2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed
July 13, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
As a kid, I grew up dreaming of supercars, going to the big motorshows, watching Grand Prix’s…. pretty much everything automotive that Australia lacks (well except for the GP in Melbourne). I guess what I’m trying to say is that the big brown land I call home is very isolated from the rest of the world in terms of automotive toys.
- Shaun Lay (UK)
Well at the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed today, my eyes were opened a little wider. This festival is by far and away the best, most extravagant and breathtaking automotive event I have attended. The cars are numerous, expensive and completely unique. Pretty much all your senses are given a good long tickle at Goodwood.
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Gallery 1
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Gallery 2
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Gallery 3
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Gallery 4
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Gallery 5
Let’s talk first about how much there is to see at Goodwood. As you stroll through the paddocks, yes paddocks of cars, ranging from modern day supercars, old F1s, historics, motorbikes, Le Mans etc etc you’ll hear cars and spluttering to life as they try and make their way to the staging areas then they scream and roar up the hill climb. You’ll also smell the burnt tyres from the numerous burnouts on the hill climb and the petrol from the paddock as the old cars are fired up.
Some of the cars in the paddocks include a collection of original Bond cars (complete with rockets), cars as old as some towns n Australia, Maserati MC12, collection of MacLaren Formula 1 cars, the new Tesla electric car, Bowlers (not the hat, the Paris to Dakar type), a collection of Gulf Le Mans cars and believe it or not, a Vauxhall VXR8. The trusty Commodore was thoughtfully located next to a Bentley Flying Spur Speed, an interesting combination if you ask me.
Now lets talk expensive cars. Rolls Royce contributed to the hill climb event with a Phantom coupe for the course director. The friendly car club RPM were here showing off their Zonda, Koenigsegg and Spyker.
Some nice kit in that lot.
Was it a condition of entry that smiling was not allowed?
In all the photos I only spotted one person smiling.
thats gota be the bee all and end all of car events. mecca…. it would be something special to go there one day. ill be buying the dvd :)
99% of those cars wouldnt even be in australia let alone a car event like that:P
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When will it ne held next year? I will be in London for the Grand Prix next year and i definately want to check the Goodwood festival if both events are close together like this year.
i live in england, just got back from the full 3 days, it was ace, i walked into murry walker, got my toe stood on by petter solberg and seen the most amazing motors ever.
down side was i got sunburnt and had to camp 16ks away from goodwood because all the hotels are full
Awesome! I’d love to hear more about the Auto Union Type D if you saw it.
Absolutely superb week-end, I was helped through one of the house windows by Sir Sterling Moss just amazing! only disappiontment I gave Lewis a reproduction Senna helmet from the foundation and he politely declined to sign it on the advice of his “manager” any ideas why this should be?110% organisation, keep up the good work.
Thanks for all the photos – need a bib, I’m dribbling.
You seemed to like the Morgan:)