A 28-Liter Fiat and Various Classic Race Cars Competed Head-to-Head at Goodwood Last Weekend.

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      There’s much more happening at Goodwood beyond the annual Festival of Speed. Over the weekend, the 82nd Members’ Meeting took place, featuring some of the most impressive race cars from both England and other countries as they returned to the track after a period of dormancy. If you weren't able to attend, you're in luck—the event was fully recorded, and the highlights have been organized into individual videos. There's something for everyone, regardless of whether you prefer pre-war classics, modern endurance racers, or anything in between.

      One of the standout moments from the practice sessions was the 1910 Fiat S76, which boasts a remarkable 28.3-liter four-cylinder engine, earning it the title Beast of Turin. The engine produced 290 horsepower, a feat that would have certainly earned it the “hypercar” label if that term had existed 125 years ago. You can see it around 1:44 in the video, and it's hard to miss with its distinctive proportions that reflect its colossal engine.

      Numerous high-performance race cars graced the track, including the Porsche 911 RSR, while vintage cars from the 1960s also made a strong showing. I’m always impressed by how swiftly a classic Mini can navigate a circuit. Its racing pedigree is noteworthy, but remember, it was not primarily designed for competition; it was intended as an alternative to the so-called bubble cars, such as the BMW Isetta. Even more than 60 years after its introduction, the original Mini remains one of the most accessible gateways into vintage racing. Working on a classic Mini can be quite challenging (trust me on that), but that's a different discussion.

      The real excitement unfolded the next day when the cars battled for a position on the podium. The S.F. Edge Trophy is especially intriguing as it allows race cars that are at least a century old to compete. The 2025 lineup featured a 1917 Hudson Super Six, a 1914 Peugeot Indianapolis, a 1913 Theophile Schneider Aero Special, in addition to the previously mentioned Beast of Turin. Many of these vehicles are one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted creations, making it a true delight to see them in action. I can't fathom the ingenuity required to keep such cars roadworthy, much less in racing condition. It's not as simple as heading to AutoZone to find a coil for a 1905 Darracq 200hp, nor could you visit a Darracq dealership.

      Cadillac participated in the Members’ Meeting to display the V-Series.R endurance racer, while Gordon Murray Automotive brought out a T.33 for some exhilarating laps. Additionally, the Win Percy Trophy would have been captivating to observe from beginning to end. It features Group 1 touring cars with displacements under 2.8 liters, representing a diverse range. I noticed a first-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI, an Alfa Romeo GTV6, an E21 BMW 323i, and a Ford Escort RS2000. Where else can you witness such a wide variety of cars racing on the same circuit?

      There were also several “oh shit!” moments, which Goodwood compiled into a separate video. Watching it offers a unique perspective: I worry about parking my 1972 Volkswagen Beetle too close to others due to potential scratches, while these enthusiasts drive multi-million-dollar classics at full speed without a second thought. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always end well. At around 2:00 in the video above, a Ferrari 250 GT, valued at more than the average home, spins off the track and collides with a barricade but continues racing with one of its exhaust pipes dangling. Fast-forward to 3:28 for a slow-motion view of a Jaguar E-Type hitting a barrier. Despite the impact, the damage appears surprisingly minor under the circumstances.

      Towing home a damaged classic race car is undoubtedly a tough blow, but it doesn’t alter the reality that cars are at their most enjoyable when they are being driven.

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