The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is the nation’s only vintage street race and the largest vintage race event. It spans 10 days and includes two race weekends, car shows, parties, parades, and motorsport events.
Our original mission, established in 1983, was “To stage a world-class vintage automotive race to raise funds to provide residential care, treatment, and support for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in western Pennsylvania.” 42 years later, we are still on track.
Though our first race was in 1983, our organization 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 – 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.
In 2025, they enter their 43rd year, and the community events around motorsports have grown tremendously – we encourage you to check out their website to learn more. In support of autism and intellectual/development disabilities, they sponsor an annual raffle, too!
