Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013 opens with Moving Motor Show and 20 debuts
The 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed began with the Moving Motor Show, featuring over 20 UK or world debuts, hands-on drives and a Porsche 911 celebration.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013 commenced on 12 July, welcoming visitors to the annual Moving Motor Show. This event offered a unique opportunity for attendees to experience the latest in automotive innovation, with more than 20 new models making their UK or world debut. The Moving Motor Show provided a platform for manufacturers to engage directly with the public, allowing guests to drive or ride in a range of vehicles on the festival’s renowned 1.16-mile hillclimb.
Overview of the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed Moving Motor Show
The festival spanned the weekend, running from Friday through Sunday, and set the stage for a packed schedule of automotive displays and live action. The Moving Motor Show was the main focus on the opening day, with the track action and competitive runs beginning the following day.
Highlights and Major Debuts
A significant draw for the 2013 event was the number of vehicles making their first public appearance in the UK or globally. Visitors had the chance to see and, in some cases, drive models that had generated anticipation in the months leading up to the festival. The new Mercedes S-Class was a particular crowd-puller, but British marques such as Caterham and Lotus also attracted strong interest from enthusiasts keen to support homegrown brands.
The Moving Motor Show featured a wide variety of debuts, including:
- Skoda Octavia VRS
- Rolls-Royce Wraith
- Mercedes CLA
- Lexus IS
- Ford Fiesta ST
- Audi RS6
- Vuhl 05
- Range Rover Sport
- Toyota GT86 Open concept
- Alfa Romeo 4C
- Vencer Sarthe
- McLaren P1
Several of these models, such as the Alfa Romeo 4C, had already made headlines at earlier international shows but were making their UK debut at Goodwood. Others, like the Vuhl 05, were being shown to the public for the first time anywhere. The diversity of vehicles on display, from performance saloons to supercars and innovative concepts, highlighted the breadth of the automotive industry’s latest developments.
Interactive Manufacturer Stands and Visitor Experience
A notable aspect of the Moving Motor Show was the emphasis on interactive experiences. Manufacturers set up stands featuring simulators, technology demonstrations, and other hands-on activities, ensuring that waiting in line to drive a car was far from dull. These interactive elements allowed visitors to engage with the brands and their latest technologies, creating a more immersive experience than traditional static displays.
The opportunity to drive or ride in the latest models on Goodwood’s hillclimb was central to the event’s appeal. For potential buyers and car enthusiasts alike, this provided a rare chance to test new vehicles in a dynamic setting, with the added excitement of being part of a major automotive festival.
Porsche’s 50th Anniversary and the Central Feature
Each year, the Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates a specific marque with its Central Feature, a large and striking sculpture displayed outside Goodwood House. In 2013, Porsche was chosen as the featured brand, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the iconic 911 model. The sculpture showcased three generations of the Porsche 911, dramatically suspended above the grounds and visible from across the festival site.
The focus on Porsche was evident throughout the festival, with classic and current 911s taking part in hillclimb runs and on display in the paddocks. This celebration of Porsche’s heritage and ongoing innovation was a highlight for many visitors, drawing attention to the brand’s enduring influence in the automotive world.
Other Attractions at the Festival
While the Moving Motor Show was a major highlight, the Goodwood Festival of Speed offered much more. The weekend included the Formula 1 and motorcycle paddocks, where visitors could get close to legendary racing machines and meet drivers and riders. The concours d’elegance brought together rare and historic vehicles, while the Goodwood aviation exhibition showcased classic and modern aircraft.
The FoS-Tech zone was another draw, presenting the latest in automotive technology and innovation. Here, manufacturers and suppliers demonstrated advances in safety, efficiency, and performance, giving visitors insight into the future of mobility.
Summary
The 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Moving Motor Show set the tone for an action-packed weekend, blending new car debuts, interactive experiences, and a celebration of automotive heritage. With over 20 vehicle launches, the chance to drive on the famous hillclimb, and the striking Central Feature honouring Porsche’s 911, the event offered something for every motoring enthusiast.
The combination of live action, hands-on activities, and a showcase of both current and historic vehicles ensured that the 2013 festival remained a highlight on the automotive calendar.
