The 2015 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional was a huge success. We had over fifty finalists in the Concours de L’Ordinare, bringing such diverse classics as the Austin Allegro, the Morris Ital, and even a couple of Fiat 127s. Some very rare cars also attended: who can say they have seen a Skoda 1000 MB recently, or a Subaru MV pickup?
After a long deliberation (in the bar) by our five superb judges (Baron Jonathan Evans of Weardale, Jon Burgess, editor of Classics Monthly, Danny Hopkins, editor of Practical Classics magazine, Tanya Field, unexceptional aficionado and organiser of the Pride of Longbridge and Sam Skelton, who writes for various magazines including our own Hagerty Newsletter), the winners were announced. They were Barry Williams (1978 White Ford Escort 1600, Best in Show), Gavin Bushby (1978 Fiat 127, Second Place) and Chris Reed ( 1974 Hillman Avenger Super Estate, Public Vote).
Hagerty’s 2015 Festival of the Unexceptional was blessed with good weather throughout, and attracted a large number of visitors, plus a few famous faces including Nicholas Parsons, Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams, and Jon Bentley from The Gadget Show. The event was also covered by Radio 4, who sent Bob Walker along to interview the competitors, plus camera crews from the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, and many of the classic car magazines.
Speaking at the end of the Festival, Hagerty MD Angus Forsyth said: “The 2015 Festival of the Unexceptional was a super day. We’ve seen some stunning cars, enjoyed the sunshine, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Roll on 2016!”
