By Bernard Martin

We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Proiettore Macchina of the Cortile Italian Car Show will be Bizzarrini. As the Cortile has grown over the past years we have leaned into the unique relationship between racing and production car development. The 2026 Cortile will feature Bizzarrini as the Proiettore Macchina, highlighting the cars and engineering that defined Giotto Bizzarrini's career from Ferrari to Iso Rivolta to his own marque.

A Brief Backstory: Giotto Bizzarrini — engineer, rebel, visionary
Giotto Bizzarrini (1926–2023) is one of the iconic figures of post-war Italian automotive engineering. After graduating from the University of Pisa in 1953, where his design thesis was a complete redesign of a used Fiat Topolino., he joined Alfa Romeo’s Experimental Department working on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis  and test driving. 

According to Bizzarini, "I became a test driver who coincidentally was also an engineer, with mathematical principles. I always needed to know why something fails, so I can invent a solution."

In 1957 he joined Ferrari, as a test driver. He was soon promoted to responsibility for the company’s sports and GT efforts. Over time Bizzarrini had key influence on projects such as the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, the 250 GT Berlinetta Short Wheelbase (SWB), and ultimately the legendary 250 GTO. On the GTO in particular, his contributions were pretty significant: he re-engineered the aerodynamics, lowered the center of gravity via revised engine placement, and refined the chassis balance, to reduce both drag and tendency to front lift at high speeds. 

But genius and ego do not always coexist peacefully.

The “Palace Revolt” and the Ferrari Exodus
In 1961 a dramatic rupture shook Ferrari’s engineering ranks. A reorganization and internal conflict — sometimes called the “Palace Revolt” — saw key engineers, including Bizzarrini and his colleague Carlo Chiti, leave Ferrari. The motivation: disagreement over direction, control, and recognition — a clash of talents and egos at the highest level.

After their departures, these ex-Ferrari engineers briefly founded Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS), a bold, if ill-fated, attempt to rival Ferrari directly, fielding both an F1 car and a GT model. But ATS soon dissolved, and Bizzarrini moved on to new ventures including Società Prototipi Bizzarrini in 1964  and then in 1966 to Bizzarrini SpA.

That break with Ferrariis what makes his story such a magnet for collectors, historians, and car lovers alike. Without that event, several groundbreaking collector cars might not have been developed.

In 1964, Ferruccio Lamborghini, intent on building a car to rival Ferrari, turned to Giotto Bizzarrini to create a suitable engine. Bizzarrini designed an advanced 60° aluminum V12 with dual overhead cams and chain-driven camshafts, conceived as a pure racing engine capable of producing over 350 horsepower at high revs. His design, however, conflicted with Lamborghini’s vision for smooth, reliable power in grand touring cars, highlighting the tension between Bizzarrini’s racing instincts and Ferruccio’s focus on road-going refinement—a clash that became part of Lamborghini legend.

Iso Rivolta, Bizzarrini’s collaborations, and the lineage of design
After the Ferrari split, Bizzarrini engaged in a number of engineering and consulting roles. One of his most consequential collaborations was with Iso Rivolta, under Renzo Rivolta.

Iso, originally known for refrigerators, motorcycles, and microcars like the Isetta, was eager to enter the high-performance GT market. Bizzarrini was brought in to design the chassis and engineering underpinnings for the Iso Rivolta GT and later for the Iso Grifo in both A3L and A3C forms.

• The Iso Rivolta GT was powered by a Chevrolet Corvette V8, combining style, comfort, and strong performance.
• The Iso Grifo A3L, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, featured Bizzarrini’s engineering input in a sleek, potent GT coupé.
• In the A3C / Competizione versions, Bizzarrini pushed harder: moving the engine further back, lightening construction, and refining aerodynamics for endurance racing.

Over time, the partnership frayed. Bizzarrini had racing in his blood.  desired while Rivolta leaned toward Grand Touring and  production. The split ultimately led Bizzarrini to branch out on his own.
At the  Cortile 2026 we will especially welcome and invite owners of cars on which Bizzarrini left his mark — Ferrari 250s, Iso Rivoltas, Iso Grifos — to participate as part of the Bizzarrini spotlight.

