Car Festival of the Unexceptional

[Nick]

I've just bought my ticket to the premier car show of the year, The Festival of the Unexceptional 
It's a celebration of ordinary everyday classic cars. The sort we all think of as being dull and commonplace and wouldn't really miss. The standard trim Rover 25, the poverty spec 80s Fiesta, the bland Honda Accord.
The lower spec models have a better chance of winning as they are rarer. 

My mate Chris has restored his Dad's Triumph Toledo after 30+ years in the garage and it looks amazing in photos. It stands a good chance on the concours.


https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/events-articles/festival-of-the-unexceptional/hagertys-festival-of-the-unexceptional-returns-on-31-july-to-celebrate-the-most-marvellously-mundane-motor-cars/

https://carfestivalbooking.com/events/festival-of-the-unexceptional-2021

[PR19_Kit]

I've always liked the idea of that show, I may try and get there.

Thanks for the link Nick. 

[scooter]

Sounds like a tamer Concours d'Lemons

[PR19_Kit]

Maybe not, the Brit event shows pretty standard cars, anything customised in any way wouldn't be allowed an entry.

[scooter]

Maybe not, the Brit event shows pretty standard cars, anything customised in any way wouldn't be allowed an entry.

Depends on if you're entering a "special class".  If they come back around again to the NJ Motorsports Park, I have thought about entering the 850 into the Swedish Meatballs ('74 to current) class.

[PR19_Kit]

I have thought about entering the 850 into the Swedish Meatballs ('74 to current) class.

Hehehe I guess I could do that with my 850 too, but it's a bit too modern for the UK event yet. Not to mention being far too scruffy, I mean I might have to CLEAN it!

[Martin H]

the poverty spec 80s Fiesta.

Ohhh that brings back some good memories of my first car around 1990. 
A mk-1 Ford Fiesta 1.1L. I can still remember the reg. DRP560X. Basic and spartan just about sums it up but by god! it was fun to drive. 

I doubt it is still around, If it was I'd love to buy it back.

[Pellson]

There was, for a while, a Swedish FB group focusing on cars like this. Initially, it was general discussions on any old(er) car, but as time wore on, it got more and more fanatic until, at the time I felt left behind, the only cars really accepted in the group were beige late 1980s Opel Kadetts (that's Vauxhall for some of you) in cheapest possible version.  They were praised as the epitome of vehicle design and some people paid stupid money to buy one.

I never quite got that, being more into Alfa Romeos, Jaguars and Land Rovers. But each to his own..

[PR19_Kit]

Ohhh that brings back some good memories of my first car around 1990. 
A mk-1 Ford Fiesta 1.1L. I can still remember the reg. DRP560X. Basic and spartan just about sums it up but by god! it was fun to drive. 

I doubt it is still around, If it was I'd love to buy it back.

Last taxed in March 1997, and not SORN'd either.

[zenrat]

There's a TR7 convertible in the pics on the festival website.  Surely that's a bit too exciting.  I mean there's good chance it'll bursting into flames at any moment...

[scooter]

There's a TR7 convertible in the pics on the festival website.  Surely that's a bit too exciting.  I mean there's good chance it'll bursting into flames at any moment...

Hope the organizers have arranged for a strong fire and medical service presence at the event.   

[Martin H]

Ohhh that brings back some good memories of my first car around 1990. 
A mk-1 Ford Fiesta 1.1L. I can still remember the reg. DRP560X. Basic and spartan just about sums it up but by god! it was fun to drive. 

I doubt it is still around, If it was I'd love to buy it back.

Last taxed in March 1997, and not SORN'd either.

Pity.  97? That was around  the time i traded in its replacement for my 2nd Rover 216

[63cpe]

A friend went there a couple of years ago. He's got 6 Austin Allegro's.

He's also member of a Dutch car club by the name of "elk merk waardig". Freely translated as "every brand is worthy". So every brand is ok, as long as the type is unloved, underrated, not commercially successful, quirky or curious. Very much fun indeed as none of the drivers take themselves that serious. In contrast to some other car club members.

In an event usually cars like Ford Sierra, any Skoda, FSO Polonez, Austin Maxi, Axel, Talbot Tagora, any Zastava, any NSU, Hyundai Pony, Daihatsu, Early Suzuki's, Reliant and Austin Maestro participate

Much fun I can tell you.

David Aka 63cpe

[Pellson]

Very much fun indeed as none of the drivers take themselves that serious. In contrast to some other car club members.

Yeah, yeah.. 

In my defence, I owned a Ford Mondeo Mk 3 for a few months before trading it for a Jaguar. On the upside, it had the V6 engine as well as some wood inside, even in the steering wheel.

[63cpe]

as well as some wood inside, even in the steering wheel.

Ah, real wood from fake plastic trees are always a plus in or on any car!

David aka 63cpe