The Motul Guide to the Goodwood Revival

The whole idea behind the Revival is to bring back the golden age of motorsport, the 1950s, a time when motorsport was especially popular in the UK – and with good reason. The war was over and there were a lot of bored pilots, underemployed mechanics, open strips of concrete and tarmac, and countless engines and pieces of metal lying around. Naturally, the result of this combination was racing and race cars, which is exactly what the Goodwood Revival celebrates. The entire event looks, smells and tastes like you’ve been transported back to the magnificent 50s and 60s. But if this is your first Revival, what should you make sure you don’t miss?

The track

Unlike the Festival of Speed, the Revival is based on a motor circuit and not a hill-climb course. The circuit, like so many others, used to be an RAF airfield which means it’s pretty flat and has a large infield, but it’s also known for its ferociously fast corners such as Fordwater and Woodcote. Look out for the Cobras during the TT-race as they light up their rear tyres coming through Fordwater.

The style

The Goodwood Revival is the only motoring event that actually has a dress code. Visitors are kindly asked to come “in period”. You can go crazy with this but here are some popular tips. Gentlemen often choose to arrive in military dress, looking like RAF pilots or army lieutenants. Another popular choice is the Journalist. Strap on an old analogue camera as an accessory, pop your top hat on and take a few snaps to capture the beauty of the Revival. And speaking of beauty: the ladies like to run riot with the floral dresses and hats or hairpieces - so don’t hold back! Oh, and don’t forget to visit Betty’s Salons, the Goodwood hair dressers.

The airfield

No Revival without airplanes. This year, Goodwood is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RAF by organising the Freddy March Spirit of Aviation concourse. A concours d’élégance for – yes, you read it right - aircraft. And last but not least… there are Spitfires, actually airborne.

High Street Revival

Discover which shops were popular sixty years ago. In the middle of the paddock you will find a complete recreation of a 1955 high street. No smartphone shops here, but sales assistants tempting you with the latest transistor radio or the magnificent world of colour television.

The car park

It might sound a bit strange advising someone to visit a car park, but trust me, it is well worth it. The car park we mean is the special classic car park for visitors who make the journey to the Goodwood Estate in their own classic pride and joy. This vast array of cars will make any classic car show in your neighbourhood look boring. The level and variety of cars is truly amazing.

The Motul Racing Lab

With 165 years of experience, Motul knows a thing or two about vintage vehicles, which is why we bring our Motul racing lab to the Revival, just as we take it to Dakar and Le Mans, to offer free oil tests in our lab. We can analyse the engine and its condition - just from testing the oil.