The Goodwood Festival of Parking 2012 - Part One
Jarvis Cocker once sang that his favourite parks were car parks. He also mentioned that grass was something he smoked and birds were something he...er...well, you know. I couldn't possibly comment on the grass reference, but he may have a point when it comes to car parks.
I've got no idea whether Cocker has ever been to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but I'm sure if he has, he would have spent as much time in the car park as me.
You see, like last year, I found the car park a fascinating place to be. Away from the crowds, the overpriced beef burgers and the gigantic queues for the toilets, there's a wonderful array of rare and exotic metal to be found in the spectator car parks. Yes, you'll find Bentleys, Porsches and Ferraris by the shed load, but I was far more interested in the cars that make PetrolBlog's heart beat just that little bit faster.
I ended up taking over 100 photos of some of cars, so I'm going to attempt to whittle these down to 50 and present five updates for the Goodwood Festival of Parking 2012. I'm fully aware that such antics single me out as a little deranged but hey, at least I'm not roaming the streets. Oh wait...
Ford Mondeo ST24 V6
The ST24 V6 isn't exactly a rare sight on Britain's roads, but the decline in numbers is rapid and shows no sign of slowing down. According to How Many Left? the figure of 2.6k in Q1 2012 represented a drop of nearly 1k on the same time last year. At that rate it won't be long until the ST24 is an endangered species.
This one was for sale and with just 96,000 miles on the clock and a fresh MOT, the price of £850 ono looked like a bargain. A spot of blue collar V6 motoring for less than a grand? Can't be bad. Yes, the ST200 is arguably the one to have, but for me the ST24 is a performance bargain.
BMW 1600
Just how lovely does this BMW 1600 look? One of my highlights of the Goodwood car park.
Nissan Maxima QX 3.0 V6
When was the last time you saw a Maxima in good condition? In fact, when was the last time you saw a Maxima? It's fair to say that it doesn't enjoy the best of reputations on the UK market, but now they're fast approaching banger territory, they're becoming an interesting wafting alternative to the norm.
This 3.0 V6 was in very good condition and yet would probably struggle to command a value much more than three figures. In fact, I could only find one for sale on eBay and that was a rather tatty and lowly 2.0 litre model that had no bids at £299. Bargain banger wafting material!
Ford Scorpio estate
Proof, if proof were needed, that I'm going slightly mad, but I actually find these quite appealing. They're often accused of having oddball looks, but that's just a thinly disguised way of saying they're ugly as sin. Yes, the front end is a disaster, but in the same way that the new Skoda Superb looks better in wagon form, at least the Scorpio's rump is saved from the horror of the saloon.
Fact is, you'll struggle to find a better value load lugger than the Scorpio estate and this particular example was clearly extremely well looked after. Put it this way, if you're driving the thing, that's one less Scorpio you'll have to look at.
Renault Vel Satis
Once again it's the size of the Vel Satis that amazes me the most. This one towered over everything else in the Goodwood car park. This was yet another Vel Satis that looks to have been originally registered as a Renault management car. I can't help but like these things, but I'd still rather have an Avantime...
Honda Accord Type-R
I've owned one of these and loved it. Mine was an early Type-R on a S-plate, so had the benefit of the slightly more aggressive looks. Clearly I'm getting old as today I'd prefer the more subdued looks of the facelift model, even with its diesel-like downturned exhaust pipes.
It's the Integra and Civic that get the glory and attention, but I'd take the Accord every time. Cracking drivers' cars and much missed by me. Which reminds me, I must update my eBay watch list...
Lotus Carlton
It needs no introduction does it? A legend.
Peugeot 405 Mi16x4
In itself, this car made my journey around the car park a worthwhile exercise. I can't remember the last time I saw one and whilst this wasn't in mint condition, it was tidy and hopefully owned by someone who intends to keep it running. Believe it or not, there are only six left on the road, although it's encouraging to see a further 23 listed as SORN.
Fiat Panda 1000 Fire
Always good to see a first generation Panda, albeit in this case a face-lifted version from the mid '90s. With the 500L looming large on the horizon, it's a good reminder that Fiat is at its best when it sticks to producing fun and neatly packaged small cars.
Volkswagen Golf Country
Just brilliant! I adore the Golf Country. With its raised suspension, four-wheel drive system and protective armoury, it was the perfect vehicle for the mountainous regions of Europe. I'd just like one for Dartmoor please.
More Festival of Parking updates to come. In the meantime, check out last year's round up here. I also need to say a huge thank you to Michelin Tyres for my invite to the event.
