Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT London Calling. An ordinary life.

[Jeff Ivers]

Thanks for posting the pics of Goodwood. That is an event I would dearly love to attend.

 

[bugnut]

Steve, little information I picked up a while back, something somewhere describing these races. I found only a scant few tidbits of information. Some by way of eBay listing and review.
As noted by the gas fill cap on the 1953, #58. During the early 50's as noted on the cap it was common to race on the runways at military establishments of the day. My father, career USAF, was stationed at Lockbourne AFB, this was 1952 and again in 1957-1961. He passed away in 2015, after which time I learned of these races. He was a car guy, and maintained his own vehicles. I wish I had seen this earlier in life so I could have asked him about it. I can't imagine a better place to race, largely male and captive audience.

Today that site is a commercial and military base and goes by the moniker of Rickenbacker Airport.

Looks like a great show!!

 

[sawduststeve]

When cars were cars. Thanks for all the pics.

My pleasure, thanks for calling in.

Thanks for posting the pics of Goodwood. That is an event I would dearly love to attend.

Go on , treat yourself, you know you want to
Go on go on go on, we’ll meet you there.

 

[sawduststeve]

Steve, little information I picked up a while back, something somewhere describing these races. I found only a scant few tidbits of information. Some by way of eBay listing and review.
As noted by the gas fill cap on the 1953, #58. During the early 50's as noted on the cap it was common to race on the runways at military establishments of the day. My father, career USAF, was stationed at Lockbourne AFB, this was 1952 and again in 1957-1961. He passed away in 2015, after which time I learned of these races. He was a car guy, and maintained his own vehicles. I wish I had seen this earlier in life so I could have asked him about it. I can't imagine a better place to race, largely male and captive audience.

Today that site is a commercial and military base and goes by the moniker of Rickenbacker Airport.

Looks like a great show!!

Thanks mate
I’m never surprised by the experience people on GJ have, thanks for sharing.
Your dad sounds like quite a guy and you’re right, what a time to race.

And the race we’ve all been waiting for
Austin J40 pedal cars



And a visit to Tiki Alley, with some bird who looks a little familiar




And the biker gang


Steve

 

[zanyad]

Love the sign!

Thanks for sharing your photos!

 

[captain14]

My first thought is a 1959 Ford wagon? My father had a 59 Ford sedan.
(Custom or a Fairlane?)

 

[sawduststeve]

The food and drink given is a great saving and of good quality
This is the mess hall(tent) for our stay
Where you can help yourself to as much tea coffee and soft drink as you want.

It’s a good place to sit and keep out of the rain and watch the racing on the screens
We each get given a ration book, in it is tear off vouchers for breakfast lunch and dinner on all three days

We can choose from any one of the four trucks
Cooking , crepes, steaks and burgers ( most popular) pizzas and duck wraps. All taste great


FYI : food rationing didn’t end in the uk until July 1954, my mum remembers the hassle it caused for her parents and most of the population.

Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

Watched a few races from the pit lane roof
First up was the pre war Grand Prix cars


And later, the Waterford Trophy for ‘64 -‘66 Gt cars
Won by a Porsche chased by a swarm of angry Lotus's.

Entries included two Shelby Mustangs

Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

We’re allowed in an hour before the general public, time to get breakfast and have a little wander.

 

[Old tool guy]

I hope the pedal car race was short!

And except for the cell phones, you couldn’t distinguish those pictures from similar ones 50 yrs ago.

The races with the classic cars … I assume they are not real competitive, I can't imagine taking the risk of a collision.

 

[Tommo3]

Thanks mate
I’m never surprised by the experience people on GJ have, thanks for sharing.
Your dad sounds like quite a guy and you’re right, what a time to race.

And the race we’ve all been waiting for
Austin J40 pedal cars



And a visit to Tiki Alley, with some bird who looks a little familiar




And the biker gang


Steve

The lead car in the pedal car race photo looks like Dominic Chinea's entry rebuilt by himself with lots of assistance from Honest John the VW specialist who works on your van Steve!

 

[sawduststeve]

I hope the pedal car race was short!

And except for the cell phones, you couldn’t distinguish those pictures from similar ones 50 yrs ago.

The races with the classic cars … I assume they are not real competitive, I can't imagine taking the risk of a collision.

Pedal car race is a couple of hundred yards.
I was really impressed with the amount of effort everybody put into their outfits. I’ve never seen anything like it. If we go again I’ve seriously got to up my game.

