun glistened off the sleek bodywork of these exquisite machines.

We can only imagine the pressure these drivers must have been feeling as they all dashed towards to the devilishly tricky Madgwick corner, not only were they seeking an opportunity to make progress up the order, but they must have also been acutely aware of the damage they could do to what are essentially motorised pieces of art.

But their talents brought each one of these E-types through unscathed, and from there the real enjoyment could begin.

We spoke to several drivers involved in the Protheroe Cup over the course the weekend, and they all noted that these cars are far from easy to drive, especially here at Goodwood where there is so little room for error. With that in mind, the action throughout the 45-minute race was nothing short of spellbinding.

The way these cars glide around is very much in keeping with their looks, a race like this made it easy to understand why the likes of Dick Protheroe decided to invest their time preparing these cars for racing.

Each powered by a version of Jaguar’s legendary straight-six XK engine, we found ourselves debating which variant we’d rather drive. The sleek, low-drag fixed head coupe certainly looks more like a true racing car, but the long-tailed convertible is perhaps the definitive E-type style.

To see Jaguar’s most revered grand tourer represented in such breadth was an absolute treat, the perfect showcase of one of the automotive world’s most resounding successes.

In a way, it’s good that we’ve been made to wait so long to see an all E-type race return to a Goodwood motorsport event, because the payoff at the 83^rd Members’ Meeting was all the more precious.

If you haven’t already, it’s well worth taking the time to watch the Protheroe Cup, a 45-minute exhibition of artistry as many of the greatest examples of world’s most beautiful car share one of the most romantic racetracks.

Tickets for the 84th Members’ Meeting will be available immediately after this year’s event for Members and Fellows of the GRRC. Admission and Grandstand tickets will go on sale on Monday 20th April for Members, and Tuesday 21st April for Fellows.

Photography by Joe Harding, Pete Summers, Tom Baigent, Jayson Fong and Charlie Brenninkmeijer.