What's all this about?

Jaguar is entering its own works-prepared Mk2 saloon in the St Mary’s Trophy at this year’s Goodwood Revival. The manufacturer is showing off the capabilities of its Classic restoration service with the 3.8-litre car, which will race against other 1960s saloons such as the Ford Galaxie, Mini Cooper S and Lotus Cortinas. The two-part race is commonly considered one of the highlights of the Revival.

Sorry, the Goodwood what?

The Revival. It’s a massive extravaganza of classic racing that takes place at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit in West Sussex. Various races take place, alongside events including a concours d’elegance and vehicle parades, all featuring cars from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. And it’s all set against a period backdrop, with visitors actively encouraged to wear clothing from the period. In fact, you can’t access certain parts of the event if you aren’t in costume. This year’s event takes place between September 6 and 8.

Sounds like fun, but what is Jaguar doing?

In essence, Jaguar Classic – the company’s in-house restoration service that sells and restores classic Jaguars – is showing off its race-prepared Mk2 on track. It’s the first time Jaguar has entered its own team in the St Mary’s Trophy event, which combines two races over the weekend. Apparently, it’s not only a marketing exercise for Jaguar Classic, but it’s also a way of celebrating 75 years of the XK engine found in the Mk2, as well as other Jaguars including the E-Type.

Off-track, the company will also be showing off a selection of significant vehicles at the ‘Earls Court Motorshow’ part of the Revival, with an XK120 joined by a C-Type, the Le Mans-winning XJR-9 and the I-Type 6 Formula E car.

What has Jaguar Classic done to this particular Mk2?

The car has previously raced at the Goodwood Revival and the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, but Jaguar has fully rebuilt and race-prepared it for this year’s event. The 1963 car, finished in dark blue and powered by Jaguar’s 3.8-litre straight-six engine, will race and participate in displays at the Revival, alongside other classic Jaguars.

So where can I see it?

The main event for the works-prepared Mk2 will be the St Mary’s Trophy, the first leg of which takes place on Saturday, September 7. There, French Le Mans Series race winner Nic Minassian will compete against other big-name drivers in 1960s saloons, before the second leg on Sunday, September 8. That’s when the trophy will be won or lost, with Jaguar TCS Racing’s reserve and test driver, Joel Eriksson, taking the wheel.

But Jaguar will also show off the Mk2 in parades and in the pits, alongside various other classic cars from the brand’s back catalogue. And sister company Land Rover will also be in attendance, showing off its ‘new’ Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke and a Series IIA Marshall Ambulance that’s currently undergoing restoration by Land Rover Classic.