Classic Japfest – a spinoff of the popular Japanese car event focused on pre-2004 models – took over Goodwood last weekend
Forming part of a double-header weekend with the German Car Festival the day before at the same venue, Classic Japfest traded German machinery for the very best that Japan has to offer. With organisers opting to emit track time in favour of opening up the circuit for additional cars, some 1600 classic Japanese icons were on display at Classic Japfest on Sunday, October 6.
We were very taken by various well-prepared Datsun 240Zs, a remarkably rust-free Subaru Brat, Mazda Eunos Cosmo and an Autozam AZ-1, while Fast Car’s display included various standouts such as Jeremy Clarkson’s Mitsuoka LeSeyde from The Grand Tour.
The Icons show and shine competition crowned three immaculately-presented cars: an EK9-generation Honda Civic, Mazda RX-7 FD and a glorious Datsun 510. Meanwhile, editorial staff were tasked with picking out their top 10 cars at the show, with rosettes and goodiebags awarded to the lucky winners.
Club displays formed the heart of the show and each was in competition to receive coveted prizes from the judges. The full club prize breakdown is as follows:
- Best Club of the Show: Nissan S15
- Best Large Club Stand: KentishUK
- Best Small Car Club Stand: GTO UK
- Best Regional Car Club Stand: Bath & Bristol Car Club
- Best Presented Club Stand: Garage Street Sports
- Most Varied Car Selection: Rival Worx
- Club Spirit: The Outcast Crew
- Best Charity Support Award: The Outcast Crew
- Distance Travelled Award: Mazda 323 Turbo, Ronnie Peters (travelled from the Netherlands)
- Heritage Award: Honda Z600, Alan Stanyon
- Club Hero Award: Dave Pleszko, MX-5 Europe
Alongside the incredible array of cars, showgoers had plenty to get their teeth stuck into, including a simulator driving competition sponsored by Tillett Racing Seats and extensive retail village.
Inclement weather on the Sunday did little to dampen spirits, resulting in a fantastic show that’s already gearing up for its return in 2025 – but not before Japfest Silverstone on April 13, 2025.
