By far the least enjoyable part of car ownership, insurance! - Hagerty, a well known name in insurance, has recently focused its uninteresting business to host the most unexceptional car meet to date. On 27th July, owners of some of the most lacklustre and uninspiring cars came together to show off their vehicles. Examples that you would be unlikely to see on the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance.

As car owners, we often strive for the fastest, priciest and most exhilarating. Yet more often than not, our love of cars came from our parents, who’s base-model Mondeo or Chevette was their pride and joy. Stoked possibly by our memories of holidays, we sat on those standard cloth rear seats, one wiper setting, and a crackly tape-deck if lucky. We now often overlook these cars in the collecting community. Many were driven into the ground… or into something else after they were handed down to the younger members of the family. And as each year goes by, less and less of these base model beauties are on the UK’s roads. 

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“It’s not beige, it’s harvest gold!"

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This sideways thinking event, held this year at Grimsthorpe Castle (itself a somewhat beige sounding location) is now in its 10th year. Unlike more traditional car shows, numbers of show cars were strictly limited to only 50. Owners were required to send in photos of their cars along with their applications. A strict rule book dictated that all cars shown must be built between 1969 and 1999, and be truly unacceptional to qualify for the Concours de L’Ordinaire. So no appearances of Delta Integrales or 911s at this event. You’re more likely to come across Passats and Puntos.

This year's event drew star power too, with an appearance of Richard Hammond and Mike Brewer, mingling with the owners and aficionados, as well as hosting panel discussions for the crowd. With children, dogs and picnics welcome, and the all important bar open, the event was a great family gathering for all involved. 

With the exception of 2020, the event has run annually since 2014, in previous years, judges have crowned winners including a Nissan Cherry Europe GTi, a Morris Marina, a Proton Saloon and a Daihatsu Applause, among others.

The winning vehicle this year was a pristine 1982 Toyota Hilux, which was originally used on a strawberry farm. Second place was awarded to a great looking Renault Clio. The judges were also sure to give honourable mentions to a Fiat Panda, Citroën Visa and an Austin Metro.

I’d like to believe that events like this, to celebrate the marvellously mundane in the motorsport world will be on the up, as more and more of our parents' era motors are restored to their former glories.

More details and tickets for next years event can be found here: https://www.hagerty.co.uk/official-events/hagerty-festival-of-the-unexceptional/