Every race was balls out go for it. What we did notice was, the old fella owner in his suit talking to his race driver whilst two mechanics got the car ready. While it might not have been “money no object “ there was a lot(A LOT) of money about.
I doubt you can race heritage cars on a shoestring.

Hopefully the above link works to one of the races with some names you might know

Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

The lead car in the pedal car race photo looks like Dominic Chinea's entry rebuilt by himself with lots of assistance from Honest John the VW specialist who works on your van Steve!

Hi Tom
Good memory , funnily enough I asked John about that. He and Dom were having a walk about,saw our van and came over to say hello.
John said it wasn’t theirs , but that they did finish with no problems.
It might be on Doms YouTube, but if I remember I’ll ask again when he’s not so busy.

Our parking spot on Sunday.


Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

Not many more, you’ll be glad to know
These were parked up by the main entrance


I do love a good steam fair





I guard the umbrellas


Steve

 

[Trapps]

Amazing pics, Steve! Thanks for sharing. Somewhere in my attic I have a bunch of pics from Goodwood in '95 and '96. Access is incredible there, you get so intimate with these icons of automotive history. I still have shivers in my spine from standing just a few feet away from a Matra V12 cold start...

 

[f121]

Were you in the campsite? Suspect a few people are going to be there for a while yet.

The races with the classic cars … I assume they are not real competitive, I can't imagine taking the risk of a collision.

Generally everything is VERY competitive. Theres a few guys out just to potter around in their one-of-one heirloom at the back of the pack and pray no one wipes them out, but most of the drivers there are looking to win. A win at goodwood can add a decent percentage to the cars value, so owners are also looking for a good result.

 

[sawduststeve]

Amazing pics, Steve! Thanks for sharing. Somewhere in my attic I have a bunch of pics from Goodwood in '95 and '96. Access is incredible there, you get so intimate with these icons of automotive history. I still have shivers in my spine from standing just a few feet away from a Matra V12 cold start...

Yeah, we had paddock access and the sights and sounds are pretty amazing. The 1.5 ltr V8’s really screamed as well, but the most amazing sound all weekend was the spitfires.
I was having my breakfast Friday morning and two fired up just over the fence, idled for about five minutes, taxied around then took off for a 20 minute display
I think that has to be my hi light. I know nothing about planes but I heard one coming on a low level pass at speed and knew it could only be one plane.
Just fantastic


Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

Were you in the campsite? Suspect a few people are going to be there for a while yet.

Hell no , luckily enough, I supplied the tickets the wife supplied the AirBnB. I was chatting to a couple Thursday afternoon, they had dropped their gear off at the camp site and driven to park up and their van was covered in mud then.
A mini hot stuck in the car park up to its axels in mud.
Our Sunday spot was 50ft from Gate 1, we took the opportunity and left Sunday afternoon before the worst of the weather hit.

The air bnb was in Portsmouth about 30mjns away and rather different

See the little wooden gate on the right that was us

It had a small covered yard with an outside bath and shower


With the roof covered in vines which came through a hole in the wall onto the kitchen ceiling


All very odd

Steve

To add, it did have an inside full bath room

 

[sawduststeve]

Right last lot. Then normal service can resume
New bubble car with leopard skin trim or Morgan’s, your choice


These last pics are from the pre ‘66 car park.
Which was a great place to wander for an hour or two.



These two we really loved, especially the roofs


That’s it all done , till next year maybe

Steve

 

[NakeDiesel]

Right last lot. Then normal service can resume
New bubble car with leopard skin trim or Morgan’s, your choice

Talk about fugly...

 

[sawduststeve]

Talk about fugly...

Yeah, seriously fugly.
TBH, though I don’t think you’re their target market.
They were also selling matching leopard skin pattern sneakers, if you want I’ll make some enquiries.

 

[NakeDiesel]

Yeah, seriously fugly.
TBH, though I don’t think you’re their target market.

I wouldn't fit in that little thing... unless I pulled a schwarzenegger and ripped the seat out like he did in that movie Commando I think it was when he drove that little sports car

 

[sawduststeve]

Video

www.facebook.com

Best I could find

 

[Geoff289]

That ridiculous vehicle brings back memories. We stayed in a B & B just outside Bath in Somerset and our fellow guests included a Scottish couple on a month-long tour of southern England in this. Two not particularly small adults, a couple of bags AND a fortunately quite compact hound of some sort.

it wasn't just good manners that inhibited me from making fun of it as we were getting around in the Vauxhall Zafira in the background of the third pic (sold briefly here as a Holden Zafira) on loan from my partner's uncle. I may have preferred the Morgan.