Bizzarrini’s marque — from Strada GTs to purebred racers
Freed from the constraints of working for others, Bizzarrini founded his own firm in the mid-1960s. Between 1965 and 1969, he built a small but storied catalog of automobiles, combining race-bred dynamics with sleek styling.

5300 GT / Strada / America / SpyderHis most famous road-going model is the Bizzarrini 5300 GT, also known as the Strada or America. Styled by Giugiaro and powered by Chevrolet V8 engines, these cars featured a low-slung body, large displacement power, and precise dynamics. Limited spyder and targa versions were also produced.

The P538 — raceborne extremity
Perhaps the most dramatic exemplar of his work is the Bizzarrini P538.

• “P” for posteriore (rear engine), “53” for its 5.3-liter engine, and “8” for V8 configuration.
• Tubular-steel chassis, inboard disc brakes, independent suspension, and lightweight fiberglass bodywork made it a pure racing machine.
• Entered at Le Mans and other endurance events, the P538 showed blistering speed, even if mechanical misfortune often limited results.

We are proud to confirm that a Bizzarrini P538 will be featured at Cortile 2026, providing a visceral touchstone to Bizzarrini’s uncompromising engineering vision.

Invitation
At the 2026 Cortile Italian Car Show, the Proiettore Macchina celebration of Bizzarrini will:

• Trace the arc from Ferrari to Iso Rivolta to the Bizzarrini marque.
• Feature exemplar vehicles, especially the 5300 GT and the P538.
• Welcome owners of Ferraris, Iso Rivoltas, Grifos, and Bizzarrini’s own creations in recognition of his influence.

Join us as we honor the legacy of Giotto Bizzarrini — the engineer whose defiance and genius helped create some of the most celebrated Italian GTs and race cars of the 20th century.

The Cortile is honored to announce that, beginning this year, the Cortile Cup will be awarded in memory of Wayne Long—automotive enthusiast, passionate collector, and co-founder of the Cortile. Wayne passed away on May 5, 2025, and his absence will be deeply felt throughout the automotive community, particularly here in Pittsburgh where his vision helped shape the Cortile Italian Car Show into what it is today.

Wayne Long was more than a founding partner. He was a driving force behind the evolution of the Cortile from a celebration of Italian style into a true Concours event.

"Wayne, with the encouragement of Steve Barney, approached me and said that in order to elevate the prestige of the Cortile, we should make it more than just a car show by bringing in a judging staff,” said Cortile Founder Bernie Martin.

​“Wayne recruited and funded—entirely on his own—the lodging and accommodations for the judges, and each year he personally created the Cortile Cup trophy. He also came up with the idea of a permanent Cortile Cup, akin to the Borg-Warner Trophy, listing each year's winners."

The Cortile Cup is awarded annually to the finest Italian car on display, judged by a panel of respected concours judges from around the country. Wayne’s belief in the importance of design, heritage, and presentation lives on in every award presented. In recent years, additional Cortile Cup honors have been named in memory of other Italian car icons—Walt Spak for Lancia and Pietro Castiglioni for Ferrari. Wayne now joins this distinguished group, and his name will remain a permanent part of the legacy he helped build.

Wayne’s efforts at the Cortile were just the beginning of his lasting impact on the concours world. As a direct result of his work with the Cortile Cup, Wayne went on to found Concours LLC, a company dedicated to growing and elevating concours-level events across the country. One of his proudest achievements was the creation of the Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance, an event he conceived and brought to life with his characteristic determination and eye for excellence.

His influence extended even further. Wayne motivated Dan Panoz to step into the concours scene, which led to the Panoz Reunion being held at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in 2025, as well as Panoz being named the Spotlight Car of the PVGP in 2023.

In 2022, Wayne was also instrumental in organizing the Viper Spotlight Show, helping to bring modern American performance into the PVGP spotlight alongside its deep historic roots.

