Unleashing Speed: The Wildest Rides from the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Each year, the Goodwood Festival of Speed emerges as one of the crown jewels of automotive enthusiasm, inviting car aficionados and casual fans alike to celebrate speed, history, and innovation in the automotive world. Since its inception in 1993, this extraordinary festival has drawn spectators from around the globe to witness the thrill of racing up the scenic 11th Duke of Richmond’s driveway—a daunting 1.16-mile hill climb surrounded by lush greenery. Alongside the adrenaline-pumping competitions, the event serves as an opportune showcase for a dazzling array of historic and modern cars, from legendary speed machines to contemporary electric marvels, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
The festival’s charm lies in its unpredictability; car enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what treasures will emerge from the depths of garages and museums, making every year a unique spectacle. This year proved no different, as we encountered a stunning lineup of vehicles that fluctuate between sheer power, exquisite design, and remarkable history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the wildest rides that graced Goodwood this summer.
The Fiery Beast of Turin
The Fiat S76, famously dubbed the "Beast of Turin," is a beast indeed. Constructed in 1911, it features a colossal 28.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which showcases a staggering recorded top speed of 132 mph. One cannot help but be captivated by its signature theatrical flair as the S76 fires up, sending enchanting fireballs bursting from its open exhaust ports, making it a perennial favorite at Goodwood.
Plymouth Superbird: A Winged Wonder
No discussion about wild rides is complete without mentioning the Plymouth Superbird. This car is not only a hallmark of American muscle but also encapsulates a fascinating chapter in NASCAR history. Introduced in 1970 to lure legendary driver Richard Petty back to Plymouth, the Superbird featured a distinctive elongated nose and a colossal rear wing originally designed to improve aerodynamics on speedways. It’s easy to see why a British teenager at the festival exclaimed, "That’s the NASCAR from the Cars movie!"
The Innovative Lotus-Pratt & Whitney 56B
Though not able to secure much success, the Lotus-Pratt & Whitney 56B remains a fascinating piece of racing history. With its unconventional gas turbine engine churning out 600 horsepower and an ambitious four-wheel-drive setup, it was originally designed to contest the Indianapolis 500. Although it only managed an 8th place finish in Europe, its unique engineering and quiet operation compared to its contemporaries left a lasting impression at the festival.
A Drift King’s Dream: The Toyota Stout
In the hands of professional drifter Ryan Tuerck, the Toyota Stout is no ordinary pickup. Built in 1966 and significantly transformed by Toyota Racing Development, this model sports a powerful engine transplant from a 1990s MR-2 Turbo, producing a thrilling 600 horsepower. With a custom suspension and wide-body work, it obliterated the asphalt with the smell of burning rubber as it gracefully drifted up the hill.
Shadow-Chevrolet MKI “Mosport”
Another standout is the Shadow-Chevrolet MKI “Mosport”. Though perhaps overshadowed by its contemporaries, Shadow Racing’s entry into the motorsports realm captured imaginations with its sleek, low profile and the wild sound from its big-block Chevy engine breathing through twin intake trumpets. This vehicle deserves a better place in racing lore, and seeing it thunder up the hill was a treat to many.
Electric Powerhouses: The Ford SuperVan 4.2
The Ford SuperVan 4.2 showcased cutting-edge technology with its trio of electric motors delivering a jaw-dropping 1,400 horsepower. With its aerodynamic design, it powered its way to a time of 43.98 seconds in the hill climb—laying waste to the competition and setting the fastest time of the day by two seconds! Silent yet blistering fast, it represented the future of racing engineering.
Group B Icon: The MG Metro 6R4
Finally, representing the iconic Group B rally era was the MG Metro 6R4, featuring a bold design and a powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine engineered by a former Cosworth designer. Though its time in the World Rally Championship didn’t come to fruition due to the suspension of Group B, its potent legacy still captivates and excites car lovers who recall an era when rallying was truly daring.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed stands as a vibrant reminder of the passion and innovation driving the automotive industry. Each vehicle represented a different era, a different story, and a different legacy that unites us all in the thrilling world of speed. As we reflect on the wild rides, we can only anticipate what enticing marvels the next festival will bring to our eager eyes and hearts.