Ottawa’s annual All British Car Day is a way for organizers to share their passion for British automobiles with the public, says lead organizer Michael Solonynko.

The 2024 event happens Saturday, July 13 at Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St., Nepean.

The one thing that surprises people, who are not owners of classic British cars, is how user accessible these vehicles are compared to modern-day vehicles, Solonynko adds.

“That means they can be worked on by the owner; try doing that with a modern, complex, and sophisticated 2024 hybrid,” he said via email. “This means that owning one opens a door to learning skills that a modern vehicle doesn’t. This may include anything from mechanical repair to bodywork, to interior design.”

He has upgraded both of his classic vehicles to make them safer and more enjoyable.

Some owners use modern processes such as additive manufacturing to reproduce hard-to-find parts, and will use 3D printers, computer-controlled hobby lathes or computer numerical control (CNC) machines to do so.

“I have 3D printed parts for my classic cars and it has been an exciting opportunity to learn these new technologies,” he said.

The public can learn about this and more from the owners showcasing their classic British cars. About 150 or more vehicles are expected and the show is open to all British makes and models, both new and old, as well as trucks (a.k.a. lorries) and motorcycles.

This year’s event also highlights the 50th anniversary of the Triumph TR7 and TR8 sports cars. The first TR7 was sold in 1974 as a 1975 model year, and 2024 represents 50 years since its public unveiling. The TR8 is essentially the same car, but with an eight-cylinder engine stuffed into it. Both cars were popular in Canada and the United States.

Besides the Triumphs, visitors can expect to see other historic marques, including MG, Sunbeam and Sprinter, and some newer vehicles from Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren, Rolls Royce, Bentley and more.

All British Car Day runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free for the general public.

More information is available at britishcardayottawa.ca.