Goodwood Revival 2025: A Day of Vintage Vibes Loud Engines and Timeless Style

Arriving at Goodwood Revival this year felt like stepping into a real-life throwback filter—but one that actually smells of petrol, popcorn, and excitement, and sounds like pure engine chaos. From classic cars to people who look like they’ve time-travelled from the 1940s, it’s basically a full-sensory nostalgia overload, and I was here for every second of it.

I started the day wandering around the paddock, which is a car lover’s dream. These aren’t just showpieces—they actually race later in the day. My personal favourites were the old Lotuses and Jaguars. The Lotuses gleamed like metallic emeralds, and the Jaguars had curves so perfect that I briefly considered starting a fan account just for them. Picking a favourite felt impossible—like trying to choose a favourite track on Spotify, or a favourite slice of pizza.

The paddock has a surprisingly lively vibe. Each car has its own story—every scuff, scratch, and polished chrome panel felt like a badge of honour. At one point, I got caught chatting to an owner about his restored Jaguar, and he started telling me about the first time it raced at Goodwood back in the ’60s. It’s the sort of conversation you don’t get anywhere else, and I left feeling like I’d learned a little history without even opening a book.

After a solid hour drooling over classic engineering, I made my way to the market area. Honestly, this section is like stepping into a collector’s fever dream. Tiny shops crammed with miniature cars, shelves of old photos, racks of 1940s clothing, and even vintage military jackets—it’s the kind of place where you buy things just because they exist. I may or may not have walked out with a tweed cap, a leather driving glove, and a miniature racing car that I’ll probably never actually race. There’s something about being surrounded by nostalgia that makes you impulse-buy like a teenager on eBay.

By mid-morning, the races started, and I couldn’t help myself—I found a spot trackside. The cars aren’t just fast; they’re gloriously loud. The throaty engine notes make modern supercars sound like toys. I watched rows of classic racers scream down the track, engines roaring and tyres squealing, and at one point I had to remind myself to breathe. The Alfa Romeo parade was incredible—seeing line after line of beautifully restored Alfas, from sleek 1960s Giulia coupes to muscular mid-century sedans, made me appreciate Italian design in a way no textbook ever could.

Naturally, I also spent a lot of time people-watching, which is basically another sport at Goodwood. Almost everyone is dressed in 1940s gear, and the effort people put in is insane. Men in perfectly tailored suits and fedoras, women in polka-dotted tea dresses with victory rolls that look like they were styled by a professional, all chatting, laughing, and clearly having the time of their lives. I even spotted a guy walking his bulldog in a matching mini tweed suit. Honestly, it’s contagious—you can’t help but smile.

Lunch was a casual affair at one of the food stalls. I grabbed a classic sausage roll and a pint, which, combined with the petrol-fuelled atmosphere, somehow tasted like the most authentic British picnic imaginable. While eating, I overheard a conversation between two fans debating whether the Lotus or the Jaguar was “truly superior.” The answer, of course, is horses for courses, they are not comparable.

After lunch, I circled back to catch a few more races and the final Alfa Romeo parade. The energy in the crowd is incredible. There’s something about watching people cheer for cars that are literally older than some of the spectators, that makes you feel part of something special. By the time the day was winding down, I had seen enough roaring engines, admired enough chrome curves, and bought enough miniature cars to warrant a small suitcase—but I wasn’t tired. I was buzzing.

Walking out, I couldn’t help but think about how Goodwood Revival manages to feel alive in a way so few events do. It’s a mix of history, adrenaline, style, and pure, unfiltered fun. Petrol fumes, roaring engines, vintage outfits, and a crowd of people who genuinely care about what’s happening around them—that’s the magic.

Goodwood Revival 2025 is exactly what it promises: a celebration of history, horsepower, and style, all wrapped up in a perfectly chaotic, fun, and ridiculously photogenic package. No filters needed—just classic cars, loud engines, and people who clearly had the memo about dressing like they belong in a Humphrey Bogart movie.

Pro tip: spend a full day there, wear comfy shoes, and bring an open mind. Between the races, the shopping, the outfits, and the endless engine roars, it’s one of those rare experiences where stepping into the past somehow makes the present feel that much more exciting.