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Pristine 1982 Toyota Hilux Takes Top Honours At Hagerty Festival
Thousands gathered at Grimsthorpe Castle on Saturday for the 10th anniversary of the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional. The event saw over 2000 cars and more than 4000 guests in attendance. A pristine, unrestored 1982 Toyota Hilux won first place in the Concours, while a 1998 Renault Clio with a rich family history secured second place.
The festival, which began in 2014, celebrates everyday family cars from 1968-1989, known as the 'Unexceptional Era'. Over the years, it has grown significantly, attracting a global audience. This year’s event was the largest yet, with thousands of FOTU cars displayed across Grimsthorpe Castle's lawns and 50 standout vehicles in the concours.
The live stage featured two rounds of a Smith and Sniff gameshow and a live podcast recording that drew hundreds of spectators. Special guest cars included the last Austin Montego ever produced, provided by the British Motor Museum. Event sponsor Sustain Fuels also answered questions about synthetic fuel for modern classics.
Among the notable mentions was Lewis Dickson's Citroen Visa with only 4,000 miles on it. The car had been stored outside his workplace for years before he acquired it. Christopher Lloyd's Daewoo Lanos, one of just five left on UK roads, also received commendation. Damian Brannigan’s standard 1993 Fiat Panda was another highlight.
The Chairmans Award went to Colin Corke for his Applejack Metro. Colin has entered a car for eight years without winning until now. The Retro Repmobile Award was given to Luca Alpert for his Nissan Primera. Luca travelled from Hanover to participate and drives the Primera daily.
Amy Jaine’s 1998 Renault Clio earned second place. Originally owned by her grandmother, Amy saved it from being scrapped and now uses it to take her grandmother on outings. Mitch Lewis won first place with his immaculate 1982 Toyota Hilux, which has been used on a fruit farm since new but remains completely original.
Event Evolution and Future Plans
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, remarked on the significance of celebrating ten years of FOTU in style. He thanked enthusiasts and special guests who contributed to making the event memorable. "Festival of the Unexceptional is an important part of securing the future of classic cars," he said.
Hagerty aims to continue supporting UK car culture through events like FOTU and RADwood UK. The company is committed to growing these events in future years to keep classic car enthusiasm alive among younger generations.
The public display showcased an eclectic mix ranging from a Vauxhall Belmont to a base-spec W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Many owners travelled hundreds of miles to participate in this unique celebration of mundane cars.
Lead Judge Danny Hopkins praised this year's Concours selection as the finest in its ten-year history. The judges commended several participants for their dedication to preserving unexceptional cars that hold sentimental value.
The festival not only celebrated ordinary family cars but also highlighted their historical significance and cultural impact over decades. It brought together car enthusiasts from various backgrounds to share their passion for these often-overlooked vehicles.
The event concluded with attendees enjoying live music, Q&A sessions, and a Paul Cowland Pub Quiz on the main stage. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as people bonded over their shared love for unexceptional yet cherished automobiles.
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