Silver Arrows on target for record gathering at Goodwood

In just five weeks time, a record number of legendary pre-War ‘Silver Arrows’ German racers will gather at the Festival of Speed from 3-5 July as part of Goodwood’s celebrations to mark 75 years since the first appearance of the dominant Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz competition cars.

Recognising this important moment in motor racing history, Goodwood plans to gather together the largest collection of Silver Arrows racers ever seen in one location, with at least a dozen or more Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz cars scheduled to attend the 2009 Festival.

The Silver Arrows name (Silberpfeile in German) was adopted by the press as a mark of respect for the all-conquering Nazi-backed Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix cars that raced pre-War between 1934 and 1939. The Silver Arrows tag was also applied post-War to the Mercedes-Benz Formula One cars of 1954/55.

Famous Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows racers due to appear at Goodwood will include the 1934 W25 and 1937 W125 – both to be driven by Jochen Mass – plus the 1939 W165 and 1954 W196, the latter with Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel.

A number of Auto Unions will also be on hand, helping to form part of the Centenary celebrations of Audi, as well as 75 years of the Silver Arrows. Audi will be the main featured marque at this year’s Festival of Speed, with an imposing ‘Central Feature’ art installation directly outside Goodwood House. Auto Unions in attendance will include the 1934 Type A and 1938 Type D, the latter due to be driven by Le Mans legend Jacky Ickx and Pink Floyd’s drummer and huge motoring enthusiast Nick Mason.

In addition to the Silver Arrows Auto Unions, an impressive collection Audi’s other important motor racing moments will be honoured at the Festival. These will include the pioneering rallying Quattros of the 1980s, through to the latest Audi R10s that have dominated endurance sport car racing in recent years.

For more information, visit goodwood.com