2001 Volkswagen Polo E Crowned 2026 Champion At Biggest Ever Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional  

The 12th Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional took place at Grimsthorpe Castle on Saturday, and it was the biggest FOTU yet. Tickets sold out ahead of the event, with 4500 fans of all things unexceptional witnessing a gathering of 2500 of the world’s most basic cars. 

Hagerty proved once again that unexceptional cars have a truly exceptional following with guests from all over the world enjoying not only the 50-star cars chosen to be a part of the renowned Concours de l’Ordinaire, but also a sea of thousands of mundane motors, driven to the event by FOTU fans, that stretched all the way down the driveway of Grimsthorpe Castle.  

Amongst the Ladas, Yugos and Austins were some truly unexceptional rarities including a Fiat Strada convertible, a Talbot Tagora and more than one Citroen LNA. Nestled amongst the cars were models that would be ignored by all but the most dedicated fan of rare FOTU-era cars including a Toyota Corona Mark II pick-up and a pristine Ford Sierra Sapphire 2.3d GL.  

Hagerty created the first Festival of the Unexceptional in 2014 as a celebration of long-forgotten everyday family cars, particularly those in base trim. Now celebrating cars from the 1970s to the early Millennium, the Festival attracts guests and cars from around the world, many of them younger enthusiasts. For most it is a labour of love, with many owners telling stories of the thousands of hours and pounds they have spent on their beloved vehicles, often way more than the cars are worth.   

The very best cars were presented in the Concours de L’Ordinaire on the lawn in front of Grimsthorpe Castle – 50 cars chosen to represent the finest mundane motors still on the road. This year, these special cars were judged by automotive legends Steve Cropley, Steph Hoy, Richard Bremner, Jesse Billington, Antony Ingram, Gary Axon, and Jon Bentley. After much deliberation and polite argument, a decision was reached.  

Third place was awarded to a 2001 Ford Focus owned by Jake Seddon. The car originally belonged to his Grandad, before being restored by his father and is now owned and enjoyed by Jake. The car was displayed alongside many family photos, particularly of his Grandad, one of which Jake proudly held while showing his winners trophy. Judges commended the condition of the car, its family connection and for being a perfect example of what FOTU is all about – restoring and maintaining a car many would have simply scrapped and forgotten about.  

A very rare 1992 Toyota Previa took second place, owned by Matt Swinn. This car is still well used by Matt, including hauling his band and their equipment all over the country. Despite heavy use, Matt meticulously maintains the car, one that was often seen as a useful family appliance when new and seldom cared for in the way this one has been. So dedicated is Matt to preserving the cars history, he even framed the 1990s sweet wrappers, receipts and other period rubbish found under the seats when he bought it.  

The 2026 Festival of the Unexceptional winner’s trophy was awarded to Gordon McNeill and his 2001 Volkswagen Polo E, and this car really shows what the FOTU Concours is all about. This car has battle scarred paintwork but has been owned and loved for 20 years. It was Gordon’s first car and is still the only car he has ever owned. 176,000 miles later, this car has been used for his wedding, laps around the Nürburgring, and has even taken him to Spain for a holiday. Still daily driven this base-spec, no frills, Polo is loved and cherished more than any supercar and shows true FOTU dedication and spirit.  

So impressed were the judges by the 2026 Concours selection they also had a number of cars they wanted to commend. A 1991 Ford P100 TD owned by Jack Duxbury, a 2000 Kia Clarus Wagon owned by Marwin Jansen, a 1986 Citroen Axel owned by Rick Martens, a 1982 Fiat 127 owned by Maia Egan and a 1994 Honda Civic Bali owned by Emma Rowe.  

Richard Porter, Top Gear and Grand Tour writer, author and 50% of the number one podcast Smith and Sniff, took part in the selection process for the 2026 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional Concours and mentioned on stage that every car submitted had merit, and to make the final 50 was a huge achievement in itself for the owners. 

A host of special guest cars appeared at the event too, with a selection of British Leyland prototypes, kindly supplied by the British Motor Museum. Cars on show included the very first Maestro to come off the production line and the Austin LC10 prototype that inspired it. A pre-production Austin Metro was also presented in the Hagerty Drivers Club members enclosure, one of 300 pre-production models created in 1980 and the car chosen to be the star of the Austin Rover stand at the 1980 Motor Show.  

National newspaper The Telegraph hosted a very special area featuring some wonderfully rare family cars as part of their UK’s Rarest car display. Cars included a striking Fiat Strada 5-Door, a capacious Nissan Prairie and a remarkably ordinary Alfa Romeo Arna. 

Away from the cars, the main stage was buzzing all day with live music and interviews that brought the show to life. Motoring podcast duo Smith and Sniff kept crowds entertained during their many stage performances and awarded the prizes at the end of the day.  

Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty UK, said “Wow. Just when we think the Festival of the Unexceptional can’t get any bigger, it grows again and is more spectacular than ever. What a delight to see the lawns of Grimsthorpe Castle covered with thousands of FOTU cars, being enjoyed by 4500 people from all around the world. Thanks to each and every person who came for their dedication, passion and support of all things FOTU. See you again next year.”