Wayne was also part of the initial planning team behind the inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance at Dragon Ridge, bringing his vision and strategic thinking to help shape that event’s early direction. At Amelia Island, he helped develop driving tours that brought collectors and enthusiasts closer to the spirit of motoring.

Friends and fellow enthusiasts are invited to attend a memorial service for Wayne Long on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 3pm - 6pm in the afternoon at his shop at Mid Atlantic Sports Cars, 1000 Business Park Drive, Suite 101, Morgantown, WV 26508.  It will be an opportunity to gather among the cars, community, and spirit that meant so much to him.

As we prepare to celebrate Lamborghini as our 2025 Proiettore Macchina, we do so knowing that Wayne's vision continues to guide the Cortile—from the paddock to the podium.

To learn more about Wayne’s remarkable life, please visit his obituary here.

To read our full tribute: Farewell to Wayne Long – Co-Founder, Visionary, Friend

A Personal Note
On a personal level, losing Wayne has been incredibly difficult. He was not only my trusted business partner, but one of my closest friends—someone whose passion, conviction, and humor were constant sources of inspiration. We dreamed up ideas together that others thought impossible, and then he made them real. His absence leaves a void, but his vision and energy will always be part of everything we continue to build.
~ Bernard Martin

by Bernard Martin

We lost our dear friend Tom on September 6, 2024. Thomas J. Frasca was an influential figure not only in the automotive and motorsports world but also in his personal and professional life.

His passion for cars, particularly Ferraris, and his deep involvement with the North American Racing Team (NART) made him a highly respected member of the Ferrari community.

Tom was instrumental in founding the Scuderia Ferrari Club of America and served with NART from 1971 to 1994, working closely with Luigi Chinetti to promote Ferrari racing in North America.

Thomas J. Frasca was born on June 5, 1951, in Bronx, NY. He graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in White Plains, NY, in 1970. Thomas continued his education at Westchester Community College, where he made history as the first registered respiratory therapist in New York State. In 1976, he met the love of his life, Geraldine Wilson, at White Plains Hospital, and they married on May 29 of that year. In 1980, the couple moved from Norwalk, CT, to Brewster, NY, where they proudly raised their family.

Tom had a distinguished career, initially serving as a Hospital Administrator at Greenwich Hospital. He later pursued his Master’s degree in business at Sacred Heart University and became a successful Real Estate Broker for Century 21 in Brewster.

Tom’s contributions to the Cortile and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) are unforgettable. He was one of our most distinguished Cortile Cup judges until his health issues arose.   Without his efforts, the 2023 Ferrari Marque of the Year celebration at the PVGP would not have been possible. He played a key role in securing the participation of Ferraris from Larry Auriana’s collection and was the catalyst for the involvement of Luigi Chinetti Jr., visiting the PVGP for the first time and returning each share to share hsi stories and anecdotes.  . Unfortunately, due to illness, Tom could not attend the event the 2023 event in  person, but his influence was felt throughout the celebration.

His love for Alfa Romeos was also well known, where his signature humor on Alfa forums—“The older I get... the faster I was”—brought smiles to many. As someone who lived with a vibrant passion for motorsports, Tom’s legacy extends beyond the cars he worked on; it lives in the community he helped build, the friendships he fostered, and the events he made possible.

Wayne Long, who was instrumental in bringing Tom to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix posted his thoughts on Facebook "We love you and we will miss you! I hope you are getting up to speed with Mr. Chinetti in heaven as we speak. Rest in peace my dear friend!"

Personally, I will truly miss his calls to me in the afternoon, evening or weekends just to catch up on things.  Passing along anecdotes about cars and politics.  Our conversations sometimes went on for hours and I always left with a warm feeling in my heart to have met such and enjoyable human being. 

Though he passed away recently, his memory will continue to drive the spirit of the Cortile and the PVGP, reminding us all of the significant role he played in keeping the legacy of Ferrari and NART alive in the United States​.

by Bernard Martin

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) is thrilled to announce that Luigi Chinetti Jr. will be the distinguished guest speaker at the Cortile Italian Car Show luncheon on Saturday, August 3. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear Chinetti Jr. share his captivating experiences from the 1949 Le Mans, a race that marked a significant moment in automotive history.

