FOTU 2023
Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2023 5:14 pm
For those wondering "what the fudge?", FOTU is the Festival Of The Unexceptional" hosted by Hagerty every year. You could argue that there's no way a 480 should go to such an event, but it's diluting down to be more of a classic show than "everyday humdrum cars, forgotten by nation" - But more on that later! I'd totally forgotten I'd booked it, but was reminded of it by Edie, so met up with her and fox early morning (you pay per car, not per person!) and heading to Grimsthorpe castle. It was here that my first gripe was formed.....
Not just the sheer length of the queue, but look at that fugly thing in front of us!
They should have seperate queues for spectators, so exhibitors can get in as quickly as possible. 45 minutes later, we were finally in..... and got to start the new parking area. Which meant I was at the furthest end of the field! Seymour managed to hold his own of course.
But once again.... notice that "classic" 05 plate Renault in the background of the last picture? As we wandered the field there were numerous vehicles that were barely 5 years old in the exhibitors field. Anyway, Edie managed to find a car to reminisce over - Even had her name on the plate!
And whilst wandering the field, I bumped into two fellow 480 owners (Instagram people, though they have both been prodded about the forum, and will hopefully be along to comment)
The keen of eye will notice that the green car was actually Rob's old car. You'll also notice both cars feature a red wing mirror, which neither of the Ladies would agree to replace to satisfy my OCD - in fact after I left, they sent me this
Was a great day (with the exception of overpriced food, too many modern cars and an absolute influx of wannabe "youtubers" wandering round talking drivel about cars). Katies Blue car was described as a 480 GT - Not because of the wheels but because if you look, a previous owner stuck a GT Badge on the front bumper! Oh and many myths about 480's were dispelled; my favourite of the day was "Yeah, you had to change both front foglamp bulbs at the same time, or the pop up lights would just keep going up and down!"
And the way home, we also achieved a mini milestone!
Not just the sheer length of the queue, but look at that fugly thing in front of us!
They should have seperate queues for spectators, so exhibitors can get in as quickly as possible. 45 minutes later, we were finally in..... and got to start the new parking area. Which meant I was at the furthest end of the field! Seymour managed to hold his own of course.But once again.... notice that "classic" 05 plate Renault in the background of the last picture? As we wandered the field there were numerous vehicles that were barely 5 years old in the exhibitors field. Anyway, Edie managed to find a car to reminisce over - Even had her name on the plate!
And whilst wandering the field, I bumped into two fellow 480 owners (Instagram people, though they have both been prodded about the forum, and will hopefully be along to comment)
The keen of eye will notice that the green car was actually Rob's old car. You'll also notice both cars feature a red wing mirror, which neither of the Ladies would agree to replace to satisfy my OCD - in fact after I left, they sent me this
Was a great day (with the exception of overpriced food, too many modern cars and an absolute influx of wannabe "youtubers" wandering round talking drivel about cars). Katies Blue car was described as a 480 GT - Not because of the wheels but because if you look, a previous owner stuck a GT Badge on the front bumper! Oh and many myths about 480's were dispelled; my favourite of the day was "Yeah, you had to change both front foglamp bulbs at the same time, or the pop up lights would just keep going up and down!"
And the way home, we also achieved a mini milestone!
