An amazing line-up of 80 of the cars he raced during his career had been assembled and did several laps as a tribute to one of the greatest drivers of all time.

At the head of the parade was Sir Stirling himself, wearing his distinctive white helmet and driving the Lotus in which he won the Monaco Grand Prix back in 1961.

Tens of thousands of spectators, the majority of whom were in period dress, enjoyed plenty of action in a busy day of qualifying sessions for the 15-race programme today and tomorrow.

Historic cars worth millions, including Ferraris, Jaguars and Aston Martins, brought back memories of Goodwood's heyday in the 1940s, '50s and '60s.

Former touring car star and now historic racing ace, Barrie Williams, said: 'I've got a busy weekend with four races, but we all really enjoy ourselves out there. There's nowhere else like Goodwood.'

Autograph-hunters were kept busy spotting famous names including former racing drivers Derek Bell and Gerhard Berger, and Rowan Atkinson, who played his comedy character Mr Bean as he drove around the track somehow steering his green Mini while sitting on the roof.

Modern Formula One was represented by Patrick Head from Williams, and Christian Horner and Adrian Newey from the Red Bull team.

Rock stars Nick Mason from Pink Floyd, Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler and fellow guitarist Chris Rea all got behind the wheel too. Meanwhile TV chef and car nut James Martin, who lives near Winchester, was spotted enjoying the unique Goodwood atmosphere.

In between track sessions, necks craned skywards to see spectacular displays by Second World War aircraft including an Avro Lancaster and several Spitfires – a reminder of Goodwood's past as a wartime airfield.

Today and tomorrow sees the only Vulcan bomber left flying put in a ground-shaking appearance.

The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation concours d'elegance has brought together some of the world's finest pre-1966 aircraft. These will be judged tomorrow by a distinguished panel including Sir Terence Conran, Top Gear presenter James May and American astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Away from the roar of racing engines, Dad's Army marched past, spivs tried to sell nylons and children enjoyed rides on a carousel.

A traditional barber's shop offered short back and sides. Today is Ladies' Day, when champagne and flowers are awarded to the best-dressed women. Highlight of the weekend is tomorrow's one-hour, two-driver RAC TT celebration race for closed cockpit cars of the 1960s.

n Admission to the Goodwood Revival is strictly by advance ticket only. Call 01243 755055.