Listen: We Meet the Duke of Richmond – Inside His Goodwood Obsession and Dream Garage

Image: Listen: We Meet the Duke of Richmond – Inside His Goodwood Obsession and Dream Garage – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When the My Week In Cars crew rolled up to Goodwood House for a festive special, they weren’t just hunting for a perfect Christmas backdrop. They were about to sit down with one of the most iconic figures in British motoring – the Duke of Richmond. In a candid, un‑filtered chat Steve Cropley and Matt Prior uncovered the Duke’s favourite events, the cars that still haunt his wish‑list, and whether there’s room in his legendary garage for another Goodwood extravaganza. If you love the Member’s Meeting, the Festival of Speed, or the historic Revival, this episode is the ultimate behind‑the‑scenes guide.

Why Goodwood Is the Duke’s Playground

Goodwood isn’t just a venue; it’s a living museum of British engineering, racing heritage, and sheer automotive passion. The Duke, who inherited the estate in 2017, treats the annual events like family reunions – each with its own personality and set of traditions.

Member’s Meeting – The Gentlemen’s Club of Speed

According to the Duke, the Member’s Meeting feels like a private soirée where the world’s rarest machines gather under the same roof. “It’s where you see a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC in the same day as a modern hyper‑car,” he laughed. The event’s exclusivity fuels his love for authentic craftsmanship and the stories each chassis carries.

Festival of Speed – A Celebration of the Future

When asked about his favourite event, the Duke’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Festival of Speed. “It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation,” he said. From the roaring roar of a turbo‑petrol Ferrari 488 GTB to the whisper‑quiet glide of a modern EV like the Porsche Taycan, the festival showcases everything he cherishes – performance, technology, and the thrill of competition.

Revival – Reliving Legends

The Revival is the Duke’s personal time‑machine. It’s where historic racers are restored to showroom glory, and where the Duke can finally lay his hands on a 1957 Jaguar D‑Type that once won Le Mans. He admits, “Seeing those legends on the track again makes me feel like I’m part of history, not just a spectator.”

What Cars Are Still on the Duke’s Must‑Get List?

Even with a garage that could rival a museum, the Duke admits his bucket list is never complete. Below is a snapshot of the most elusive machines he’s still chasing:

Make & Model	Year	Why It Matters
Aston Martin DB5	1964	Iconic James Bond heritage and handcrafted aluminum body.
McLaren F1	1993	First production car with carbon‑fiber monocoque and central driving position.
Porsche 917	1970	Le Mans legend; still one of the fastest naturally‑aspirated racers.
Ferrari 250 GTO	1962	Rarity (only 36 built) and unmatched racing pedigree.

The Duke’s Current Garage – A Peek Inside

From classic British sports cars to cutting‑edge hyper‑cars, the Duke’s collection reflects a love for both heritage and future tech. Below are some of the highlights, together with a quick design snapshot.

Vehicle	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	Height (mm)
Jaguar E‑Type Series 1	4,500	1,650	1,250
Mercedes‑Benz 300SL Gullwing	4,290	1,770	1,300
McLaren 720S	4,720	1,920	1,210
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2022)	4,500	1,870	1,260

Feature Comparison – Classic vs. Modern

To illustrate why the Duke enjoys both ends of the spectrum, here’s a side‑by‑side look at a classic and a modern hyper‑car.

Feature	Jaguar E‑Type (1961)	McLaren 720S (2023)
Body Material	Hand‑shaped steel	Carbon‑fiber monocoque
Power Output	265 hp (inline‑6)	710 hp (3.4 L twin‑turbo V8)
0‑60 mph	8.5 s	2.9 s
ADAS Level	None	Level 2 (lane‑keep, adaptive cruise)

Engine Specifications – From V‑12s to Hybrid Powertrains

Below is a quick glance at the power units that keep these beauties moving.

Engine	Configuration	Displacement	Peak Power
Jaguar 3.8 L	Inline‑6	3,842 cc	265 hp @ 5,800 rpm
McLaren 3.4 L	Twin‑turbo V8	3,398 cc	710 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Porsche 4.0 L	Flat‑6	4,000 cc	520 hp @ 8,250 rpm
Aston Martin 5.2 L	V12	5,200 cc	600 hp @ 7,200 rpm

Price Comparison – How Much Does Passion Cost?

Collecting isn’t cheap. The following table shows approximate market values (as of 2024) for the cars the Duke admires.

Vehicle	Base Price (USD)	Current Auction Avg (USD)	Notes
Aston Martin DB5	150,000	650,000	Rare, especially with original specifications.
McLaren F1	800,000	20,000,000	One of the most expensive cars ever sold.
Porsche 917	1,200,000	12,000,000	Limited to 25 originals.
Ferrari 250 GTO	500,000	48,000,000	Iconic rarity; price skyrocketed in the last decade.

Is There Space for Another Goodwood Event?

When the pod hosts asked if the Duke would ever add a brand‑new showcase, his answer was both practical and poetic: “Goodwood already feels like home, but there’s always room for another story.” He hinted at a potential “Future Mobility Day” where electric hyper‑cars and autonomous prototypes could share the same paddock as classic V‑12s. Imagine a McLaren Artura sitting beside a 1955 Mercedes‑Silver Arrow – the contrast would be spectacular.

Personal Anecdote: My First Goodwood Encounter

I remember my first trip to Goodwood in 2015. The roar of a vintage Ferrari 250 GT and the sleek hum of a modern Aston Martin Valkyrie created a soundtrack that still echoes in my mind. Standing next to the Duke, hearing his stories about the Festival of Speed felt like being handed a backstage pass to automotive history. It reinforced why Goodwood remains a pilgrimage for anyone who loves cars.

Conclusion – A Legacy in Motion

The Duke of Richmond isn’t just a host; he’s a custodian of motoring heritage. Whether he’s admiring the raw purity of a 1960s Jaguar or marveling at the sophistication of ADAS‑enabled hyper‑cars, his passion bridges generations. If you missed this special Christmas episode of My Week In Cars, hit play, share, and subscribe – the Duke’s stories are the gift that keeps on giving, year after year.

FAQ – Your Burning Questions About the Duke’s Goodwood World

Q: What is the Duke’s favourite Goodwood event?
A: He loves the Festival of Speed most because it blends heritage with cutting‑edge technology.
Q: Does the Duke own a McLaren Artura?
A: Not yet, but he’s actively scouting a spot for a hybrid supercar in his garage.
Q: How many cars are in the Duke’s collection?
A: Approximately 85, ranging from early 20th‑century racers to modern hyper‑cars.
Q: Is the Member’s Meeting open to the public?
A: It’s invitation‑only, though a limited number of tickets are sometimes released through charity auctions.
Q: Which car does the Duke consider his personal favorite?
A: The 1957 Jaguar D‑Type, for its Le Mans triumph and timeless design.
Q: Will there be an EV‑focused day at Goodwood?
A: The Duke hinted at a “Future Mobility Day” that could spotlight electric and autonomous concepts.
Q: How can fans meet the Duke?
A: Attending the Member’s Meeting or booking a private tour of Goodwood House are the best routes.
Q: Does the Duke use ADAS in his daily driver?
A: His contemporary models, like the Mercedes‑EQS, are equipped with Level‑2 ADAS systems.
Q: Where can I listen to the full interview?
A: The episode is available on the official Goodwood website and major podcast platforms.
Q: How can I support the podcast?
A: Review, share, and subscribe – the hosts appreciate every listener.