Crashes happen all the time at Goodwood Road & Racing, but it is not as often that it occurs between two rare cars such as this one-off 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS and an equally rare 1959 Lister-Jaguar. The Mercedes (to the rear) was being driven by the F1 legend, Jochen Mass—and the Jaguar was in control of the experienced amateur, Tony Wood.
The incident happened during practices at the 73rd annual Goodwood Members’ Meeting. The Jaguar was reported to be slowing to enter the pits when the Mercedes came up on it too fast to stop in time. Neither driver was seriously injured, but both cars took quite a beating.
The aftermath of the Mercedes “Porter Special” 300 SLS included a jammed steering wheel and front wheels (it had to be taken off the track with a winch and a flatbed truck). The car got its name from its California builder, Chuck Porter, who rebuilt the car from a previously wrecked 300SL Gullwing. It is estimated to be valued at somewhere around $5.9 million USD.
The Lister “Knobbly” Jaguar was able to be pushed off the track, but its rear-end was crunched a good foot or more above where it is supposed to sit. The car was originally designed by Brian Lister and is estimated to be worth $1.5 million USD. Neither cars were damaged beyond the point of repair, so we expect they will be up and at it again within a couple months of their restorations—which should be covered by their (likely very expensive) insurance policies.
