Anglia Car Auctions at the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional (FOTU)

The Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional 2026 (FOTU) is a unique event that celebrates everyday cars from the 1970s to the early 2000s, shining a spotlight on the vehicles that were once common sights on British roads. These are the models that may once have sat on your parents’ driveway, transported you on family holidays or were your very first car. FOTU embraces the unglamorous but much-loved vehicles that formed the backbone of daily motoring life in Britain for decades.

From the humble Ford Cortina to the once-ubiquitous Vauxhall Astra, this event isn't about rarity or high-performance supercars. It's about relatability and charm. In a world where car shows often prioritise the exotic and expensive, the Festival offers a refreshing counterpoint: a heartfelt celebration of the cars that were never designed to be exceptional but which have become special precisely because they survived when most did not.

We have teamed up with Hagerty FOTU to give away tickets to the event, with two lucky winners each receiving a pair. Enter your details for the chance to win.

Win FOTU Tickets

Visit Our Marquee

At our ACA marquee, visitors can explore a curated selection of classic vehicles that exemplify the charm and character of the unexceptional car era. From estate cars that ferried children to school to saloons that served in fleet service, our display is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the road. We’ll be showcasing an eclectic mix of marques, including models from Austin, Rover, Peugeot, Datsun and many more. Our team of enthusiasts and specialists will be on hand to share stories, answer questions and provide insight into current trends in the classic car market, including rising interest in so-called ‘everyman’ classics.

Whether you’re curious about owning your first classic or a seasoned collector interested in the growing popularity of retro daily drivers, FOTU 2026 is a place to learn, connect and reminisce.

Event Highlights

Concours de l’Ordinaire
A centrepiece of the Festival, this tongue-in-cheek concours event rewards originality and everyday appeal over glitz and glamour. Judges evaluate each car on authenticity, condition and how evocative it is of its era. Pristine examples of the Ford Sierra, Lada Riva or even a well-kept Nissan Micra might steal the show.

Classic Cars
A nostalgic display of unexceptional classic cars from decades past for your viewing pleasure.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Held in the picturesque grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, the Festival is more than just a car event. Children’s activities, artisan food stalls and picnic spots make it an ideal outing for families. Explore the historic estate, enjoy the sunshine and soak in the nostalgia of a time when motoring was simpler and arguably more charming.

Join Us

Whether you're a classic car enthusiast or simply appreciate the nostalgia of everyday vehicles from decades past, FOTU offers a delightful and unpretentious experience. It’s a chance to celebrate cars that were once taken for granted but now spark fond memories. Come and share your stories, learn about the restoration journey of others and experience the unique camaraderie that comes with appreciating the ordinary.

Competition: Win Tickets to the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional 2026

Celebrate the charm of everyday classics with the chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to the Festival of the Unexceptional 2026, the much-loved concours for the ordinary cars of yesteryear. Held on Saturday, 25th July 2026, this unique event showcases the best of Britain’s unremarkable but beloved vehicles from the '70s, '80s and '90s, right up to 2001.

From beige saloons to forgotten family hatchbacks, the Festival offers nostalgia, humour and heartfelt admiration for the cars that once filled driveways across the nation.

Enter now for a chance to attend this wonderfully quirky celebration of the everyday car.

Win tickets

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 25th July 2026
Time: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Grimsthorpe Castle, Grimsthorpe, Bourne PE10 0LY
Tickets: Book Online

Full Event Information

We look forward to seeing you there!