Fab Four in Focus at Goodwood Revival
Beatlemania is going to hit Goodwood this September in a big way, as the Revival brings Swinging Sixties London to life in its inimitable style (September 13th-15th).
Rarely seen coachbuilt Mini Coopers once owned by Beatles Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr will be on display at the event, as part of a celebration of 60 years of the Mini. The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, bought each of the Fab Four a Mini at the height of their fame in 1966, and had them customised by coachbuilders Radford and Hooper to suit their individual requirements. For example, Ringo’s was a hatchback to accommodate his drum kit, while George’s was given a ‘Tantric’ colour scheme.
Unfortunately, the fourth car in the set – the Mini belonging to John Lennon – won’t be on show, because its whereabouts are unknown. Goodwood invites anyone who knows where it might be to come forward!
On display alongside the three Beatles’ cars will be Cilla Black’s Mini. Before she became the doyenne of Saturday night television, fellow Liverpudlian Cilla was good friends with the Fab Four, shared their manager, Brian Epstein, and was signed to the same record label, Parlophone. She also recorded her early records at Abbey Road Studios with producer George Martin, just like the Beatles, so it is entirely appropriate that her Mini should take the place of John’s missing car.
Fashion and style will once again be very much at the forefront of everyone’s minds as they plan their Revival outfits. Mary Quant, Twiggy (‘the Mini girl for the Mini generation’) and Dior’s ‘New Look’ will be very topical styles to go for, alongside mod fashion and the Mop Top. Of course, anything from the 1948-66 era goes at the Revival, but for those looking to make a special effort, this is the year to celebrate the style of the '60s.
Goodwood will create several photo back-drops with professional photographers so every visitor has the chance to have their outfit captured.
Pictures: HistoricRacingNews.com/Jakob Ebrey Photography
