Bonus: Autocar Meets Goodwood’s Duke of Richmond
About this episode
Steve Cropley chats with the Duke of Richmond at Goodwood Media Day, focusing on Singer’s role as the central headline act for the Festival of Speed. They discuss how Singer’s design process avoids “committee” work, balancing brand briefs, material choices (often steel for practicality, carbon where it fits), and the logistics of building and then scrapping temporary structures. The conversation also covers Goodwood’s shift toward sustainable fuels for classic racing, plus the Duke’s nuanced take on EVs, infrastructure, and why classic cars should be kept alive.
In this weekend’s bonus podcast episode Steve Cropley talks to the Duke of Richmond from
Goodwood.
His Grace tells us all about Goodwood’s activities this year, from this weekend’s Members’ Meeting to the Festival of Speed, where Singer is the featured marque, and this autumn’s Revival.
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premium EV charges
"Design-focused makers of premium EV charges. If you visit Anderson-EV.com, you can find out more details..."
This is about nicer, higher-quality EV chargers—often with help getting everything set up correctly. The host suggests it’s more than buying a charger; it’s getting the whole charging solution installed and managed.
“Premium EV charges” refers to higher-end electric-vehicle charging setups, typically emphasizing design, installation quality, and user experience rather than just basic charging capability. The mention of a concierge service implies added support such as planning, permitting, and end-to-end project management.
Anderson-EV.com
"If you visit Anderson-EV.com, you can find out more details and their concierge service will look after you from start to finish."
They’re a company that helps people set up electric-vehicle charging. The host says they offer a service that guides you from start to finish, not just the charger itself.
Anderson-EV.com is referenced as a design-focused provider of premium EV charging solutions. The mention of a “concierge service” suggests they handle the customer journey end-to-end, from planning to installation.
Goodwood Media Day
"Here we are at the Goodwood Media Day. Just been talking to Rob Dickinson from Singer."
Goodwood Media Day is a press-focused event tied to Goodwood’s wider motorsport calendar. In the segment, it’s where the host is speaking with guests like Rob Dickinson, setting the context for upcoming Festival of Speed coverage.
Singer
"Just been talking to Rob Dickinson from Singer. Very important, but the great thing about Singer is that they're going to be the headline display, aren't they, in the central feature of the Festival of Speed..."
Singer is a boutique car company that builds very special, high-end versions of classic Porsche 911s. Here, they’re being talked about as a major featured name at Goodwood’s big car event.
Singer is a specialist automotive brand known for high-end restorations and restomods of classic Porsche 911s. In this segment, Rob Dickinson from Singer is discussed in the context of Goodwood’s Festival of Speed, highlighting Singer’s prominence as a headline attraction.
Festival of Speed
"They are. They were very excited about it. We obviously love the cars. So to have Singer as the central speaker at Festival of Speed is a super plus."
Goodwood’s Festival of Speed is a huge car event where manufacturers and special cars get lots of attention. In this chat, they’re saying it’s the main stage for big announcements and displays.
The Festival of Speed is Goodwood’s major annual motorsport and automotive event, known for car displays, hill climbs, and celebrity/brand showcases. The hosts frame it as the biggest event and discuss Singer being positioned as a central headline feature.
launched them together
"and the cars are so popular to see launched them together. It will be. I was amazed today."
“Launched them together” means the cars were revealed at the same time, usually at an event. That makes it easier for people to compare them and often gets more attention in the press. It’s a common way to build excitement around a new set of cars.
“Launching them together” suggests a coordinated reveal strategy—multiple cars presented at the same event or in the same timeframe. For collectors and enthusiasts, simultaneous launches can amplify attention, create a clear comparison between variants, and signal a deliberate design/engineering theme. It also tends to drive media coverage and demand.
Jerry Judah
"Jerry Judah most definitely has an opinion. I've spoken to him a few times and I know that."
Jerry Judah is someone deeply involved in how certain high-end Porsche projects get designed and approved. The host is basically saying he has strong opinions about what’s “right.” In a world of custom builds, that kind of input can strongly affect the final car.
