Reflections on this year’s Revival.
Discussion
P5BNij said:
I must have missed the Ghibli Nik... bugger!
Only saw one Marcos GT, but for some reason didn't take a photo. I came within a whisker of buying another Mk2 Cooper yesterday, there's definitely something in the air...
Maybe it was only there on the Saturday? Not sure how you could miss it though, because dayamnn! it was a stand-out colour Only saw one Marcos GT, but for some reason didn't take a photo. I came within a whisker of buying another Mk2 Cooper yesterday, there's definitely something in the air...
Ghibli bronze 71 d by Nick Liassides, on Flickr
I actually saw a few Marcosses... errrm... Marcii.... uh, Marcos of various flavours but possibly lumped them all into one category in my head. Oh, and a solitary Wiesmann GT which I was disgusted with myself for identifying as a Marcos from a distance
Note to self... get photos sorted out and posted this year
Dr Interceptor said:
Other stuff... and:
One thing I would note is a higher than usual overseas visitor count, based on the number of languages I overheard on the day. I chatted to a lovely French couple in the tax-exempt car park who'd arrived in a pair of French-made Vespa 400 cars. I'd never seen one before, let alone a pair together.
My Good Lady and I were trying to find our way back to the section of car park we'd parked in the half-light and I saw a chap who seemed be an official. He wasn't, he simply had weird clothing - unheard of at the Revival - and I asked him if he could tell us where A27 was and his reply was "Comment, monsieur?" One thing I would note is a higher than usual overseas visitor count, based on the number of languages I overheard on the day. I chatted to a lovely French couple in the tax-exempt car park who'd arrived in a pair of French-made Vespa 400 cars. I'd never seen one before, let alone a pair together.
Dr Interceptor said:
P5BNij said:
I came within a whisker of buying another Mk2 Cooper yesterday, there's definitely something in the air...
I had to firmly keep my wallet in my pocket yesterday, so many lovely Minis about, and nice to chat to a few owners of the parade cars near the old control tower café.Really liked that Almond Green Speedwell S, and that Tweed Grey Mk1 S with factory recliners and twin tanks, and the 997 Cooper first owned by John Surtees mother.
CABC said:
Dr Interceptor said:
One thing I would note is a higher than usual overseas visitor count, based on the number of languages I overheard on the day. .
we noticed this too. a distinct uptick this year compared to previous 10.it really is unique. the word is out!
Simply perfect. So many smiling People, so many wonderful Cars, lots of laughter, the racing was superb. Whilst I I dearly miss the Air displays I enoy what is an incredible, unique & very special event. Just remember this, whilst one tragic event in Shoreham has decimated vintage air displays, all it would take is one similar historic racing incident (Lord forbid) to severely damage the Revival in a similar manner. So if People enjoy "fancy dress" let 'em, if the Food is incredibly expensive (it is), then bring your own. Just enjoy what we have (Sorry if that comes across as a little "preachy", I love the place & simply appreciate the colosal effort it must take to stage this year in, year out).
ecsrobin said:
We noticed it too however the downside to this was queuing was ignored by them.
I had to laugh when I read this. Being from the Netherlands we are always (pleasantly) amazed by the 'art of queuing' and happily take part. We know it's a big thing for 'you Brits' and rightly so. By the way, this was my fifth time at Goodwood (3 MM's and 2 Revivals) and what a spectacle it was. Sometimes I think you don't realise how lucky you are with the thriving classic (racing) scene in the UK. Of course there is always something to improve and for some there is always reason to moan, but I believe that his Lordship and his team deserve huge credit for organising a classic motorsport event that attracts such an enormous crowd. It is amazing to see people with destination Goodwood driving on the motorways in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, to pass a very long queue for the tunnel (sorry we had Flexi+ so no queuing required!) consisting of classic and sports cars on their way to the event and to be greeted by a cheerful twenty something at customs, asking "You must be going to Goodwood then'.
