FEATURE
Simply driving a motorised vehicle up any hill was a challenge back then, so the climb of around 80 meters proved to be tough for vehicles of that period. According to records, S. F. Edge, a prominent figure in early British motorsport who had won the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup, set the benchmark at the first event, taking his 20hp Napier to the top in 87.6 seconds.
Over the following years, the venue proved a phenomenal success due to its challenging nature, but also the generous hospitality extended to competitors, officials and guests by Alfred de Rothschild, a banker and art collector, who often appeared the events and is reported to have, on occasion, arranged tea for around 800 attendees in a large marquee.
The venue also had an important influence on the pioneering years of the automotive industry, as it was ideal for testing the power and handling of cars – and motorcycles – as the industry developed. As a result, it soon began to attract manufacturers who wanted to see what their machines could achieve.
The nearby Luton-based Vauxhall Car Company built up a considerable reputation and it was the most successful manufacturer on the hill, setting the fastest time 10 times. However, it also faced stiff competition from other legendary marques including Bugatti, Bentley, Daimler, De Dion, Mercedes, Napier, Rolls-Royce, Sunbeam and Talbot.
The Aston Martin 1922 TT1 Green Pea ran on the hill that day, and made an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022
Goodwood / Joseph Harding
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Revolution- April 2025