As a young man, Luigi Chinetti Jr. witnessed the first Le Mans race held after World War II, an event that not only revived the legendary circuit but also set the stage for Ferrari’s legacy in motorsports. His father, Luigi Chinetti Sr., secured his third victory in this historic race, driving the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. This victory was instramental in propelling Ferrari onto the world stage, despite initial reluctance from Enzo Ferrari himself.

The 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans was the first race held at the Circuit de la Sarthe since 1939, due to the interruption caused by World War II. The event symbolized the revival of endurance racing in Europe and marked a new era for motorsports. Luigi Chinetti Sr., co-driving with Peter Mitchell-Thomson, 2nd Baron Selsdon, clinched the win in the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. Luigi Chinetti Sr. drove for an astonishing 23 out of the 24 hours, showcasing his extraordinary endurance and skill. His determination and resilience were key factors in securing the victory for Ferrari.

This victory was significant as it marked Ferrari’s first major international win, establishing the brand’s reputation in endurance racing. The Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, with its sleek design and V12 engine, became an iconic model in automotive history. The car's performance at Le Mans showcased Ferrari's engineering prowess and set the stage for future successes.

The race was not without its challenges. The Ferrari team faced stiff competition from other manufacturers, including Aston Martin and Delahaye. Despite mechanical issues and the grueling nature of the race, Chinetti’s expertise and the car’s reliability led them to triumph.According to several sources, Enzo Ferrari was initially hesitant about entering the 166 MM Barchetta in the race. However, Chinetti Sr. was instrumental in persuading Ferrari and orchestrating the car’s participation, which ultimately proved to be a game-changing decision for the company.

The victory at Le Mans was a turning point for Ferrari, providing the company with invaluable publicity and solidifying its reputation as a leader in high-performance racing cars. This win helped Ferrari attract customers and establish a strong market presence, particularly in North America. Following the success at Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti Sr. played a crucial role in developing Ferrari’s North American dealer network. His efforts helped to popularize Ferrari in the United States, making the brand synonymous with luxury and performance.
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Join us for a Memorable Event
The Cortile Italian Car Show luncheon promises to be an engaging and insightful event, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the Chinetti family’s rich heritage and contributions to the world of motorsports. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand accounts of one of the most influential races in history and the story of how Ferrari’s legacy was shaped by the Chinetti family's passion and perseverance.

Join us on August 3 at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix for a memorable afternoon with Luigi Chinetti Jr., celebrating the legacy of Ferrari and the enduring spirit of motorsport innovation.

PITTSBURGH,  — The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (#PVGP) is delighted to unveil the theme for the 2024 Proiettore Macchina at the Cortile Italian Car Show: AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE. This Italian phrase, translating to "small cars," celebrates the elegance and innovation found in compact Italian automobiles.

The PVGP Cortile  invites enthusiasts to explore the charm and craftsmanship of small Italian cars that have left a lasting impact on automotive design. From iconic microcars to stylish compact models, this theme promises to showcase the diversity and ingenuity of Italian automotive engineering.

Participation and Highlights
Owners of AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE are encouraged to participate in the Cortile Italian Car Show, contributing to the vibrant display of Italian automotive excellence. The event promises a captivating experience for both participants and spectators.

How to Participate
For those wishing to showcase their AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE at the Cortile Italian Car Show, registration details and additional information can be found on the the registration link which will open in January 2024.

Below is a list of cars that we want to invite to our 2024 event.  Did we miss anyone?  Let us know in the comments! 

by Bernard Martin & Luigi Chinetti Jr.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) is thrilled to announce that Luigi Chinetti Jr. has been named the Grand Marshal for the highly anticipated 41st running of the event. This year's PVGP will be a special celebration, as Ferrari has been named the Marque of the Year, with a focus on the remarkable history of the North American Racing Team, NART.  Luigi Chinetti Jr.'s family legacy and his own racing career make his the perfect choice for this prestigious role. 

