Car club · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

Antique / Classic

Our original mission, established in 1983, was “To stage a world-class vintage automotive event to raise funds to provide care, treatment and support for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in western Pennsylvania.” 44 years later, we are still on track. Though our first race was in 1983, our organization actually started the year prior. Art McGovern and Mary Beth Gmitter envisioned the city streets winding through Schenley Park as a perfect venue for vintage auto racing. Told that the City of Pittsburgh’s approval hinged on the assurance that any money raised would go to charity, they first approached Myron Cope of WTAE-TV Sports fame – also an autism awareness advocate. Meetings with the city’s parks people followed, and then-Mayor Richard Caliguiri gave his enthusiastic approval. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association, consisting of volunteers, was created, and net proceeds would be donated to charity. In April 1983, during a meeting in vintage racer Alan Patterson’s Shadyside garage, the planning began for the first Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, scheduled for Labor Day 1983. An incredible amount of work ensued thanks to the volunteers from the Sports Car Club of America and the Vintage Sports Car Club of America. Some 75 entrants raced on what would become known as one of the most challenging vintage courses in the country. Five races, along with a parade of patrons, were scheduled, and the plan was put in motion.