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If driving is an art, then downshifting is a finely crafted masterpiece, with the technique often underappreciated in racing footage. But luckily Historic Racing in on our wavelength, and has produced an ode to downshifting in the form of this quarter hour clip – the latest in its ‘From The Archives’ series.
Video: Fifteen minutes of glorious downshifts
Combining footage from the past eight years, and featuring cars from the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s at tracks including Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps, Dijon Prenois, the Nürburgring, Hockenheim and our very own Goodwood, the series aims to celebrate the very best of – you guessed it – their archives.
And you’re going to want to stick your headphones on and put your phone on do not disturb, for this is one of the best so far. Everything from BMW M1 Procars to Formula 1 challengers and even the Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan feature in the clip, growling, humming and purring their way around Europe’s finest circuits.
Wait for the lyrical note of their engines to drop until the sweet spot of rev matching, and enjoy driver’s double clutches, dropping the next gear in. Pops, bangs and screams erupt from the exhausts as the cars are pushed to their limits in competition.
While accelerating is exhilarating, downshifting offers an entirely different thrill, and this video is the closest you’ll get without getting behind the wheel.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Massa’s drive in Hill’s championship‑winning FW18
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