The Concours de l’Ordinaire selection.
Hagerty’s Festival of the Unexceptional, a unique celebration of everyday classic cars, is set to return to Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire on Saturday, July 27th, 2024. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, which has grown into a must-attend event for automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the charm and nostalgia of ‘unexceptional’ vehicles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The event promises a full day of fun, with gates open from 7 am to 7 pm.
In anticipation of the 2024 festival, the Concours de l’Ordinaire selection has been revealed. This lighthearted take on the traditional concours format will showcase some of the UK’s finest base-model cars. Among the star cars are Leigh Davis’s Alfa Romeo 145 1.6 Boxer, Martin Lawson’s Audi 80, and Colin Corke’s Austin Mini Metro. These vehicles, often overlooked in the annals of automotive history, will be judged on their originality, condition, rarity, and ownership stories. The judging panel, including automotive experts Steve Cropley, Danny Hopkins, and Richard Bremner, will award trophies to the most exceptional examples of unexceptional cars.
The festival will feature a variety of activities and special guests. Jonny Smith and Richard Porter, hosts of the popular automotive podcast Smith and Sniff, will bring their unique brand of entertainment to the event. They will host interactive stage shows, including “The Wheeltrim of Misfortune,” a quiz with a car expert twist, and “Chod Swap Shop,” where attendees can swap car-related items. Additionally, a live recording of the Smith and Sniff podcast will take place, complete with an audience Q&A session. With thousands of mundane motors on display and a range of engaging activities, the 2024 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional promises to be a delightful day out for car enthusiasts of all ages.
