
Britain's most ‘unexceptional cars' revealed from teeny Honda to modest Toyota – does your motor make the cut?
The motors featured at a classic car show like no other where they celebrate the delightfully unremarkable.
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The Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional 2025 pretty much does what it says on the tin.
It's a festival of classic cars that were once considered commonplace but are now quite rare.
The festival took place on July 26 at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, with motor enthusiasts flocking from all over to get a sight of the wonderfully ordinary.
This year saw eligible cars cross into the 21st century with motors from 1970 to 2000 making an appearance.
Those on display included a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser VX Auto, a popular model known for its ruggedness and reliability.
With a powerful 4500cc engine and four wheel drive, this classic SUV has been conquering different terrains with ease for decades.
The VX model is actually higher-trim model and often included more luxury features such as leather upholstery and heated seats.
From its beginnings in 1951, the Land Cruiser is the longest produced vehicle in Toyota's history.
Also featuring was a teeny flame red 1994 Honda Jazz, or Honda City as it was known in other markets.
The small, nippy city car featured a 1251cc engine producing 55 brake horsepower.
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It's thought that this specific motor is the oldest known example in the UK with just four licensed on the road.
It was sold in Europe between 1984 and 1985 and was positioned as a smaller alternative to the iconic Honda Civic.
Classic car enthusiasts were also treated to the delightfully unremarkable 1988 Peugeot 205.
The popular and iconic motor was a small, lightweight hatchback known for its fun driving experience and sharp handling.
The GTi model, particularly the 1.9 litre version, is highly sought after by collectors today.
Also on show was a 1984 Ford Sierra with a 2.8 litre engine.
It was a European mid-size car at the time known for its aerodynamic design and available in various body style configurations.
It replaced the Ford Cortina/Taunus and was later replaced by the much-loved Mondeo.
With hundreds of other motors on show, judges were looking for the quirkiest, most charming examples of everyday classics with extra points for the most basic specifications.
Coming out on top was a 1992 Skoda Favorit Forum, which not only took top prize but the People's Choice Award too.
The 22-year-old owner rescued the car from scrapping and the car's super basic specification - with not even a radio fitted - won the judges over.
A 1999 Ford Mondeo came a close second with third place awarded to a bright yellow 1979 Citroen Visa Club - one of just three surviving in the UK.
And despite being relatively cheap cars, their owners lavished as much care over them as they would on something worth a lot more.
For many, the owners and their stories were just as interesting as the motors on display.
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