A Stroll Through The Goodwood Revival Paddock Is Really A Ticket To Wonderland

Photography by Nat Twiss

Period attire is recommended at the Revival—but to enter the paddock, it’s required. Stepping in is as close to time travel as is possible, because besides the fantastic costumes, there are the cars. Super-rare Ferraris, Astons, Maseratis, and Jaguars abound. And most importantly, they’re being raced.

Is it exclusive? You bet. But once you’re in, there’s nothing stopping you from getting as up close and personal as you desire, and if you’re anything like I am, these are some of your dream cars. Seeing three Ferrari 250 GTOs in one place, and running at full tilt, it’s worth the cost of entry, if not a bit more.

There’s maybe one place at Goodwood that I’d rather be, and fortunately it’s just next to the paddock—the long, hedge-walled, tree-lined tow road the cars make their way down en route to the assembly area. The dappled light works its way over the hand-shaped contours of these old racers, and the mechanics, drivers, and other team members walk alongside. It’s as if the entire thing was designed to be as cinematic as possible, and for a race circuit it’s also strangely contemplative.

Where’s your favourite paddock? Or, simply, why is it Goodwood’s?