The former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz made his Revival debut, proving particularly popular with the enormous crowds. He rode the original 'Featherbed' Manx Norton together with Rodney O'Connor in the ever-eventful Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy, fighting his way through the field to an impressive fourth place in Sunday afternoon's race.
Crowd-pleaser
Two-wheeled machines also starred in two very different parades: one for the notorious Mods and Rockers, celebrating 50 years since that summer of 1964, and another as part of the mammoth 'West Sussex at War' parade, staged to commemorate 75 years since Goodwood Motor Circuit was first repurposed as an RAF base.
To the air, and there was the usual assortment of Mustangs, Spitfires and Hurricanes 'patrolling' at dawn (sorry, but how cool is that?) and swooping in and out throughout the weekend. Another equally impressive sight was the supersonic Midair Squadron, consisting of a Canberra and two Hunters, the latter emitting their distinctive (and quite disconcerting) 'blue note'.
Vera and Thumper
But the undisputed aerial highlight was – and we're sure everyone who witnessed it will agree – Thumper and Vera, the only two remaining Lancaster Bombers, gracefully gliding over Goodwood, flanked by two Spitfires and a Hurricane. It was an unforgettable, emotional sight, and particularly poignant accompanying the 'West Sussex at War' parade on Sunday afternoon.
Photos: Rémi Dargegen for Classic Driver © 2014