 

[Old tool guy]

I see my car! In the pre-66 series, there is a maroon cobra. That wasn’t mine. Behind it is what looks like a 74 Triumph Spitfire in green, i had one in sh1t brown. What a fun car to drive.

 

[sawduststeve]

That ridiculous vehicle brings back memories. We stayed in a B & B just outside Bath in Somerset and our fellow guests included a Scottish couple on a month-long tour of southern England in this. Two not particularly small adults, a couple of bags AND a fortunately quite compact hound of some sort.

it wasn't just good manners that inhibited me from making fun of it as we were getting around in the Vauxhall Zafira in the background of the third pic (sold briefly here as a Holden Zafira) on loan from my partner's uncle. I may have preferred the Morgan.

Hey Geoff

Going by the reg number it’s a 2002 model so hopefully it might be a little reliable.
There’s one local that I’ve seen at a couple of shows that’s done up in RAF colours with a roundall and bullet hole stickers.
That though was one brave/foolhardy road trip.
Bet it was great fun.
Thanks

Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

I see my car! In the pre-66 series, there is a maroon cobra. That wasn’t mine. Behind it is what looks like a 74 Triumph Spitfire in green, i had one in sh1t brown. What a fun car to drive.

Hi fella

Our carpenter had a 1500 yellow spit, cannot remember the year and I had a ‘73 GT6 in beige.
And you’re right they were good fun
We also put a 2.5 pi out of a big triumph saloon in my mates GT6, even more fun.
I very much doubt that I could get in one these days much less likely that if I did I’m sure I couldn’t get out.
I had two triumph Stags , a lot more refined.
This was all early 80’s

Steve

 

[Ralf99]

In case this has been missed, Steve makes his first appearance somewhere around 14m50s in..

 

[f121]

Hi fella

Our carpenter had a 1500 yellow spit, cannot remember the year and I had a ‘73 GT6 in beige.
And you’re right they were good fun
We also put a 2.5 pi out of a big triumph saloon in my mates GT6, even more fun.
I very much doubt that I could get in one these days much less likely that if I did I’m sure I couldn’t get out.
I had two triumph Stags , a lot more refined.
This was all early 80’s

Steve

Saw a red gt6 mk3 yesterday, reminded me how much I love the shape. Backend like a mini-fastback mustang. Always been tempted with one, but suspect it’s too compromised for me to actually use. I had a mk3 spit when I was an apprentice, taught me a huge amount but I was very relieved to swap it out for a 205gti.

 

[drivesitfar]

If you have instagram you might be able to see the 100 vw buses going around goodwood track.

Justkampers is instagram handle or send me a pm with your instagram handle (if you have one) and I’ll forward the saved video.

Looks like a fun weekend or few days

 

[sawduststeve]

In case this has been missed, Steve makes his first appearance somewhere around 14m50s in..

Ralf
Thanks for putting that up, there is a full on drive by of us at about 20.20.
As you can see the rain was absolutely atrocious sat morning but it did stop and sat afternoon was lovely and sunny.

We totally underestimated Goodwood and thought the whole three days were brilliant.
I think I’ve seen a video of the full 11 hours of the first day with the first 30 mins being the vw parade. I’ll see if I can find it for you lucky people.


Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

Saw a red gt6 mk3 yesterday, reminded me how much I love the shape. Backend like a mini-fastback mustang. Always been tempted with one, but suspect it’s too compromised for me to actually use. I had a mk3 spit when I was an apprentice, taught me a huge amount but I was very relieved to swap it out for a 205gti.

Yes, I couldn’t get in or out of one now, mine was so low I’d drive straight out under car park barriers, I must have saved £££s
I always thought mini E Type, they are lovely looking.
Here’s one same colour as mine, for sale £20k



The 205gti was a way more modern car, and a hell of a relief I bet.

I’ve forgotten to ask, how was your Goodwood weekend, I hope it was successful, selling, mechanic ing, taking photos or flying the spits

Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

If you have instagram you might be able to see the 100 vw buses going around goodwood track.

Justkampers is instagram handle or send me a pm with your instagram handle (if you have one) and I’ll forward the saved video.

Looks like a fun weekend or few days

Thanks Drives it was an excellent four days
Justkampers are the guys that asked me to apply for tickets and got us in.
We got a free goodie bag from them and, for a change, it was a good one, it had a magnetic dish
a wash mitt and a massive micro fibre towel.
The women folk thought the wash mitt was a hot water bottle cover and couldn’t work out the magnetic dish at all. Hours of fun listening to the guesses.

