[This article was originally published in BMW Performance Magazine]
The Goodwood Revival has to be the most quintessentially English event in the motorsport calendar, but amongst the pomp and period vehicles this year was a distinctly German presence. BMW's Revivalfest - a take on traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest bars - brought the beer and bratwurst across the channel, along with a prized collection of historic vehicles from the company's museum in Munich.
The Revival weekend must seem odd to the uninitiated. Thousands descend upon the historic circuit dressed in the fashions of the 1950s and 60s - anything from a flat-cap or cravat, to full military uniform. I found myself wandering through rows of classic racers dressed as a Royal Navy Commander and flanked by two beautiful female flight officers, the likes of which the RAF could only hope to enlist.
With Astons, Jaguars and even the odd Morris Minor dominating the car-parks and paddocks, you would be forgiven for thinking the Brits would rather head for more Pimm's or fish and chips than indulge their German counterparts. But Goodwood has always proved itself diverse and the crowds took no time in warming to BMW's hospitality, the queues for another stein and sausage proving as much.
BMW also maintained a strong showing on the track. The classic 502 V8 got a run at the hands of former F1 driver Marc Surer, while the more sprightly Elva-BMW Mk 7s and 8s were pitted against the likes of Brabham and Lotus.
The Goodwood Revival might have a tradition of tweed jackets but it looks like there will be more lederhosen in years to come.