Historic British Rivals: The 2024 Fordwater Trophy Battle
The 2024 Goodwood Revival showcased a remarkable display of British automotive excellence during the Fordwater Trophy race, where two iconic classics from 1958 emerged as the main contenders. The intense competition between a Jaguar XK150 FHC and an Austin Healey 100/6 captured the essence of vintage motorsport rivalry.
The Main Contenders
The battle for supremacy featured:
- Marc Gordon piloting the 1958 Jaguar XK150 FHC
- Tim Crighton at the wheel of the 1958 Austin Healey 100/6
Race Configuration
| Vehicle | Year | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguar XK150 FHC | 1958 | Marc Gordon |
| Austin Healey 100/6 | 1958 | Tim Crighton |
Supporting Cast
While the main focus remained on the British duo at the front, the race featured additional competition from several Porsche 356 models throughout the field, adding international flavor to this predominantly British affair.
The spirit of British motorsport was alive and well as these two legendary machines danced through Goodwood’s historic corners, each seeking the coveted trophy.
Race Dynamics
The competition demonstrated the following characteristics:
- Front-running dominance by British manufacturers
- Intense head-to-head battle between Gordon and Crighton
- Strategic positioning throughout the race
- Strong crowd engagement due to the close competition
Historical Context
The presence of these particular vehicles at Goodwood carries special significance, as both the Jaguar XK150 and Austin Healey 100/6 represent the pinnacle of British sports car manufacturing from the late 1950s. Their appearance at the 2024 Fordwater Trophy continues a tradition of celebrating Britain’s automotive heritage.
Vehicle Heritage
Both contenders share compelling historical attributes:
- Manufacturing year: 1958
- Golden era of British sports cars
- Renowned for their racing pedigree
- Significant contributors to motorsport history
The Fordwater Trophy consistently delivers some of the most exciting vintage racing at the Goodwood Revival, and the 2024 edition proved no exception.
Race Atmosphere
The crowd’s response to this British battle highlighted the enduring appeal of classic motorsport. The spectators witnessed period-correct racing machinery operated at the limit by skilled drivers, creating an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the Goodwood Revival’s mission to celebrate historic racing.
The close competition between these two iconic vehicles demonstrated that even after more than six decades, these machines could still provide thrilling entertainment and showcase the engineering excellence of their era.
