In the United States, there is currently no car show quite like the Festival of the Unexceptional in Britain. This unique event, organized by Hagerty, celebrates ordinary cars from the 1960s to the 1990s that have survived the test of time despite their unassuming nature. It is a gathering of vehicles that were once common on the roads but have become increasingly scarce over the years.
The Festival of the Unexceptional, which began in 2014, has gained significant momentum in recent years. It showcases a sea of vehicles like Austin Allegros and Vauxhall Cavaliers, which were once the cars your elderly neighbor might have owned in the 1980s. These utilitarian transports, which most people would have discarded long ago, now stand as remarkable survivors.
One of the event’s highlights is the Concours de l’Ordinaire, a competition limited to just 50 cars and judged by a panel of automotive experts. Attention to detail and originality are highly regarded in this category, where having the correct tool set for an MG Metro can make a difference.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, commends the Festival of the Unexceptional, recognizing its unique appeal and the commitment of its participants. He enjoys witnessing the gathering of hundreds of cars worthy of the event at Grimsthorpe Castle each year.
If a similar event were to take place in the United States, it would likely feature a diverse range of vehicles that were once commonplace but have now become rare finds. Cars such as the Daewoo Leganza, Ford Topaz, Renault Encore, Chevy Chevette, Daihatsu Charade, Mercury Monarch, Eagle Medallion, Geo Spectrum, Audi Fox, and many others that have faded from public memory would grace the show. However, since the Festival of the Unexceptional primarily showcases British-market cars, certain American models like the Geo Spectrum would not be represented at an American edition of the event.
Hosting a US version of the Festival of the Unexceptional might require organizing regional events similar to Radwood, another car show now owned by Hagerty. Radwood focuses on rare and spectacular cars from a specific era, making it distinct from the Festival of the Unexceptional. To capture the essence of the British event, a US edition would need to encompass a broader chronological range.
While the concept of a Festival of the Unexceptional in the United States presents exciting possibilities, it would require careful planning and adaptation to cater to the American car culture. Nonetheless, such an event could provide a platform to appreciate the everyday cars that were once an integral part of American roads.
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