There was a time – so long ago that it was called a press day or media day – that on Goodwood preview day the Cathedral Paddock would be dominated by classics.
This was back when both the Sussex events were in their infancy and, even though the press day guest list would half-fill that car park at best, anyone who had, or could lay their hands on, a classic would drive it down there. It was unspoken, but unquestioned. Compulsory.
In recent years, my traditional Goodwood press day classic-spotting has become rather more difficult because, first up, fewer people seem to bother to take old cars down there, and secondly, the parking now overflows in all directions from the Paddock as if Pavarotti has just done a bomb in your paddling pool.
Of course, even though the classics are both more scarce and spread further than ever, I won't be deterred from snooping around finding them.
The reason? There is always an absolute gem to be found at Goodwood and for the dedicated classic stalker this year was no exception.
Sure there was a wonderful Healey and a lovely Pagoda tucked between the rep-mobiles and Chelsea tractors, both hopefully making the modern-drivers parked beside them hang their heads in shame and think about the cars they should have brought.