Jerry Judah is a prominent figure in the modern Porsche customization/restoration world, closely associated with Singer’s creative direction. When the host says he “most definitely has an opinion,” they’re pointing to a key decision-maker whose preferences shape how cars are specified and presented. That matters because these builds are often highly curated rather than mass-produced.
Rob Dickinson
"and I guess Rob Dickinson has got a vested interest in seeing his cars represented correctly."
Rob Dickinson is a person involved in building or designing these kinds of special cars. The host is saying he cares a lot that his cars are shown the right way. That matters because these are not just regular cars—they’re carefully planned projects.
Rob Dickinson is associated with the design and engineering side of high-end automotive projects, and in this context he’s described as having a “vested interest” in how his cars are represented. That implies the event’s presentation and specification details are important to the people behind the builds. For listeners, it highlights how these cars are often collaborative, with stakeholders invested in authenticity and correctness.
designed by committee
"[387.4s] And the moment it starts becoming... [393.1s] designed by committee, it becomes a bit of a... [395.0s] that becomes very difficult."
“Designed by committee” means lots of different people are making changes instead of one clear design direction. That usually turns the idea into a compromise, which can make the final car less focused and harder to build well.
“Designed by committee” describes a development process where too many stakeholders influence the outcome. It often leads to compromises that dilute the original design intent, making the result harder to execute and less coherent. In automotive terms, it can also slow decisions and increase cost and complexity.
carbon fibre
"[421.3s] Of course. [422.6s] And actually, Steve, just in terms of materials, [425.1s] we've had some of the very big areas [427.8s] that are getting very old. [429.1s] Honestly, we want it all in carbon fibre or something like that."
Carbon fibre (carbon fiber) is a lightweight composite material made from carbon strands in a resin matrix. In performance and premium cars, it’s used to reduce weight and improve stiffness, which can help handling and efficiency. It’s also expensive and requires specialized manufacturing and repair processes.
Festival Speed 93
"Rob says that he came to the first Festival Speed 93 when he was, I think he was a musician."
They’re talking about a Goodwood event that happened in 1993. Goodwood hosts big car and racing weekends, and the year helps you know what kind of cars were around then.
“Festival Speed 93” refers to a specific Goodwood Speed event held in 1993. Goodwood’s events are known for mixing motorsport history, modern racing, and car culture, so the year matters for identifying which era of cars and racing were on display.
Lotus
"Because he'd been a designer for a while at Lotus as well."
Lotus is a British sports-car and motorsport brand known for lightweight engineering and handling-focused design. In this segment, the host mentions someone who worked as a designer at Lotus, which signals a background in performance-car development rather than simply producing cars as a business.
DLS
"He's very good at DLS that first time. Yeah. Gorgeous things."
“DLS” is an abbreviation people use for a traction or handling feature. It helps the car put power down more effectively when the road surface isn’t consistent.
“DLS” is commonly used in automotive contexts to mean a dynamic/driver-controlled locking or limited-slip behavior, but the transcript doesn’t spell it out. In a car conversation, it usually refers to how the car manages traction when grip is uneven.
panel gaps
"I think it's more of an object, perhaps, because you see the panel gaps. You see the beautiful leather."
Panel gaps are the small spaces between the doors, hood, and other body panels. When they look even and precise, it usually means the car was built and finished carefully.
Panel gaps are the visible spacing between body panels, and they’re a quick indicator of build quality and alignment. In collector/special cars, tighter, more consistent panel gaps often correlate with higher craftsmanship and more expensive finishing.
Porsche 911
"...re that that lifts the original properties of the 911 that much further for me, but I'm a bit of a lov..."
The Porsche 911 is a sports car made by Porsche. It’s famous for its recognizable shape and for being built to drive in a fun, performance-focused way. People talk about it a lot because it has a very specific driving feel that many enthusiasts look for.
The Porsche 911 is a long-running sports car known for its distinctive rear-engine layout and classic silhouette. It’s frequently discussed because it blends everyday usability with high-performance driving dynamics, and small engineering changes can significantly affect how it feels on the road. In a podcast, it often comes up when people talk about what makes the 911’s character so enduring.
9,500 RPM
"We're doing 9,500 RPM into the level. It is amazing, isn't it? So they've got those engines revving."
