Jentlefolk:

The 29th annual San Diego British Car Day took place at a new venue this year - Admiral Baker Field, the US Navy recreation center for the local area.  The move was necessitated after many successful years at a horse training farm in Fallbrook for traffic and parking problems.  The new facility is much larger and more centrally located for the San Diego folks and was generally approved by the British car community.

 

After a night of rain (unusual in these parts) the day dawned wet and foggy for the early birds who arrived before 7 a.m. to set up at Admiral Baker.  The fog burned off very quickly and by 8 o'clock, the sun came out and provided ideal "show weather" the whole day.  

 

The large grassy area made the setup much easier than at earlier venues, allowing the marques to be distinctly separated into little "islands of particular interest".  The honored marque this year was the Austin Healey Bug-Eye Sprite and that group was organized in a giant circle around the club's tent. 

 

A number of factors contributed to a slight decline in overall attendance this year but approximately 350 cars showed up and expressed their satisfaction with the new venue.  An unusual racing bodied Bentley was judged "Best of Show".  In addition to trophies awarded within the individual marques, prizes are awarded annually for "Best British Picnic", "Best British Beater" and "Best Club Display". 

 

We were very happy with the new location of British Car Day and look forward to it at the same location in 2009, first Sunday in October. 

 

Mark your calendar!