In Pictures: Goodwood Revival Isn't Just About Cars

Revival might be about vintage racing, but what I've come to love most is the spectacle of it all

written by Steven Ewing
edited by Kathleen Clonts
9/30/2026
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What's new: Goodwood Revival is an annual event centered around historic motorsports.
Why it matters: Revival is about much more than racing; this is a massive period-themed event with World War II era aircraft, 1950s-themed exhibits, shopping, dining and even a fair.
Edmunds says: This is truly a bucket-list event — and you don't even have to be a car enthusiast to have a good time.

— Chichester, United Kingdom

I've been lucky enough to attend Goodwood Revival a handful of times thanks to my pals at Subaru, who put together a heck of a trip each year. Unlike the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place in summer and includes a hillclimb race, rally stage and new car showcase that almost makes me miss auto shows, Revival is all about historic motorsports. There are Le Mans-winning Ford GT40s, Jaguar D-Types, Bentley Blowers and rad-as-heck Ford Cortinas and Galaxies, sputtering oil and blowing smoke while wealthy owners and global racing champs duke it out on the Duke of Richmond’s estate for, um, I think kudos, handshakes, Champagne and ... a wreath? Maybe?

I could stand around drinking Veuve Clicquot watching vintage Alfas race all day. But what I’ve come to love most about Goodwood Revival is the spectacle of it all. There are World War II airplanes parked outside the aerodrome. Willys Jeeps from the late ’40s are used as shuttles. A group of women’s rights protesters walks by with big signs chanting about equality. There’s a guy dressed as a hippie taking a nap under a tree. You can buy cigars, automotive artwork or get your hair done up in a pompadour. Ladies are knitting while smoking and gossiping. There’s a freaking Ferris wheel. Oh, and an impromptu 1950s-style sock hop just broke out around the corner.

The attention to detail here is unparalleled. And it’s why period dress is highly encouraged. Some people don’t put in any effort, and they stick out like a sore thumb. Others go all out in vintage suits and dresses. And then there’s me, in my mechanic’s coveralls one day and a tweed jacket the next.

Subaru brought along pro photographer Amy Shore to capture the sights of this year’s event. Here’s a selection of what I think are her best shots. It’s proof that Goodwood Revival is about way more than just cars.

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by Steven Ewing

Steven Ewing is Edmunds' director of editorial content. An automotive journalist for more than half of his life, Ewing's been on staff at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog, Motor1.com, CNET, and he was the U.S. correspondent for Top Gear magazine. He's also contributed to publications like Automobile magazine, Car and Driver, The Drive, Jalopnik, Porsche Panorama, and more. Ewing has worked in the automotive industry since 2003. From testing prototype cars in the Arctic Circle to spilling a beer on a Formula 1 driver at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (oops), he's always got an interesting story to tell.

edited by Kathleen Clonts

Kathleen Clonts has worked in the automotive industry since 2014 and has copy-edited thousands of vehicle reviews and stories about cars and the auto industry in that time. Kathleen is the Edmunds editorial team's copy chief and previously worked as the senior copy editor for Automobile magazine.

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