In pictures: the best classic cars at Goodwood FoS 2019

Our highlights from the annual extravaganza

The Goodwood Festival of Speed might major in modern supercars, but plenty of classics also take to the famous hill throughout the four-day show in Sussex.

With Aston Martin the subject of the famous Central Feature – designed, as always, by Gerry Judah and this year featuring the Le Mans-winning 1956 DBR1 – the Newport Pagnell-based brand was everywhere, and there were also strong showings for classic Bentleys, Porsches and historic racers of all breeds.

Here, then, are our favourites from the Sussex show’s first two days (4-5 July).  

Astons to the fore

The Aston Martin contingent were at Goodwood to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the marque racing at the inaugural Goodwood meeting in 1948, and congregated in front of the house to mark the occasion.

Aston Martin DP214

The Aston collection spanned the marque’s history, from early prototype through sports racers including DP212, 214 (above) and 215 and right through to the modern-day Le Mans GTE Vantages.

1934 Bentley Barnato Hassan Special

No 2019 car show would be complete without Bentley, which turns 100 this year. Among the many wonderful old single-seaters was this 1934 Barnato Hassan Special, which once set a Brooklands lap speed record of 142.60mph.

Bentley Speed 8

At the other end of the scale, the Speed 8 is a much more modern car which claimed its last outright win at Le Mans, in 2003. It remains one of the most stylish prototypes of the modern era.

Williams FW14B

No Festival of Speed would be complete without a Bonhams auction, and this year saw a particularly notable car change hands in the form of Nigel Mansell’s 1992 title-winning FW14B.

The Red Five, which was driven to victory in the first five races of that season, fetched an astonishing £2,703,000 at the sale – duly becoming the most expensive Williams ever sold at auction.

1970 Porsche 917K

Porsche 917 racers were everywhere, with a parade of the Le Mans-conquering beasts making their way up the Goodwood hill as the marque celebrated the model’s 50th birthday.

With Martini-liveried, Gulf cars and even a 917/30 brought together, choosing a favourite is nigh-on impossible, but if pushed we’d go for this 917K, resplendent in its evocative Gulf livery. 

Richard Attwood and 917K

The stars were out in force, too, with Richard Attwood (pictured) catching up with an old friend, the 917K he and Hans Hermann drove to victory in the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours. 

De Tomaso Mangusta

De Tomaso made a loud return with the unveiling of the P72 concept, with superb soundtrack and stunning lines. Flanking its pedestal? A Vallelunga, Mangustas (pictured) and Panteras.

Citroën Traction Avant Light 15 Roadster

Citroën, another marque celebrating its 100th birthday this year, took a monochrome approach to its display, with matching white and black Traction Avant and 2CVs guarding the entrance its entrance.

This attractive Traction Avant Light 15 Roadster, meanwhile, was among the hillclimbers. 

Peugeot 504 Pick-up

A strange sight to many, but not to C&SC readers – this Group B Peugeot 504 Pick-up tackled the rally stage among World Rally legends and the modern-day monsters.

Leyton House F1 car

Formula One cars aplenty, but few are lucky enough to have such a good-looking livery. Two Leyton House cars were at Goodwood, including this ex-Ivan Capelli machine.

1956 Renault Tank Riffard record car

Renault’s collection included a 21 touring car special and – naturally – the odd R5 Turbo, but also this incredibly rare Tank Riffard record car. Behind? The BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, winner of the 1940 Mille Miglia, no less. 

Lancia Fulvia Coupé

It wasn’t all Group B fury on the rally stage, as this Lancia Fulvia Coupé proves. There were also Escorts (of course) and all manner of rally rarities sliding through the dust.

1910 Fiat S76 ‘Beast of Turin’

Among the (very) old favourites at Goodwood was the iconic ‘Beast of Turin’: a flame-spitting 28-litre monster that was once the fastest car in the world. And it still looks incredible. 

1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo’

Ferraris are of course staples of ever Festival of Speed, and our favourite this year has to be the 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo’.

Yes, it’s an odd-looking thing – ‘Uovo’ refers to its egg-like shape – but it’s a true one-off and definitely worth seeing in action.

1926 land-speed record car ‘Babs’

One of the best known of Count Louis Zborowski’s aero-engined cars, ‘Babs’ took two land-speed records in the 1920s at Pendine Sands.

1965 Ford GT40 prototype

The fourth of only five prototype GT40 roadsters built, this car was believed lost for 40 years only to be recovered from a London lock-up following a chance conversation at a previous Goodwood meeting. 

Cartier Style et Luxe Lawn

The Cartier lawn is always a big draw and this year showcased some truly incredible cars – not least this rare Avions Voison C28 Aerosport.

Zagatos were also dotted around the area, including Aston Martins and Abarth, while spotless VWs took pick-up, post van, camper and bus form.