First Day of the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed

It was my first experience of this famous motoring event I was certainly glad that I had elected to be there for the opening of the gates. 


The main entrance led straight through into the Motor show, an impressive pavilion of many of the major and prestigious car manufacturers from around the globe, and a few which would normally only be viewed by appointment.

The first real attention grabber was later on the Stable yard lawns where the Cartier 'Style et Luxe' display really had some show stoppers like the Ghia Gilda Streamline X Coupé (above) straight out of a 1950's sci-fi movie or a Gerry Anderson invention.

With so much to see and experience, despite the dust and the noise, I was soon won over to the spectacle and atmosphere. Cathedral paddock was an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most beautifully stylish cars such as the Alpha Romeo BC 2900B LM Coupe' (below).

As I made my way up top the top of the Hill Climb to the Forest Rally, there was an excellent opportunity to tune in on the excitement and buzz of so many enthusiasts. It was on an amazing scale and variety I had not expected or experienced before.

As the day grew warmer, I was glad of the opportunity to stop and capture the first of the hill climbers. 


Amongst these was the wondrously elegant Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 'Aerodinamica Spider'(below).  Secretly sponsored by Mussolini, it was smuggled out of Italy at the end of the war by one of the designers.

The central forward driving position is almost like a 'pulpit' or throne, the red upholstery giving an authoritative prominence and power to the driver.  
I can imagine 'Il Duce' at the head of some martial parade in this car and in command.


The other car that caught my eye at this time was the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, a little bit less obvious and much more the sort of classic sports car I would wish to drive, (if I could climb into it without too much physical exertions).