Video: This S-Class rally car sounds superb

13th April 2022

Henry Biggs

The Goodwood Road & Racing office window overlooks the tunnel leading to the motor circuit infield and we are often guilty of doing credible meerkat impressions when something with a fruity exhaust note rumbles through (especially the one member of the team who continuously gets fooled by motorbike exhausts). Which is to say that we enjoy and unashamedly loud and proud racing car.

So, this video is absolutely up our start-finish straight, even if its subject is not one of the usual suspects. Filmed at the Targa High Country 2022, this is a compilation of clips of Geoff Nicholls and Ray Farrell in their absolutely epic sounding Mercedes 450SE. With the exception of the specially engineered 450SEL 6.6, a first-generation W116 S-Class has never sounded so good as it thunders (really the only appropriate term) through the beautiful mountain scenery of Tasmania. Almost as entertaining are the cheers and roars of approval from spectators audible after the Mercedes has monstered past.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Proving the 956 has the best turbo woosh