Don't be to hard on foreign idiots like us. We do our best: driving on the left, having a brew at regular intervals, queuing, eating bacon butties, beef pie, cheering (but politely) and generally trying to fit in. If it goes like it seems it is going you're going to see a lot less of us from the continent (although I will still be going regularly) and you might even miss us!
Poppiecock said:
Probably due to our exchange rate being at a historic low against many currencies.
Absolutely! The GBP 100 per person lunch we had, all of a sudden seemed really good value 
We've been coming to the UK regardless of the exchange rate and although it may help to give continentals the final nudge towards going, I believe it is simply a question of more people hearing about a great classic event and getting curious what the fuss is all about. Don't forget that high profile modern racing and particularly F1 is much more expensive and you 'get' considerably less.
Nur Links said:
Don't be to hard on foreign idiots like us. We do our best: driving on the left, having a brew at regular intervals, queuing, eating bacon butties, beef pie, cheering (but politely) and generally trying to fit in. If it goes like it seems it is going you're going to see a lot less of us from the continent (although I will still be going regularly) and you might even miss us!
It’s ok It doesn’t really bother me to much as I know it’s a brutish thing. You’re also excused as I’m a big fan of the Dutch having previously lived in Eindhoven. I’ve got to say I do love revival week from about Tuesday I start seeing all kinds of classics or racing cars heading for Goodwood / accommodation off the ferries at Portsmouth it certainly makes me smile and makes a boring commute far more interesting. We even had a DB5 parked by the house on Saturday!
As has been said the value you get at Goodwood vs the F1 really is good and people are far to quick to knock it. Certainly the £5.50 for a pint is what I can pay in many pubs in the UK so I consider it no more expensive.
Nur Links said:
ThanksNo chaps, there was the normal amount of foreign visitors to The Revival. It has ALWAYS had a large contingent of continental visitors. For one thing, the Swiss, Dutch and Germans cottoned on very quickly 20 yrs ago that they now had a proper event they could bring their stuff to.
On a semi related note...the first year that the Confederate Air Force was invited over, my father and I met one of their gentlemen out on the flight pan. Tall, well built chap, bald, very American. I think his name was Chuck or Charles. I remember us talking with him and everyone saying what a pleasure it was all round they were here, etc, etc. I was happily surprised to see the same bloke again there on Friday after I had had a break of 10yrs or so.
Only Goodwood can do Goodwood.
On a semi related note...the first year that the Confederate Air Force was invited over, my father and I met one of their gentlemen out on the flight pan. Tall, well built chap, bald, very American. I think his name was Chuck or Charles. I remember us talking with him and everyone saying what a pleasure it was all round they were here, etc, etc. I was happily surprised to see the same bloke again there on Friday after I had had a break of 10yrs or so.
Only Goodwood can do Goodwood.
We did all 3 days and still didn't see everything! Its a really well organised event and I agree about the very subtle security and no HiViz to be seen yet no one was run over!
My only slight gripe was that some of the racing is not that competitive, there is a wide range of cars in some races that have to have their own race within the race, maybe this is deliberate to give something to watch. I do miss the balls out racing from the Lotus Cortinas last year! The GT40's and similar seem to have more of a procession than a race but I suppose thats because they are all owner drivers with Million pound + cars
My only slight gripe was that some of the racing is not that competitive, there is a wide range of cars in some races that have to have their own race within the race, maybe this is deliberate to give something to watch. I do miss the balls out racing from the Lotus Cortinas last year! The GT40's and similar seem to have more of a procession than a race but I suppose thats because they are all owner drivers with Million pound + cars
The Revival for me signifies the end of the summer and one last blow out before getting down to some serious work in this last quarter.
Someone said earlier 'we're lucky to have this'. I absolutely agree... there is nothing like it...
Foreign Visitors Increase?
I haven't seen any stats.... I took a couple of Kiwi friends last year... they specifically came over again this year.
We know three Belgian couples who come over every year... every year they bring a few more... I found myself in amongst 21 of them outside the VC tent. Belgians possibly on the increase..
