When you hear the term ‘Concours,’ most car nuts automatically think of a luxurious car gathering of rare, extremely expensive classic cars. Yes, that’s the norm.
But not for the popular Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional Concours which takes place at Grimsthorpe Castle in the UK on July 26. This is a festival of cars that, well, don’t stand out. They are mundane and down to earth. And this year, some 50 unexceptional cars will participate in the international Concours de l’Ordinaire, which celebrates everything from the Austin Allegro to the Volvo 240.
Just to prove how popular this concours is, over 2,000 cars and more than 4,000 guests were welcomed to the event last year. Now in its 11th year, this unique motoring event celebrates the unexceptional cars that once dominated motorways and supermarket car parks, loved by families across the country for their affordability and practicality.
The 2025 event is expected to bigger than ever, with the return of a live recording of the Smith and Sniff podcast to the stage, a host of speakers and entertainment, live music and a diverse range of food and drink for the whole family.
The highlight will be the Concours de l’Ordinaire, fifty unexceptional cars displayed on the lawns in front of the impressive Grimsthorpe Castle. The fifty finalists have been selected from hundreds of entries and like any concours, will be judged on the day by an esteemed panel of judges.
“Selecting fifty finalists from the long list of entries has been harder than ever,” says Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International. “While many of the cars might have been unexceptional in their day, today they have a lifetime of memories that make each one exceptional in its own way. We are immensely excited to see this celebration of motoring history assembled on the lawns at Grimsthorpe Castle in what again promises to be a wonderful family day out.”
As a preview to the 2025 Concours, the FOTU selection committee have selected ten finalists that epitomise the spirit of unexceptional cars.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
So who are the contenders?? Cars that made this year’s finalist list include the 1984 Austin Montego 1.6L, the 1986 Bedford Rascal, the 1976 Datsun Cherry 100A, the 1984 Ford Escort, the 1998 Perodua Nippa, the 1992 Skoda Favorit Forum, the 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier, the 1997 VW Polo 6N, and the 1984 Volvo 240 and a few more. Who do you think should win?