Introduced in 2014 at the GRRC 72nd Members Meeting, the Gerry Marshall Trophy for historic Group 1.5 saloon cars has quickly established itself as one of Goodwood’s premier grids. The somewhat ordinary cars are loud and fast and what they lack in sophistication they more than make up for with some opposite lock and a bold livery. Attracting some of the biggest names from motorsport past and present, these 1970s and early 80s tin tops have inspired a new generation of racers and spectators alike. We love them, there is no doubt, but why do we love them so much? To answer this I’ll be looking back at the history of saloon car racing in Britain and at what made these cars so popular when they first appeared back in 1974.

The Pit Stop Magazine - Issue 1

Words and photos by Daniel H Lackey