Dressing Up
It isn't particularly hard to do, I enjoy it. In these days of increasing informality I rather enjoy wearing something a bit different ... The Mrs loves getting all dressed up... she goes off with the girls trying stuff on for hours... whilst the gentlemen have a drink or two.. happy wife, happy life..
Themes/ theatrics
I think it all depends on what you are interested in... loved the Mini stuff... On the theatrics... on our gentlemen's day (Friday) we had three groups of Goodwood's singers come and sing for us..with the promise of a glass or two.. they were game and a giggle and I can't think of anywhere else you can do that..
Over The Road
This has increasingly become a highlight for us... not only the expanded retail, but the later night drinking and partying.. once again the girls can dance and lark about... in a place where everyone is having fun... no attitude... safe... though this year the cheese on toast van didn't seem to be there..we missed that...
Never See it all
Despite staying for the full three days, we never see it all... we just take it easy.. dip in, dip out... there is always somewhere good to have a chilled couple of hours.. and always different... this year was no exception.
The Goodwood Incident
Every year we have an incident of sorts... it might be a car breaking down, it might be something drink related or we 'lose' something... or someone.. generally benign and amusing...
However one of our party was taken ill, so we saw a different side... within minutes we had help from the Goodwood team, transport was swift and the care outstanding. The onsite medical team were spot on... the person in question is in full recovery and will be fine.. Not a side we ever expected to see... I cannot thank them enough.
Highlights
Thrilled to see the new Defender, on Friday you could get hands on with it... The last St Mary's Trophy race... The surprise stealth copters... The elegant girl who lights one's cigar.... ... The Weather... the outfits.. and just the spectacle of so many beautiful cars and planes inside and out... oh and Uber works round Goodwood.. ideal for getting in and out....
Now back to work... ):
Someone said earlier 'we're lucky to have this'. I absolutely agree... there is nothing like it...
Foreign Visitors Increase?
I haven't seen any stats.... I took a couple of Kiwi friends last year... they specifically came over again this year.
We know three Belgian couples who come over every year... every year they bring a few more... I found myself in amongst 21 of them outside the VC tent. Belgians possibly on the increase..
Dressing Up
It isn't particularly hard to do, I enjoy it. In these days of increasing informality I rather enjoy wearing something a bit different ... The Mrs loves getting all dressed up... she goes off with the girls trying stuff on for hours... whilst the gentlemen have a drink or two.. happy wife, happy life..
Themes/ theatrics
I think it all depends on what you are interested in... loved the Mini stuff... On the theatrics... on our gentlemen's day (Friday) we had three groups of Goodwood's singers come and sing for us..with the promise of a glass or two.. they were game and a giggle and I can't think of anywhere else you can do that..
Over The Road
This has increasingly become a highlight for us... not only the expanded retail, but the later night drinking and partying.. once again the girls can dance and lark about... in a place where everyone is having fun... no attitude... safe... though this year the cheese on toast van didn't seem to be there..we missed that...
Never See it all
Despite staying for the full three days, we never see it all... we just take it easy.. dip in, dip out... there is always somewhere good to have a chilled couple of hours.. and always different... this year was no exception.
The Goodwood Incident
Every year we have an incident of sorts... it might be a car breaking down, it might be something drink related or we 'lose' something... or someone.. generally benign and amusing...
However one of our party was taken ill, so we saw a different side... within minutes we had help from the Goodwood team, transport was swift and the care outstanding. The onsite medical team were spot on... the person in question is in full recovery and will be fine.. Not a side we ever expected to see... I cannot thank them enough.
Highlights
Thrilled to see the new Defender, on Friday you could get hands on with it... The last St Mary's Trophy race... The surprise stealth copters... The elegant girl who lights one's cigar.... ... The Weather... the outfits.. and just the spectacle of so many beautiful cars and planes inside and out... oh and Uber works round Goodwood.. ideal for getting in and out....
Now back to work... ):
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