The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend as West Sussex's picturesque landscape transforms into a sonic boom of engines, revving up the excitement for the eagerly anticipated return of the Goodwood Festival of Speed! From 9-12 July, Goodwood House will play host to the ultimate summer garden party, where the rich tapestry of automotive history and cutting-edge innovation is woven together with high-octane spectacle.
This year's pièce de résistance is the Central Feature sculpture, an iconic centrepiece erected on the turning circle lawn outside Goodwood House. The coveted honour has been bestowed upon Singer Vehicle Design, a Californian firm founded by Rob Dickinson, who at just 17 years old was already making waves with its meticulous restoration and modification of Porsche 911s. These exquisite timepieces pay homage to the iconic car's storied past, infusing it with tasteful retro detailing that nods to its rich heritage.
Among the 600+ machines gearing up to tackle the infamous 1.16-mile hillclimb is Singer's latest DLS Turbo restoration – a jaw-dropping masterpiece estimated to have cost between £2 million and £2.5 million! This multi-million-pound commission boasts an impressive twin-turbocharged, 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing around 700PS. Joining it on the starting grid will be the GMA S1 LM, a car that fetched a staggering £16.3 million at auction last November – a testament to the astronomical value placed on these automotive masterpieces.
This year's festival is also set to serve up "The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels," a curated collection of historic showdowns that will get your heart racing! A major focus will be on the 60th anniversary of Ford's historic clean sweep at Le Mans in 1966, which marked the end of Ferrari's dominance. Three original Ford GT MkIIs will be reunited for the first time since their triumphant victory, while Ferrari's 75 years of success in Formula One will also be celebrated with a showcase of its most iconic machines. Additionally, the event marks 50 years since James Hunt's legendary 1976 championship battle with Niki Lauda – and his trusty M23 F1 car is expected to be among those thrilling spectators.
But it's not all about the past; the Supercar Paddock will serve as a living showcase of the contemporary automotive industry's elite. While the shift towards electrification is becoming increasingly evident, with many manufacturers now offering hybrid options, the festival will still deliver a thunderous symphony of V8s, V10s, and V12s – ensuring a comprehensive experience for all motoring enthusiasts.