Gallery: The elegant racers of the Earl Howe Trophy

A class full to the brim with timeless Bugatti Type 35Bs, Alfa Romeo Monzas and not one but two extremely rare Frazer Nash Nurburgs, the Earl Howe Trophy is a celebration of the first French Grand Prix and an era of sophisticated racing when these inter-war machines and their gentleman drivers ruled the racetracks of the day.

Named after Francis Curzon, the fifth Earl Howe – a British naval officer, Member of Parliament, and motor racing driver credited with co-founding the British Racing Drivers' Club in 1928 where he served as its president until his death in 1964 – the race is always a Members’ Meeting favourite. 

It only takes a quick scan down the confirmed driver list to see what fun these challenging yet endlessly rewarding machines present, with many of the weekend’s most-talented historic drivers getting a go behind the oversized steering wheels. Goodwood mainstays like Gary Pearson, Duncan Pittaway and Andrew Smith amongst many others were all seen leaning out of open cockpits. Not a seatbelt in sight. Coaxing their elegant machines around the fast and flowing Goodwood Motor Circuit with all the bravery and panache of the era they’re here to honour. Enjoy the gallery. 

Photography by Joe Harding.