The Goodwood Revival is one of the greatest gatherings of vintage race cars on the planet, but this year it will celebrate a decidedly un-sporty vehicle.
An opening parade for the 2025 Goodwood Revival will feature “the most varied collection” of Volkswagen Type 2 Split Screen vans and pickups in the world, organizers boasted. It comes after last year’s Meyers Manx dune buggy parade, and a motorcycle parade in 2023.
Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus to be featured at 2025 Goodwood Revival
The VW Type 2—better known, in van form, as the Microbus—is no race car, but it celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025 and fits right in with the Goodwood Revival’s vintage theme. In addition to the racing, the Revival typically features other period vehicles as displays, with attendees dressed in vintage clothing for maximum authenticity.
Split Screen versions of the Type 2 were made from the model’s 1950 launch until 1967, which is period appropriate given that Goodwood served as an active track for professional racing from 1948 to 1966. It’s possible that some of these iconic vehicles served as race-team support vehicles back in the day.
This 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 is the world’s oldest Microbus
This year, the Goodwood Revival will run sustainable fuel in all race cars to reduce emissions, following a 2023 trial, although the fine print reads that fuel must have a minimum of 70% “sustainable components.” That’s based on FIA rules that the Goodwood Revival adheres to. Organizers claim the fuel won’t require any modifications.
The 2025 Goodwood Revival is scheduled for Sept. 12-14. Its companion event, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, will take place Jul. 10-13. The Festival of Speed features a mix of new and old machinery, this year centered around the theme of “Horseless to Hybrid—Revolutions in Power.”