His father Luigi Chinetti Sr,. played a pivotal role in developing the Ferrari marque in North America. Through his efforts and his sales abilities using an informal dealer system, he established a strong foundation for Ferrari's presence in North America. These sales significantly contributed to Ferraris financial stability, providing in part the resources necessary to support his racing activities.

Luigi Chinetti Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, not only as a prominent figure in the Ferrari world but also as a talented racing driver on his own. His biography is a testament to his dedication and passion for racing and the Ferrari Marque. He began his informal racing career in the late 1960s, building upon the foundation laid by his father. 

In his first appearance  at 24 hours of Daytona he finished a credible 7th overall, and in next year’s event, racing a 312P winning his class. Going on to Sebring for the 12 hour race, he was to finish in the top ten between 1970 and 1973. 

However, it was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1971, at 29 years old, where he joined fellow competitors to make his first start at the Circuit de la Sarthe. He competed in the iconic endurance race three times with NART Ferrari's: in 1971 finishing 5th with Bob Grossman,  behind two Porsche 917s and two Ferrari 512Ms winning his class. In 1972 with 1965 LeMans winner Masten Gregory; a retirement, and in 1973 with François Migault finishing13th. 

As he is fond of saying, “My most interesting success came on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where I was aired with Graham Hill, a World Champion, Milt Minter, and most notably, Pau Newman!”  He came away with a World Record that still stands.

Beyond his achievements as a driver, he also made significant contributions as a designer. In 1967, he worked with fashion illustrator Bob Peak in designing several unique Ferraris that have attained significant notoriety. These include two estate wagons, and a mid-engined Ferrari, based on a 250P which was later updated to 275P specifications after 1964. It was Michelotti-built and made the cover of Car and Driver magazine. Several others cars where penned by Chinetti,Jr. including the rather famous 1972 Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 Shooting Brake "extended coupe”. 

Luigi Chinetti Jr. has been an ambassador for Ferrari and the NART legacy. He has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the rich history of NART, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate its significance in the world of motorsport. 

As the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Luigi Chinetti Jr. will grace the event with his presence, sharing his invaluable experiences and insights with fellow enthusiasts, fans, and participants. His involvement will undoubtedly elevate the event and make it a truly unforgettable experience. 

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is honored to welcome Luigi Chinetti Jr. as the Grand Marshal, commemorating the legacy of NART and celebrating Ferrari as the Marque of the Year. This year's event promises to be a remarkable tribute to motorsport history, bringing together enthusiasts from all over the world.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and the 2023 event, please visit www.pvpg.org or contact Bernard Martin. 

by Bernard Martin & Luigi Chinetti

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is honored to host Ferrari as our 2023 Marque of the Year and to pay homage to N.A.R.T. - the North American Racing Team both of which are deeply entwined in Pennsylvania history. 
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Innovation and Power 
Ferrari has been a timeless symbol of speed, power, and passion and one of the most iconic and successful brands in the world of motorsports. Enzo Ferrari began his career as a test driver for a small car company in Milan. He made his competitive debut in the 1919 before moving on to work with Alfa Romeo as a racing driver and later as a team manager. 

In the early 1920s, Ferrari began to develop promising racing  drivers outside of Alfa Romeo who campaigned for Italian marques such as Fiat and Lancia. In 1929, he established the Scuderia Ferrari racing team as a way to support and develop race driver talent. The team became most successful in the sport, amassing numerous victories against stiff competition. 

Ferrari's background as a racing driver, team manager,  his passion for cars were combined with a remarkable ambition to succeed. In 1937, Scuderia Ferrari was dissolved by Alfa Romeo and renamed Alfa Corse. It was just a matter of time before he would begin racing under his own name and producing road going automobiles to fuel these racing desires. 

On September 9, 1939, Enzo left Alfa Romeo under the provision that he would not use the Ferrari name in association with races or racing cars for at least four years. Subsequently he founded Auto Avio Costruzioni, headquartered in the facilities of the old Scuderia Ferrari in Modena.

