Toyota HiLux Wins Best in Show at Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional

At the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, an annual event celebrating everyday cars from 1968 to 1989, the spotlight shone on a remarkable winner, the Toyota HiLux. This unmodified 1982 HiLux farm ute, owned by Mitch Lewis, clinched the prestigious Best in Show title, showcasing the beauty found in ordinary vehicles lost to time.

The event, held at Grimsthorpe Castle in the UK, marked the 10th Festival of the Unexceptional, attracting a staggering 2000 cars and 4000 enthusiasts. The essence of the festival lies in honoring cars that resonate with the masses – vehicles that evoke nostalgia, be it the first car one drove, a parent’s vehicle, or a cherished neighbor’s car.

In addition to the triumphant HiLux, other notable entries included a 1998 Renault Clio, owned by Amy Jaine and inherited from her grandmother, and a 1991 Nissan Primera, driven all the way from Hanover, Germany, by 21-year-old Luca Alpert, who received the Retro Repmobile award. Colin Corke’s 1981 Austin Metro secured the prestigious Chairman’s Award, while cars like the Citroen Visa, 1993 Fiat Panda, and a rare Daewoo Lanos, one of only five remaining in the UK, received high commendations.

The Festival of the Unexceptional, as highlighted by Hagerty International managing director Mark Roper, plays a pivotal role in preserving classic cars, attracting young enthusiasts who proudly display their FOTU-era vehicles. This event, akin to the US-based RADwood organized by Hagerty, celebrates the automotive heritage of the past, fostering a deep appreciation for cars from bygone eras.

While such unique car shows thrive in the UK and the US, Australia currently lacks a similar platform to honor its unexceptional automotive history. This void presents a distinct opportunity for Australian enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate humble vehicles like the Camira, Sigma, and Laser, vehicles that have played a significant role in the country’s motoring landscape.

The success and popularity of events like the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional underscore the enduring appeal of ordinary cars that hold extraordinary stories within their unassuming exteriors. As automotive enthusiasts continue to cherish and preserve these relics of the past, the legacy of unexceptional cars remains a vibrant and integral part of the broader classic car community.