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Finalists Revealed For The 2025 Hagerty Festival Of The Unexceptional At Grimsthorpe Castle
The Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional is set to return to Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire on 26th July 2025. This event, now in its 11th year, celebrates ordinary cars that were once common sights on roads and in car parks. These vehicles are cherished for their practicality and affordability, having played a significant role in motoring history.
In 2024, the festival saw record attendance with over 2,000 cars and more than 4,000 visitors. The upcoming event promises to be even larger, featuring a live recording of the Smith and Sniff podcast, various speakers, entertainment, live music, and diverse food and drink options for families. The highlight will be the Concours de l’Ordinaire, showcasing fifty unexceptional cars on the lawns of Grimsthorpe Castle.
The Concours de l’Ordinaire will feature fifty finalists chosen from hundreds of entries. These cars will be judged by a panel of experts. Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, stated: "Selecting fifty finalists from the long list of entries has been harder than ever." He added that while these cars might have been unexceptional in their day, they now hold unique memories.
A preview of the 2025 Concours includes ten finalists that embody the spirit of unexceptional cars. Among them is the 1982 Austin Allegro Series 3 1.3 HLS. Known for its distinctive design and quartic steering wheel, it was a popular family car despite its unconventional appearance.
The Bedford Rascal from 1986 is another finalist. This small van was known for its agility and was a common sight in towns during the 1980s. Despite its modest engine size, it became an icon of British motoring culture.
The Datsun Cherry 100A from 1976 is also featured. With only 6,000 miles on its odometer, this model remains original and has never been shown before. Its reliability and stylish design made it a favourite among small car enthusiasts.
Memorable Vehicles
The Ford Escort from 1984 represents another era-defining vehicle. While many classic car shows feature high-performance models like the XR3i or Mexico, this basic Escort with its original features captures the essence of everyday motoring.
Another notable entry is the Perodua Nippa EX from 1998. Described as basic transportation by Top Gear at the time, this Malaysian-built car was known for being affordable yet functional.
Reviving Memories
The Skoda Favorit Forum from 1992 highlights how perceptions have changed over time. Once joked about due to its Czech origins, this model found success with its practical design and reliable performance.
The Vauxhall Cavalier from 1982 rounds out this selection of finalists. Popular among sales representatives in the '80s, this particular model has been lovingly restored after spending years off-road.
A Day Full of Events
Gates open at Grimsthorpe Castle at 7:30 am on July 26th for owners of unexceptional and classic vehicles to enjoy a full day packed with events until 5 pm. It promises to be an enjoyable family outing as attendees celebrate these memorable yet ordinary cars.
The Volkswagen Polo celebrates its half-century anniversary in 2025 with a finalist entry at FOTU. Its owner’s journey across Europe to acquire one reflects how these vehicles continue to evoke nostalgia among enthusiasts today.
The Volvo 240 DL remains an iconic model known for safety and comfort rather than style but was beloved by many families during its production years.
These ten finalists represent just part of what attendees can expect at Grimsthorpe Castle alongside thousands more enthusiasts celebrating their shared love for these seemingly unremarkable vehicles that hold special places in people’s hearts.
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