This 30 year old Daihatsu Applause has been named the most ‘unexceptional’ car, from one of the most bang-average eras in UK motoring.
Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional is an annual event that celebrates long-forgotten, everyday family cars from 1968-1989 - now fondly known as the ‘Unexceptional Era’.
Last year’s winner was a 1994 Vauxhall Astra Merit with an unremarkable 1.4 litre petrol engine.
And this year’s main prize went to the Daihatsu Applause and its owner Stephen Pike.
Remarkably, Stephen had driven the Applause from his native Sweden to the event, held at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, just days after completing the restoration.
That’s a journey of some 900 miles, and Stephen said: “I love unusual cars, the Applause was unloved, and I was on a mission to save it. Hopefully, it's going to be around for a few more years now.”
The runner-up in the ‘Concours d’Ordinaire’ competition was a 1983 Austin Metro owned by Sion Hudson, who spent two years trying to find the original parts to return the supermini to its former ‘glory’.
Meanwhile third place went to a 1993 Subaru Justy, driven from the Netherlands to the UK by owner Hugo Naaijkens. Hugo, an avid Subaru WRC fan, only recently passed his driving test but has already vowed never to sell his beloved Justy.
Other highlights included a 5000-mile Vauxhall Cavalier and the only Yugo Sana in the UK.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, added “This was, without doubt, the biggest and best Festival of the Unexceptional ever. After weeks of rain the sun shone, the crowds gathered, and we had an incredible day. What impressed me the most was the amount of young owners bringing their cars along, suggesting Unexceptional-era cars are the next big thing in young driver car culture. We will be back next year to celebrate 10-years of Unexceptional cars with a truly exceptional event.”
Sales of Daihatsu motor cars have now ceased across Europe, while the Austin name now belongs to SAIC Motor, which owns UK firm MG.
You can, however, lease a Subaru with Select - and modern Subarus are far from ‘unexceptional’! The rugged, dependable, all-wheel drive Subaru XV hatchback can be yours from around £462 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 31/07/23.
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