Jaguar at the Goodwood Revival, a round up of the weekends highlights, vintage fashion and 50 Years of E-type.
In glorious sunshine, the Goodwood Revival opened on Friday with an array of pre-1966 Jaguars playing a key role, with an estimated 140,000 people visiting over the three day event.
On static display and racing in anger on the challenging Goodwood Motor Circuit, vehicles ranging from the elegant SS100 right up to the rare E-type Lightweight models celebrated Jaguar's sports car heritage in style.
A thrilling practice session took place ahead of the E-type race on Saturday. Comprising a grid of some 30 examples of the E-type, the session saw a hard-fought battle between the Lightweight shared by Gerhard Berger and Adrian Newey and the E-type (also a Lightweight) of Emanuele Pirro and Desiré Wilson to claim pole. Despite the substantial value of the E-types taking part the speed was incredible with a time of 1-minute 24-seconds and 102.2 mph being recorded by the pole car.
Tony O'Keefe, Curator at Jaguar Heritage, commented: 'It's been an incredible first day at the Goodwood Revival - a truly unique event and a fitting place to celebrate 50-years of the E-type. I'm grateful for the support shown by private owners in entering their valuable cars in the races as well as putting them on display - Jaguar has a wonderful heritage, kept alive by the enthusiasm and passion of the owners.'
Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover and Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, visited the Goodwood Revival on Saturday as Jaguar celebrates its sports car heritage as well as 50 years of the E-type.
Taking an enthusiastic interest in the action on track, Dr. Speth was introduced to a number of drivers by Lord March as they prepared to compete in the dedicated E-type race including Jochen Mass and Gerhard Berger.
Dr. Speth commented: 'I feel very fortunate to be here at Goodwood to witness such a celebration of Jaguar's wonderful road and race cars. To see the E-types racing and the enthusiasm of the crowds was very special indeed. Having just unveiled a vision of Jaguar's future at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the C-X16 production concept, it's a great way to chart a magnificent heritage.'
The dramatic race was won by car 28, an E-type semi-lightweight driven by Jon Minshaw and Martin Stretton.
Some of the rarest and most sought after motor cars in the world mixed with closely fought and highly competitive racing on Sunday at Goodwood as the 14th Revival meeting drew to a close.
The weekend saw a diverse selection of vintage cars from Jaguar's sporting heritage which forms just one part of the celebrations throughout 2011 to mark the E-type's 50th anniversary.
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