“9,500 RPM” refers to engine speed near the upper end of the rev range. High-revving engines typically feel more responsive and can indicate a performance-oriented setup, especially in cars designed for spirited driving.
circuit
"[592.0s] You must, I guess you must know the circuit pretty intimately having been hurled around [596.0s] it."
A circuit is just the track course. If someone knows it really well, they understand where to slow down, where to turn, and where to speed up.
A “circuit” is the track layout used for racing or driving events. Knowing a circuit “intimately” usually means understanding braking points, cornering lines, and where the car can be accelerated.
Goodwood season
"[613.3s] the Goodwood season, is it? [614.8s] And also the motor industry nicely juiced up, has it?"
Goodwood is a famous motorsport venue in the UK. The “Goodwood season” is basically the set of events they run across the year, where car companies and drivers show up.
The “Goodwood season” refers to the recurring calendar of events held at Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK. It’s a major date for car culture, bringing together racing, historic cars, and modern automotive media coverage.
Orofen
"[626.0s] So we used to do, and you came to Orofen pretty much, some pretty fabulous sort of media [632.5s] days. [633.0s] Yes."
“Orofen” sounds like a place where they’ve done media events before, but the transcript doesn’t make it clear which real-world location it is.
“Orofen” appears to be a venue or event name referenced in the context of past media days. However, the transcript doesn’t provide enough surrounding detail to confidently identify the correct place.
press days
"I mean, we were having press days, as we called them, as big as the speed... And we just felt they were kind of, you know, were they really going anywhere."
A “press day” is when car journalists get special access to new cars. The goal is usually to let the media drive them and write about them before most people can.
“Press days” are organized events where journalists and media are invited to see and often drive new cars before the wider public launch. They’re typically scheduled around major automotive events so manufacturers can generate coverage and feedback.
SMMT
"So I then, I was reminiscing actually on the old SMMT days... They used to be here in the 50s."
SMMT is a UK group connected to the car industry. When they say “SMMT days,” they mean older big industry events that used to happen there.
SMMT stands for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, a UK automotive industry body. When the hosts mention “the old SMMT days,” they’re referring to earlier eras of major UK auto-industry events and media activity.
cornering shot
"...like, and every car being launched that year was here. And a cornering shot of the same car in the same corner."
A “cornering shot” is a type of automotive photo where the car is captured while turning through a bend, often to show handling and stance. It’s commonly used in press materials because it visually communicates grip, line, and body control.
media all came down yet
"And all the media all came down yet. Those days to try the cars."
They’re talking about journalists showing up to the event. More media attendance usually means more reviews and coverage for the cars.
This refers to the media presence at the event—journalists traveling to attend and test cars. In automotive culture, the size and timing of media attendance can strongly affect how much coverage a launch gets.
ICE cars
"[704.8s] The, all the cars making the noise today are ice cars, petrol cars, or very least hybrids, [712.0s] but mainly petrol. [712.9s] Yeah."
ICE cars are the traditional kind that use a gas engine. “ICE” is just a shorthand for internal combustion, meaning fuel is burned to make power. They’re contrasting these with electric cars.
“ICE” stands for Internal Combustion Engine—cars powered by burning fuel like petrol or diesel. The hosts use it to separate traditional gas-powered vehicles from electric and hybrid drivetrains.
hybrids
"[704.8s] The, all the cars making the noise today are ice cars, petrol cars, or very least hybrids, [712.0s] but mainly petrol. [712.9s] Yeah."
A hybrid car uses two power sources—typically a gas engine and an electric motor. The car can switch between them or use both together to save fuel. The conversation is contrasting hybrids with fully electric cars.
“Hybrids” combine a conventional engine (often petrol) with an electric motor and battery. They can reduce fuel use and emissions, but the degree of electrification varies widely between mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
electric cars
"[716.2s] Where are you with electric cars? [717.8s] Do you, do you have a view yourself of, of, do you drive electric cars? [723.5s] Because you've got any on the Goodwood fleet, that kind of thing."
Electric cars run mostly on electricity stored in a battery. Instead of a gas engine doing the work, an electric motor drives the wheels. The hosts are basically asking how the Duke of Richmond feels about owning and using them.
