Watch Grant Williams Fling a Jaguar MK1 Around Goodwood
Soothe your greasy little enthusiast heart with this amazing footage of an expert pilot in his Jaguar MK I.
Yup, there’s no two ways about it — the news sucks. Honestly? Even news about Jaguar kind of sucks, as the XF Sportbrake is dead, and as I weepily pointed out last week, the XF might as well be. Sometimes, things are just tough. But if you’re looking for something to raise your spirits? Look no further, because watching driver Grant Williams expertly hurl his Jaguar MK I through all the twists and turns of the storied Goodwood circuit should warm your heart. Seriously, if it doesn’t, you should probably seek medical attention. Because this clip is the business.
Williams is is a legend among the Goodwood crowd, as back in 1995 he became the youngest ever champion in the Jaguar XK Saloon Car Championship, and his website prominently features two of my favorite quotes about motorsport. The first one is the famous phrase uttered by King of Cool Steve McQueen, about racing and waiting, while the second is from Mario Andretti — “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.”
And while I love the sentiment there? Watching this video of Grant Williams and his trusty BUY I Jaguar, I’m struck by just how much control he has over that vintage cat.
The footage starts about four laps into a 12-lap race, with Williams tearing through the pack, after having been forced into the pits to secure his bonnet. Over and over, he’s at full opposite lock with the glorious beast, and demonstrating a dexterity with drifting which would likely win him fans in Japan’s Formula Drift series. Since stumbling across this footage, I’ve probably watched it five times, and every time I push play, I’m even more determined to make it to Goodwood and experience a spectacle like this in person.
Now, I’m not going to spoil the ending, because it’s a proper nail biter, and far more exciting — by a country mile — than most anything that’s happened during a F1 race lately. But I will say this epic battle made me go poking around to see just how much a decent condition MK I or MK II is going for. Because if I was able to find the right car at the right price, my Jaguar dream build might just go another direction. Buckle up and enjoy…
Photos: YouTube