A Blast in the Past: Driving a 1951 Jaguar XK-120 at Goodwood
No roll bar? No problem.
Why would you want a roll bar mucking up the gorgeous lines of a 1951 Jaguar XK-120 anyways? Well, if you’re racing at the Goodwood Revival, you wouldn’t. Not if you want to fit in.
Of course, fitting in didn’t make Road & Track editor-at-large Sam Smith feel much more comfortable about driving a 64-year-old car he had virtually no experience in around a track he barely knew. But for the good of Jag fans, classic car enthusiasts, and lovers of good writing, Smith put on his bravest face, donned his helmet, and entered the race. And he tells us all about it in riveting fashion.
The Goodwood Revival, of course, is the annual three-day festival held at Lord Charles March’s Goodwood Circuit in the United Kingdom. It celebrates the circuit’s original, non-corporate, less-safe era between 1948 and 1966. It’s a classic circuit, with classic cars, classically racing.
I’ve never been to the vintage race, but thanks to Smith’s article, I feel like I have. Perhaps that’s because I actually changed into knickers half-way through reading it. But more so, it’s thanks to Smith delivering all the tiny details, not just about the race, and the festival, but also about the classic Jag he tried his best to tame. And bonus; there’s also a bit about the hot new F-Type loaner Smith got to drive around whilst not risking life and limb in the XK-120.
All in all, it’s a long one, but well worth the read. So check it out, then let us know your thoughts!
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Via [Road & Track]