British Car Day

Saturday, August 3, 2024

One of the highlights of Grand Prix Race Weekend in Schenley Park is British Car Day, sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Triumph Association (WPTA). It features 500 of England’s best sport and luxury automobiles. 2024 marks the 43rd year of this great event and the 36th year that it has taken place in conjunction with the PVGP in Schenley Park. During that time the WPTA has raised $196,000 for the Grand Prix charities!

Located in the middle of the golf course the British Car Show is the anchor of our International Car Show. British Car Day is the largest annual British-only car show in Pennsylvania whose proceeds have always been contributed to charity. The WPTAs British Car Day was first held at Hartwood Acres from 1981 to 1986. In joining the Grand Prix in 1987, an immediate synergy was evident. That relationship has continued to be a huge success with each event complimenting the other.

British Car Day

Registration

All British Car Owners must register directly with the Western Pennsylvania Triumph Association to participate in British Car Day. The fee is $30.00 for those that register before July 9 and includes a British Car Day dash plaque. After that date, all British Cars must register at the gate on Saturday morning, and the cost increases to $40.00. This is for Saturday only. The WPTA requires specific car information for judging. Please do not use the PVGP online registration – Download the WPTA British Car Day Brochure PDF and mail your registration to the WPTA.

Every vehicle will be placed in a class an awards will be determined by popular vote on ballots provided to registered participants only. The WPTA reserves the right to determine classes and to assign vehicles.

British Car Day includes all cars of British manufacture, including but not limited to Aston Martin, Austin, Austin-Healey, Bentley, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Mini, MG, Morgan, Rolls Royce, Sunbeam, Triumph and TVR. For more details please contact the Western Pennsylvania Triumph Club directly: Clayton Yonker

Location

British Cars are displayed on the 4th and 6th fairways of the golf course. Enter Schenley Park from the top of Schenley Drive you will be directed to turn left onto Darlington Road, then turn right onto East Circuit Road and enter the golf course through GATE F on your right. The display area starts on the fairway below the British Car Day tent.

British Car Day – Ground Rules

  • All vehicles must be driven onto the display area
  • All vehicles will be parked in designated areas only, by order of arrival. Vehicles failing to display in proper class will be disqualified from judging.
  • All vehicles must be in position by 12:00 noon. Late arrivals will be turned away.
  • All vehicles must remain in position until 3:00 pm. No movement is permitted between 12:00 noon and 4 p.m. All vehicles must vacate the display area by 5 pm.
  • Awards presented at 3:30 pm.
  • In the event of rain during the event, vehicles must remain in position until released by British Car Day officials.
  • In the event of an emergency requiring egress, a British Car Day official will escort you off the grounds.
  • Commercial advertising and “For Sale” signs are prohibited. Authorized PVGPA “For Sale” signs may be purchased at the WPTA tent and displayed.
  • The Western Pennsylvania Triumph Association reserves the right to modify or move field arrangements as required due to inclement weather.

Western Pennsylvania Triumph Association

The WPTA was formed in 1977 by Ed Major and Ed Woods. Its original goal was the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of the Triumph TR2 and TR3 automobiles. Over the years the WPTA has opened its membership to all Triumphs, including the very last models imported to the US in 1981 – the TR8 and Spitfire. The WPTA currently boasts over 200 members, many of whom own British cars other than Triumphs but still enjoy the many activities of the WPTA. Over the years, British Car Day has enjoyed continued growth and popularity, becoming one of the major attractions of the PVGP weekend at Schenley Park. Participants come from as far away as Michigan, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida and Canada.  Although this show is traditionally known as British Car Day and held on Saturday it has been extended into Sunday as well. Any participant from Saturday can take part by bringing their dash card from Saturday and entering through Gate A on Schenley Drive.

$196,000 Donated to Date

It is the unique character of this event that allows it to continually attract such a large and diverse congregation of vehicles and owners. The attractive and scenic setting of the Schenley Park Golf Course, the relaxed atmosphere, and its proximity to a race featuring vehicles of similar heritage, all combine to attract a wide range of entrants. Participation of this scale, in combination with in-spirit donations of many entrants, has allowed British Car Day to directly contribute generously to our charities. The Grand Prix is grateful to the WPTA for their immense contributions to help establish and grow our International Car Show – donating $185,000 through 2022.

Join the WPTA

Be sure to visit the British Car Day tent at Schenley Park to find out more about how to join the WPTA and or the club representing your favorite Marque. Visit their website. For more details please contact the Western Pennsylvania Triumph Club directly: Dexter Stoltz