“Electric cars” are vehicles powered primarily by an electric motor and a battery, rather than a gasoline engine. In the context of Goodwood’s fleet, the discussion is about how much of the event’s lineup is electrified and what that means for day-to-day driving and noise.
Goodwood fleet
"[723.5s] Because you've got any on the Goodwood fleet, that kind of thing. [725.7s] We've got a few buses and. [728.2s] Ah, fans. [729.2s] Yeah. [730.3s] I just wondered if you had a few cars. [732.3s] Yeah. [732.8s] We've got quite a lot of hybrid cars."
A “fleet” just means a group of vehicles used by one organization. Here, they’re talking about the cars Goodwood uses day-to-day, and whether those include electric or hybrid models.
A “fleet” refers to the set of vehicles used by an organization—in this case, cars associated with Goodwood. The discussion implies Goodwood’s operational vehicle mix includes electric and hybrid models, which affects how the event is run and experienced.
Rolls-Royce Rolls Royce Spectre
"...ou know, and, and. Presumably you've been in the Rolls Royce Spectre because it's made in your front garden kind of t..."
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a luxury car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It’s designed to be very comfortable and quiet while still being a high-end, high-status vehicle. People may mention it because it represents Rolls-Royce’s move into electric cars.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a fully electric luxury grand tourer from Rolls-Royce. It’s significant because it brings the brand’s high-end comfort and refinement into an all-electric format, which is a major shift for the company’s traditional lineup. It may be mentioned in the podcast in the context of how distinctive and “presence” driven it feels compared with other luxury cars.
electric car urban transport
"It's entirely appropriate as an urban, for urban transport and that sort of thing. There's nothing we can do to stop it. It's going to come."
The idea here is that electric cars work really well in cities. They’re efficient in traffic and usually feel smoother and quieter when you’re driving slowly.
Electric vehicles are often discussed as especially suitable for urban transport because they can be efficient in stop-and-go driving and benefit from regenerative braking. Their smooth, quiet operation also makes them feel more refined at low speeds.
motor industry regulation and government timelines
"...the fact that the motor industry has been, been made to pay for it seems to me... And then governments have gone. Actually, you know, we'll just, we didn't read, we'll do something, we'll do it later or we'll change the date or."
They’re talking about how government rules and deadlines push car companies to change their plans. If governments change the timing or approach, it can make it harder and more expensive for manufacturers to keep up.
The hosts are criticizing how governments set (and sometimes shift) deadlines for electrification and emissions rules, and how those policy changes can force automakers to spend money and re-plan product timelines. This can affect investment, supply chains, and how quickly new technology reaches consumers.
Goodwood's Duke of Richmond
"So we're going to turn the ball... Do you, presumably this is hardly affects the major good wood events. However, you know, you're in the members meeting in the revival..."
The Duke of Richmond is a key figure connected to Goodwood, a famous British motorsport and car-heritage venue. This part is basically about how Goodwood’s events keep classic racing going.
The Duke of Richmond is closely associated with Goodwood, a major UK motorsport and heritage venue. In this segment, the hosts discuss how Goodwood’s events and members activities relate to racing and classic cars.
Maserati 250 Fs
"you're going to be able to race GT 40s and Ferrari or sort of Maserati 250 Fs forever. Aren't you?"
The Maserati 250 F is a classic racing car from Maserati’s Grand Prix history. People bring it up at events like Goodwood because it’s a legendary “old-school” single-seater.
The Maserati 250 F is a mid-1950s Formula 1–era race car (and one of Maserati’s most iconic single-seaters). It’s often referenced in historic racing contexts because it represents the brand’s classic Grand Prix engineering.
sustainable fuel
"Well, it was sustainable fuel anyway... But these old cars don't actually owe anybody anything... the, that you, you mean it's, people may want to argue the point and that's why it's sustainable fuels help you."
Sustainable fuel is a type of fuel meant to be cleaner for the climate than regular fuel. The idea is that you can still drive older cars, but with less pollution overall. It’s basically an attempt to make “keeping the old stuff” fit today’s environmental expectations.
