by Bob Forest (your roving reporter)

Sunday, June 6th, 1999, Location. The Byward Market in Ottawa, Ontario. I heard the previous Sunday at the Beaconsfield British Car Show that there would be a Classic Car Show held in Ottawa. Hearing that, I decided to take a nice drive down to Ottawa on Saturday morning, staying at a relative in Kanata that evening.

Sunday morning arrived, and off I was for the car show. Arriving at 10 am. If you have been to Ottawa you know how nice this area is. The Byward Market is close to the Chateau Laurier and the National Museum. It is very quaint, for its pubs, and food vendors, also a few Bistros with customers sitting outside under umbrellas to protect them from that hot sun.

The main street was closed and all the cars were parked in a way that everyone could get a good view. Jag's, Triumph's, MG's, Mini's, Land Rover's, Mercedes, Beetle's, Fiat Spyder's were all there. Further down, were the American Classic's, and Hot Rods, many in beautiful condition.

This year was the celebration of the British Cars, two of each mark were picked from the members of the local clubs, and these cars were displayed on the grounds of the National Museum. There was no entree fee, as far as I knew, but for all of us that were there, when lunch time arrived, we were all handed a Fish and Chip dinner with a pop. What a deal.

The interest from the visitors was very high. I even met a gentleman that worked for BMC. He congratulated me on the fine work that was done on the MGA. He also mentioned that when they came out of the factory, that they were not that nice.

If any of you are looking to spend a nice weekend next year, I strongly suggest, you attend the Byward Market Auto Classic.
Many of the car owners from out of town, some from the U.S.A. took the time to do a walk about and visit the area. You could also sit at a Bistro, and watch the people below looking at the cars.

Thanks to the Byward Market Organizers for organizing a very well run event.

©VEA