The 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional recently crowned the winner of its annual event, showcasing ordinary and everyday family cars from the years 1969-1999. This year, the top prize went to a 1982 Toyota Hilux, owned by Mitch Lewis. The Hilux was originally purchased by an elderly lady who used it on a strawberry farm, accumulating just 10,000 miles before Lewis bought it. Despite its age, Lewis has only added another 10,000 miles to the odometer during his ownership. The car still bears small dents from the impact of strawberry punnets, but a simple wash was enough to restore its authentic appearance.
Mitch Lewis, overwhelmed by his win, expressed his surprise and delight, calling the Hilux his pride and joy. One of the judges, Jon Bentley, praised the vehicle for its exceptional condition, noting that most Hilux trucks are typically used and abused before being scrapped. However, this particular Hilux had been treated gently throughout its life on the farm, allowing it to survive in pristine condition.
The judges, including Autocar’s Steve Cropley, dubbed the Hilux as “surely the best one in the world.” Out of the dozens of finalists, including a Zastava Yugo, Volvo 145, and Vauxhall Nova, the Hilux stood out as the most exceptional.
The Festival of the Unexceptional, now in its tenth year, attracted over 4,000 people and 2,000 cars. The event aims to celebrate and preserve ordinary, everyday vehicles that would typically go unnoticed and eventually disappear. Bentley explained that these cars are not aspirational like Ferraris or Lamborghinis, but they are vehicles that have quietly endured and become part of automotive history.
The festival, first held in 2014 and recently returning to Grimsthorpe Castle, is described as a celebration of the “Unexceptional Era,” focusing on long-forgotten family cars from 1969-1999.
In conclusion, the 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional showcased the best of ordinary, everyday cars, with the 1982 Toyota Hilux taking the top prize. This event highlights the importance of preserving and appreciating vehicles that may not be flashy or glamorous but have played a significant role in the lives of many people. The festival brings together car enthusiasts who recognize the value of these unexceptional cars and their contribution to automotive history.
