Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy is one of two Motor Racing Legends series associated with the historic Club, whose home-away-from-home is Woodcote Park in Surrey. A wide range of sports cars of the early 1950s is represented.

In the immediate post-war era, endurance racing was largely dominated by British-built machines. Jaguar, in particular, cemented its legacy with five Le Mans victories during the 1950s, matching Bentley’s record.

The year 1953 was a milestone for sports car racing, marking the launch of the World Sportscar Championship. The 24 Hours of Le Mans was the jewel in the crown, but the full calendar was truly global and demanding. The Mille Miglia, Carrera Panamericana, 24 Hours of Spa, RAC Tourist Trophy, Sebring 12 Hours, and Nürburgring 1000 km each added international prestige and unique challenges.

This golden era attracted manufacturers both large and small, resulting in an extraordinary lineup of cars like the celebrated Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar, less well-known Jowett and Kieft, and the so-called garagistas, including future World Champions Cooper and racing icon Lola, which emerged in the mid-1950s.