21 April 2026|News
Hilton & Moss Debut the Purple Princess at the 83rd Goodwood Members’ Meeting
‘Give me Goodwood on a summer’s day and you can forget the rest of the world’
These legendary words, spoken by Roy Salvadori, have stayed with the Hilton & Moss team for many years. So when the invitation came through to race Hilton & Moss’s Pre’63 Jaguar E-Type, the Purple Princess, at the 83rd Goodwood Members’ Meeting, it was one of the easiest decisions we have ever had to make.
Last weekend, Team Hilton & Moss returned to the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit once more. The 83rd Members’ Meeting brought together two days of exceptional racing, with Saturday culminating in the Protheroe Cup, an all pre-’63 Jaguar E-Type race, each driven with skill and passion in true period spirit.
In the run-up to the race, the Purple Princess had been in the workshop undergoing engine and suspension work, as well as being fitted with a period-correct soft-top roof, required to distinguish the pre-’63 cars from the E-Type Semi-Lightweights competing with hardtops over the weekend.
With the sun shining, William and Tim took to the track on Saturday morning for qualifying, getting their first taste of the competition they would face later that evening. William made a strong start, quickly finding a rhythm in front of the sold-out Goodwood crowd. A swift pit-stop at the 20-minute mark saw co-driver Tim take over. After a competitive 30-minute session, Team Hilton & Moss secured 17th place on the starting grid.
Following qualifying, the Hilton & Moss motorsport technicians set to work. Acting on driver feedback, the car was quickly back in the air, wheels off and dampers adjusted in preparation for the race.
As evening fell and the Purple Princess stood ready, it was time for the main event. Lining up against drivers such as F1 World Champion Jenson Button, Indy 500 legend Dario Franchitti and five-time Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro, the team knew the race ahead would be fiercely contested.
Bathed in golden light, the pre’63 E-Types returned to the circuit for a 40-minute race. Starting in 17th position, William took the opening stint, holding position within the pack and building momentum. At the halfway point, Tim returned to the cockpit and, with mounting pressure each lap, drove a strong stint to gain three places, finishing in 14th.
As the chequered flag fell and the symphony of straight-sixes faded, it marked a special milestone, Team Hilton & Moss had competed in their first Goodwood Members’ Meeting. A celebratory beer and the traditional afterparty confirmed what many already know, there is nowhere else on earth quite like Goodwood.
