The 10th Anniversary Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional was a huge success at Grimsthorpe Castle, drawing a record crowd. Over 2 000 cars and more than 4 000 guests enjoyed the Lincolnshire sunshine on Saturday, making it the biggest event yet and a period correct Hilux has claimed the event honours.
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Hagerty started the Festival of the Unexceptional in 2014 to celebrate long-forgotten everyday family cars from 1968-1989, now known as the ‘Unexceptional Era.’ Each year, the event has grown in size and reputation, attracting car enthusiasts from around the world.
This year’s 10th-anniversary event was the biggest and best yet, with thousands of FOTU cars displayed on the front lawns of Grimsthorpe Castle. Fifty standout cars competed in the Concours, showcasing the finest examples of everyday cars. The live stage featured two rounds of a Smith and Sniff gameshow and a live podcast recording, drawing hundreds of spectators. Special guest cars included the last Austin Montego ever made, provided by the British Motor Museum. Event sponsor Sustain Fuels answered questions about using synthetic fuel in modern classics. The castle grounds were filled with FOTU-era cars, from a Vauxhall Belmont to a base-spec W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and everything in between. Many owners travelled hundreds of miles to attend.
The main Concours event featured 50 cars representing the finest mundane cars globally. Lead Judge and Practical Classics Editor Danny Hopkins praised the 2024 Concours selection as the best in the event’s history. Judges highly commended several entries, including Lewis Dickson’s Citroen Visa, Christopher Lloyd’s rare Daewoo Lanos, and Damian Brannigan’s 1993 Fiat Panda. Colin Corke received the Chairman Award for his Applejack Metro, showing persistence pays off at FOTU after entering cars for the past eight years without winning.
The Retro Repmobile Award went to Luca Alpert and his daily-driven Nissan Primera. At 21, Luca drove from Hanover to participate, showcasing his passion for the car and the event. Second place went to Amy Jaine and her 1998 Renault Clio, originally owned by her grandmother. Amy rescued the Clio from being scrapped, now using it to take her grandmother on outings, continuing the car’s legacy.
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The highlight of the event was Mitch Lewis and his pristine 1982 Toyota Hilux, which won the 2024 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional trophy. The Hilux, used on a fruit farm since it was new, remains completely original and immaculate. To prepare for the event, Mitch simply cleaned the car well and drove it to the festival. His dedication and the vehicle’s excellent condition earned him the top honour.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Celebrating 10 years of FOTU is a milestone, and we did it in style. Thanks to the thousands of enthusiasts who joined us and the special guests who brought the main stage to life. The Festival of the Unexceptional is crucial for the future of classic cars, with many young enthusiasts showcasing their FOTU-era cars. Hagerty is committed to supporting UK car culture and will continue to grow the Festival of the Unexceptional and RADwood in the years to come.”
The 2024 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional was a testament to the enduring appeal of these often-overlooked cars, with the Toyota Hilux standing out as a true champion among them.