Sustainable fuel refers to fuels made with lower lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions than conventional gasoline or diesel. In motorsport and classic-car contexts, the goal is to keep cars running while reducing the environmental impact of burning fuel. The discussion here frames it as a way to reconcile preservation of older cars with modern sustainability goals.
revival being around revival and thrive and the sustainability angle
"And, you know, that's must be and with the whole thrust of revival being around revival and thrive and the sustainability angle that you know, made to last by the best."
They’re talking about a “revival” theme—keeping classic cars and the culture around them going. But they’re also saying the event wants to add a sustainability message, so it’s not just about nostalgia. It’s like trying to make old-school motoring fit with modern environmental concerns.
This segment uses “revival” as a framing for an event or movement that focuses on keeping cars and motoring culture alive while also pushing sustainability. It’s essentially a brand/mission concept: modern environmental goals applied to traditional automotive heritage. The hosts connect the sustainability push to the event’s purpose and messaging.
old cars don't actually owe anybody anything
"But these old cars don't actually owe anybody anything. No."
This is a philosophical take on classic-car ownership: older vehicles aren’t obligated to serve modern agendas, even if society expects them to be “fixed” for sustainability. The point is that owners preserve cars because they’re valuable and enjoyable, not because the cars owe anyone a specific social outcome. It contrasts with the earlier idea that sustainable fuels can help justify keeping them on the road.
pre-65s
"You've, um, you've, you've, um, you've done a good thing for the, for the classic car market in a couple of sectors, haven't you? The pre 65s and now the pre, what is it?"
“Pre-65s” means cars from before 1965. Collectors often pay extra attention to that era because it’s older, more “classic,” and has a distinct style and history.
“Pre-65s” refers to classic cars from before 1965, a common collector shorthand. These cars often command strong interest because they represent an earlier design and engineering era and are frequently seen as historically significant.
classic car market
"You've, um, you've, you've, um, you've done a good thing for the, for the classic car market in a couple of sectors, haven't you? The pre 65s and now the pre, what is it? 85s or something."
The “classic car market” is the world of buying and selling older cars that people collect and restore. Some time periods (like certain decades) can become more valuable because enthusiasts want them.
They’re talking about how the classic car market is segmented and how certain eras of cars become especially valuable. In this context, “classic” usually means older, enthusiast-focused cars that are kept, restored, and traded rather than used as everyday transportation.
pre-85s
"The pre 65s and now the pre, what is it? 85s or something. I, um, I just bought a 1990 car."
“Pre-85s” is shorthand for collector interest in cars from before the mid-1980s (the speaker says “pre…85s or something”). This kind of era-based grouping matters because it influences what buyers consider “classic,” how supply/demand shifts, and which cars are most likely to appreciate.
restomod
"And I'm glad, uh, to see singer being brought to the floor like this."
A restomod is a classic car that’s restored but also modernized with updated engineering, drivability, and sometimes styling. Singer is strongly associated with this approach, which is why the mention is worth context for listeners.
Toyota Sienna
"And the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system."
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan. It can come with a rear-seat entertainment system, which helps keep kids (or anyone in the back) entertained during drives.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan aimed at families who want space and comfort. In this segment, the hosts mention an available rear seat entertainment system, which is a factory option designed to keep passengers occupied on longer trips.
rear seat entertainment system
"And the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system."
A rear seat entertainment system is basically screens and audio for the people sitting in the back. It’s meant to make long trips easier by giving passengers something to watch or listen to.
A rear seat entertainment system is a factory-installed setup (often screens and audio) meant for passengers in the back row. It’s typically offered as an option so families can choose whether they want built-in media without needing aftermarket add-ons.
all-wheel drive
"Slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go!"
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to more than one set of wheels. That usually helps it grip better on slippery roads like wet pavement or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than just the front or rear axle, helping the car maintain traction. It’s especially useful in rain, snow, or on uneven surfaces, and many crossovers offer it as an option.
Toyota RAV4
"Slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go!"
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV. In this segment they’re pointing out that you can get it with all-wheel drive for better grip in bad weather.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for being practical and widely available in multiple drivetrains. Here, the hosts highlight the option of all-wheel drive, which improves traction when roads are slippery or uneven.
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