If you’re a car nut, the intro photo is pretty much all you need to know about this year’s Pittsburgh International Auto Show. It was a highlight display giving attendees some unique cars to drool over and fantasize about that they otherwise would likely never see. Not even on a great day. But another highlight to the show was a somewhat unnoticed event that takes place every year the night before the show opens to the public.
The Auto Show is put on by the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealer Association and before the public comes through the doors; their foundation holds a Red Carpet Gala that allows a sneak peek of the show as well as entertainment and fundraising for a select charity. This year the event featured the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The GPADA became the presenting sponsor of the PVGP last year and used this event to showcase their involvement as well as to present a check to the PVGP and the charities supported by it – The Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. The result of everyone’s involvement and hard work last year was a check totaling $360,000.00! Quite an achievement and a new record for the PVGP. It was a great way to kick-start an evening of celebration, good food and lively entertainment.
The next day left no evidence as to what took place the night before. The show was ready for the public well before opening with all cars, save the rather pricey ones, awaiting potential buyers’ abuse. New to the show this year was Algar Ferrari. What a welcome sight they were! This area, as illustrated by the Cars & Coffee display, is eager to purchase fine sports cars so it was great to see them make the trip in from Philadelphia. Sad to see local dealers that carry Bentley and Maserati absent, but perhaps that will change next year. If nothing else, they bring more people through the doors.
In the end, it was a very well attended show and for those out to buy a car, there was much to climb in and check out. So enjoy the few images posted here and for a full on sensory attack, follow this gallery link for all of the event images. Enjoy!
