British Car Day Dayton celebrates 30th anniversary Aug. 2

British Car Day in Dayton, Ohio is celebrating its 30th annual gathering on Saturday, Aug. 2. Organizers are expecting more than 325 pieces of British sheetmetal from across the Midwest to attend.

Registration is $15, and if you sign up before July 11, you get a free British Car Day T-shirt. Day-of-show registration is $15; spectators are free. Go to www.britishcardaydayton.com to register online.

The event is presented--and was founded--by the MG Car Club SW Ohio Centre and the Miami Valley Triumphs. The two clubs joined forces 23 years ago. Their first event drew only 25 cars.

The show gives awards in 37 classes including, but not limited to, Aston Martin, Austin Healey, “Diamond in the Rough,” Jaguar E-Type, Minis new and old, Spitfire 1500 and a handful of Triumph-specific classes. Additionally, the Rangers Choice, Longest Drive and Best of Show awards are presented by the British Museum of Transportation.

Last year's Best in Show award was given to Greg Sipe, owner of a 1955 Austin Healey 100/4 that has also received awards at the Dayton Concours d'Elegance and a few other British shows.

The cars will be on display on the lawn at Eastwood MetroPark on Harshman Road in Dayton. Extra spaces will be filled by vendors with new and used auto parts, memorabilia, full-service concessions and more than 100 door prizes for entrants.

Dash plaques are guaranteed for the first 325 entrants. Email DaytonBCD@gmail.com for more information and to register.

Skip Peterson
Greg Sipe of Dayton drives his 1955 Austin Healey 100/4 to the award area to receive his Best of Show award. He also won his class.

By Jake Lingeman