There was a time in early America when an automobile race was a town happening! During the circa-1910 days of “Brass Era” cars such as the Locomobile, Stutz, Winton and so many other pioneering brands, automobile Grand Prix races such as the Cobe Cup and Vanderbuilt Cup were staged on roughly cut dirt roads that surrounded and wove through the hosting town of each event, holding merchants and residents spellbound. Spectators, excited and shocked amidst a cacophony of roaring engine sounds and plumes of track dust from the rooster tails of speeding cars on dirt roads, crowded the porches of every store, livery and home, marveling at the dare-devilry of fearless drivers such as George Robertson and Barney Oldfield, goggled and determined, protected by only gloves and leather head coverings.
Carrying forward the culture, community, tradition and thrills of auto-racing in America’s olden days, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix brings to life a rich homage to the cars, characters and experiences that promise to etch the memories of all who attend and participate.
For the visiting public, a wide variety of experiences are offered over a ten-day period, beginning the weekend of July 13th-16th and continuing daily through the following week until Friday July 21st, when the racing of classic cars commences at what is essentially the town square locale of Schenley Park. Visitors can walk the paddock and see a seemingly endless variety of magnificent vintage racecars, spanning eight decades in age range, marques that have come to define automobilia as we know it. Ford Mustangs, Shelby Cobras, Chevrolet Corvettes, Jaguars, Mercedes Benz varietals, MGs, Austin Healeys, Alfa Romeos, Lotus’ – cars from the hallowed makers of the Greatest of car makers, present at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix – not just in a museum, but Racing. And racing can be viewed from the adjacent grounds of the magnificent Pittsburgh Grand Prix car show.
The Race Begins
Kicking off PVGP weekend 1 is high level racing of the fastest vintage cars at a special race venue; the purpose-built racetrack at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex. This high impact event features historic cars that are legendary for their power and racing fame. Special trackside parking is available on Spectator Hill near the water tower. Complementing this memorable event, on the same weekend days of the races, is the Shelby Convention, which features in-the-flesh examples of historic Shelby cars from the 1960s decade that spawned America’s foremost muscle cars. Shelby performance and racecars led the way, on the road and on the racetracks of the world.
Car Shows, Showcases and Experiences
Downtown Car Display
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
This show is a great way to have a power lunch in downtown Pittsburgh. You will see a preview cars that will be on the show field of the upcoming International Car Show in Schenley Park. The shows are staged at PPG Place and Market Square. The cost is $15 to participate with proceeds benefiting our charities.
Tune-Up Party
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Grand Prix’s Tune-Up Party and Automotive Showcase has been a popular event since it was created back in 2006. The party shifted gears and moved to its new home at the Town Square at the SouthSide Works last year and is back for an encore. Hundreds of cars will gather for a fabulous car show including race cars, exotics for this exciting street festival in Town Square surrounding the Cheesecake Factory, and anchored by Shop 412. $50 to get into the Car Showcase and includes 2 drink coupons.
Countryside Tour
Thursday, July 20, 2023 – 10:00 am– 3:00 pm
If you have a vintage car from 1983 or earlier, you’re invited to tour the Laurel Highlands with us. The route changes each year. We are excited to announce that the tour is returning to Jamison Farm for an incredible lunch and continues through the southwestern Pennsylvania countryside. $80 per car.
Passport to Elegance
Thursday, July 20, 2023 – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
We have been cleared to land at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport again in 2023. Experience the best of vintage and concours quality cars and historic aircraft. Enjoy exquisite culinary delights, premium cocktails and wine. To honor the Ferrari Marque of the Year the theme will be Rosso Corsa – Italian Racing Red. Don’t miss out on this exclusive event, book your flight now!
Forbes Avenue of Speed
Friday, July 21, 2023 – 6:30 pm– 8:30 pm
This is a great opportunity to meet the drivers and see the race cars up close. Vintage racers will parade from the paddock in Schenley Park, through Squirrel Hill, and then park up and down Forbes Avenue for a unique car show. The racers and their crew will go into Orr’s Jewelers for a private reception.
Schenley Park Car Show and Qualifying
Saturday, July 22, 2023
International Car Show and Races
From 9:30AM to 5:30PM, join us for a day full of family-friendly automobile-themed activities at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. Thousands of classic, antique and exotic vehicles fill the golf course for our International Car Show. If speed is more your thing, watch 150 vintage racers compete on the track all day to qualify for Sunday’s featured races. During the day, grab a snack at our food courtyard or shop at our Vendor Village. International Car Show entry fee is $50 per show car for the weekend. Charity donation for spectators aged 12 and over is only $10 for the weekend.
Vintage Races 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Our vintage racers will be on track all day. Each of the 5 race groups will run in practice sessions starting at 8:30 am. At noon racers with passenger seats come up to the VIP Tent at turn 14 and for $50 you can experience a real lap of the track. The track goes hot at 1:00 with all 5 groups racing in qualifying sessions.
Schenley Park Race Day
Sunday, July 23, 2023
International Car Show 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Our 10-day event closes with a roar as we continue with our races and car shows all day long at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. Most of the of classic, antique and exotic vehicles that appeared on Saturday return for Race Day at the International Car Show.
Vintage Races 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
At 8:30 each race groups come out for 20 minute warm-up sessions in preparation for the featured afternoon races. At 11:00 we begin the Opening Ceremonies with Parade laps by Patron Parkers.
The afternoon races start at noon with featured races for each of the 6 groups with top finishers recognized in the Helltown Brewing Winner’s Circle.