No instagram for me but I’ll sure someone I know will find them. Cheers

Steve

 

[Bob Heine]

I’ll see if I can find it for you lucky people.

Steve, I couldn't help myself. I had to have a still of your pride and joy so here it is:

 

[Bob Heine]

Yes, I couldn’t get in or out of one now, mine was so low I’d drive straight out under car park barriers, I must have saved £££s
I always thought mini E Type, they are lovely looking.
Here’s one same colour as mine, for sale £20k



The 205gti was a way more modern car, and a hell of a relief I bet.

I’ve forgotten to ask, how was your Goodwood weekend, I hope it was successful, selling, mechanic ing, taking photos or flying the spits

Steve

Steve, that was definitely a once in a lifetime event.

That Spitfire reminded me of the '63 Triumph Herald convertible my parents bought. It was a fun but not exciting car. I even managed to start it one morning when it was -30° F (-34.4444°C). At the start, the oil was like glue and the transmission grease so thick I couldn't shift out of first for the first few hundred yards (metres?). Covering half the radiator with cardboard provided a bit more heat later in the drive to work. One of my favorite features of the Heralds and Spitfires was the bonnet. Once open, the front tires were perfect seats to comfortably work on almost everything in the engine compartment. Might be one of the reasons I bought the '87 Corvette. The C4 Corvettes (1984-96) have similar bonnets but with a tire more suited to my fat old ***.

 

[Geoff289]

Steve, that was definitely a once in a lifetime event.

That Spitfire reminded me of the '63 Triumph Herald convertible my parents bought. It was a fun but not exciting car. I even managed to start it one morning when it was -30° F (-34.4444°C). At the start, the oil was like glue and the transmission grease so thick I couldn't shift out of first for the first few hundred yards (metres?). Covering half the radiator with cardboard provided a bit more heat later in the drive to work. One of my favorite features of the Heralds and Spitfires was the bonnet. Once open, the front tires were perfect seats to comfortably work on almost everything in the engine compartment. Might be one of the reasons I bought the '87 Corvette. The C4 Corvettes (1984-96) have similar bonnets but with a tire more suited to my fat old ***.

Full marks, Bob, for use of the British (and Australian) automotive vernacular - "bonnet" instead of "hood".

 

[Geoff289]

Hey Steve, I was watching a car auction last night and this popped up, I thought of you.

https://www.seven82motors.com.au/lot/september-28th-2025/rhd-vw-13-window-kombi/

 

[Just Puttering]

Steve, I couldn't help myself. I had to have a still of your pride and joy so here it is:

Wow! Your VW van on the Goodwood track looks like it is absolutely flying along!!! Love the slight nose down racing stance. Probably the downforce on the nose from the aero package stealthily disguised as surfboards.

Brings back fond memories of 21 years ago seeming to be flying down the Mulsanne straight in a rented VW diesel Westfailia with the wife & kids on the way to visit the town of Lemans. A few minutes later I realized I was holding up a string of traffic.

 

[sawduststeve]

Steve, I couldn't help myself. I had to have a still of your pride and joy so here it is:

Just let me know what time your plane lands and we’ll pick you up in it.
The weather was atrocious that morning but it was great fun, and certainly a once in a lifetime experience.

You might ( or might not) be receiving a postcard from Goodwood.
The bank HSBC ( they sell themselves here as The Worlds Bank) had a fantastic set up, free drinks, goodie bags etc. and also free postcards and a postbox with the promise to put a stamp on every card and send them on.
Your name and address is on one, let’s see if it arrives

Steve

 

[sawduststeve]

Steve, that was definitely a once in a lifetime event.

That Spitfire reminded me of the '63 Triumph Herald convertible my parents bought. It was a fun but not exciting car. I even managed to start it one morning when it was -30° F (-34.4444°C). At the start, the oil was like glue and the transmission grease so thick I couldn't shift out of first for the first few hundred yards (metres?). Covering half the radiator with cardboard provided a bit more heat later in the drive to work. One of my favorite features of the Heralds and Spitfires was the bonnet. Once open, the front tires were perfect seats to comfortably work on almost everything in the engine compartment. Might be one of the reasons I bought the '87 Corvette. The C4 Corvettes (1984-96) have similar bonnets but with a tire more suited to my fat old ***.

Yes to sitting on the wheels, it was just perfect.
Even more so after a spirited drive around the block, sitting my then skinny **** on a warm tyre.
Not been able to do that on any car since