Oakville hosts the world-famous British car show

Collectors gather to share a love of British cars

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS ANDERSEN

Oakville’s Bronte Creek Provincial Park transformed into a showcase of British automobiles over the weekend.

The Toronto Triumph Club held its annual world famous British Car Day.

“I’ve been coming here since the beginning,” said Michael Veri, from Burlington.

“I’ve owned three British sports cars over the years, but my 1976 Triumph TR6 is my baby.”

British cars filled the parks with a variety of makes and models.

The event is a one-day event, attracting over 1,000 British cars.

Awards were given to contestants with the best car of their class, based on participant’s choice.

Lotuses, Jaguars, Triumphs, MGs, and Rolls Royces were all showcased at the event.

British car day is the largest British Car show in North America.

“My wife and I have been coming to British Car Day since 2008,” said Andy Nelson, from Oakville.

Nelson owns a white, 1967 Mini Cooper that he’s won awards for.

What is particularly noticeable about Nelson’s car is that it has a right-hand steering wheel.

When British manufacturers build cars for the North American market, the steering wheel is placed on the left hand side.

Only when the vehicle is built for European driving is the steering wheel on the right-hand side.

“It’s difficult making left hand turns, but the car is so small, it’s not a big deal,” said Nelson.

The event wasn’t limited to British cars; British motorcycles were also shown at the event.

Nortons, Triumphs, Royal Enfields and Vincents were all popular motorcycles on display.

In total, 100 car clubs were represented and more than 60 British-related vendors.

Some of those vendors were selling British treats.

Everything from beef liver pastries to haggis were all on offer from the food trucks.

There were also vendors selling British car parts, model cars and other accessories.

If there was an obscure part needed for a car, this was the place to find it.

The MG car club of Toronto was there, along with its members.

“Our club has been running since 1955, and we’ve never missed British Car Day,” said Peter Mittler, membership chair for the MG Car Club of Toronto.

The MG Car Club has 313 members, and take part in 32 events a year.

“MGs are popular cars because they’re beautiful, and they’re relatively affordable.”

Spectators don’t necessarily own British cars, but they have a connection with them.

“I was born in in London, England, so I’ve always had an affection towards British cars,” said Al Williams, a spectator from Brampton.

Williams has been attending British Car day for the past five years.

“British cars are a joy to drive, they have lots of character and they’re all unique,” said Williams.

Custom car builders also came to the event.

“I’ve been building my 1941 Jeep for three years now,” said Adam Everingham, who has a passion for World War II memorabilia.

Guns and other Second World War paraphernalia were hoisted on the Jeep.

“Everything is to date and authentic; a training Jeep would’ve looked exactly like this during the war,” said Everingham.

Two spectators dressed up like Marty McFly and “Doc” Brown, from the movie Back to the Future, stood in front of a row of DeLoreans.

“It was my son’s idea, he plans on buying a DeLorean and showcasing it here on British Car Day next year,” said Brown.

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For a Goole Street View of the car show click here: