Goodwood record-holder to swap 200mph racer for 121-year-old EV

By Sam Phillips

26 Oct 2022

How does an ex-Formula 1 driver follow-up smashing the Goodwood hill record in an 745kW electric car? Well, Max Chilton will now take on one of the world's oldest motorsport challenges... in a 121-year-old EV.

Chilton, who piloted the McMurtry Spierling up the Goodwood hillclimb in record time at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, is swapping his record-breaking racer for an electric 1901 Pope-Waverley for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

The London to Brighton run is one of the oldest automotive events, which sees many famous drivers take on the 54-mile journey in pre-1905 horseless carriages. Since its inception many former F1 drivers have taken part in the rally, including Sir Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill.

Max Chilton is now adding his name to the long list of drivers to have taken part and will drive the Harrods 1901 Pope-Waverly, one of the oldest electric cars in the world.

The two-seater Pope-Waverly - built by Harrods in 1901 - has 2.2kW electric and a top speed of around 10mph. Unlike more modern EVs, the Pope-Waverly has a tiller instead of a steering wheel.

“I’m really looking forward to it and, while I’m now used to around 997 more horsepower, I’m sure I’ll rise to the challenge,” said ex-F1 racer, Chilton.

“Last year I happened to be out for a run when the cars were passing and I just sat on a wall and marvelled as they drove by. That’s why 12 months later I’m so excited to be actually driving one of those amazing vehicles and I really must thank those at Harrods for this wonderful opportunity to be taking part in an event I’ve loved for so long.”

Harrods built a number of vehicles during the early 1900s, and became a leader in battery powered vehicles, running electric delivery vans in London since the 1930s.