Oxford Press

MG, Triumph, Mini ... yep, they were all there. Along with Austin-Healey, Morgan, Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston-Martin, Sunbeam, Lotus and various other marques manufactured under the Union Jack, all on display at the 24th annual British Car Day at Eastwood MetroPark on Saturday, Aug. 2.

If the old joke about all British cars leaking oil is true, then the EPA should send a crew to Eastwood MetroPark.

Almost 300 cars and motorcycles crowded onto the showfield under perfect blue skies to compete for awards in 33 classes. The annual event attracted cars from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Missouri as well as Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio.

Local enthusiast Don Williams of Centerville used the show to debut his restored 1948 MG TC.

"Until today, I have only driven it around the block," Williams said. "I just finished it a week ago." The righthand-drive car features a beautiful off-white paint job, with a deep red leather interior and wire wheels painted to match.

Land Rovers also came out in force, with 15 of them lined up together, a few washed and waxed to perfection, but most featuring caked-on dirt from recent off-road adventures, just as they were intended to be used.

Jaguar had a strong showing with 30-plus among three classes, but the highlight was Henry Maimon's stunning 1948 Jaguar Mk II sedan.

Rick Grant's 1957 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk.III drew a large crowd throughout the day and on most occasions would have been the rarest machine at the show, until Bowling Green, Ky.'s Bill Richey brought out his 1933 MG L1 Magna Police car.

One of only eight built, the car underwent a two-year frame-off restoration that is documented to complete authenticity. His efforts were rewarded with a win in his class and Best of Show. To add icing to the cake, the Five Rivers MetroPark rangers made it their pick for the Ranger's Choice.

Ranger Pearson said, "What police officer wouldn't want to drive around in that car all day? It's too cool!"

Five Rivers MetroParks, the Miami Valley Triumphs and the MG Car Club, Southwestern Ohio Centre, present the annual event. Sponsors of the show include MG Automotive, Celtic Isles Shop and Dayton Daily NewsWheels.