In 1940, Ferrari produced his first racing car, the Tipo 815, based on a Fiat platform making its debut at the 1940 Mille Miglia. during World War II, and the factory was destroyed by bombing,  after which, the Scuderia Ferrari name was resurrected and he produced  first Ferrari-badged car, the 125 S, in 1947.

The Ferrari automobiles established themselves as a force to be reckoned with even at such a young age. In 1949, Luigi Chinetti, much against Ferrari’s wishes, in a car he prepared himself entered and won the 24 Hours of  Le Mans, driving 23 hours himself. 

Ferrari went on to dominate the early years of the World Sportscar Championship which was created in 1953, winning the title seven out the first nine years besides winning a number of World Championships in Formula One. In fact, Ferrari is the only team to have competed in the Formula One World Championship continuously since its inception in 1950. 
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Ferrari's success on the track was built on the back of its powerful and innovative cars, which were known for their speed, and reliability. The marque’s most fameous models include the 250 Testa Rossa, the 250 GT California Spyder, and the GTO, to name but a few. 

One of the key figures in Ferrari's early success in America was Luigi Chinetti Sr. who was appointed as the official importer of Ferrari cars to the United States in the late 1940’s. Chinetti convinced Enzo Ferrari in 1946 that he could sell his cars in North American . Of note, the first Prancing Horse that Maranello shipped across the Atlantic as part of this new partnership was a 166 MM Barchetta, followed by a 166 Corsa Spider.  The 166 Corsa was purchased by Briggs Cunningham he is credited as the first American to bring a Ferrari to the U.S. for racing, thanks to Chinetti. Chinetti's passion for the brand, and his belief in the potential of American drivers and teams, led him to establish the North American Racing Team (NART) in 1958.

Italian-born Luigi Chinetti claimed victory in the first post-war 24 Hours in 1949, three years after becoming an American citizen in a 166mm. His naturalization was sponsored by none other than Zora Arkus-Duntov. In 1958, Phil Hill, became the first driver born in the USA to stand on to the top step of the Le Mans podium after winning in his Ferrari 250.

NART was the was one of the first American teams to ever compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. NART was also involved in other international motorsports events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona. The partnership between NART and Ferrari was key in promoting Ferrari in the American market, through the team's numerous racing successes and its lasting impact on the sport.

A significant event happened in 1964. A Ferrari 158 car, officially entered by NART, sealed the win of the 1964 F1 World championship with John Surtees.   As the works team competed the in the last two races of the season, the United States Grand Prix and Mexican Grand Prix, the livery of the cars where painted white and blue - the national colors of the team. This was done as a protest because of arguments between Ferrari  and the FIA regarding the homologation of a new mid-engined Ferrari race car. It seems the people at the FIA where upset when they found out Ferrari had previously deceived them in just how many cars he had road going cars they produced.  (Read more: Do you remember...when Ferrari raced in blue)

​Where a racing class requires that the vehicles raced be production vehicles only slightly adapted for racing, manufacturers typically produce a limited run of such vehicles for public sale so that they can legitimately race them in the class. This is what is called  homologation. When officials from the FIA visited Maranello to count the number of cars, legend has it that not quite enough had been built – an issue creatively disguised by a lunch break and a group of cars being moved elsewhere within Maranello to be double-counted. Whether it is true or not, the grumbles to the FIA from competing teams persisted.

NART's most famous achievement was winning the overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 with a Ferrari 250LM driven by Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory. In that race, Pittsburgher Ed Hugus,  although not officially credited as a winner, the legend continues that he was a co-driver of the winning car albeit for just a few laps. Ferrari did not win overall at LeMans again until this past June after a 58 year lapse.  NART also raced Ferraris in the US with great success, winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1968 and 1970. NART's team was made up of notable drivers such as Dan Gurney, Pedro Rodríguez, Mario Andretti, and Phil Hill.

The North American Racing Team's entries in the final three rounds of the 1969 season were the last occasions on which a team other than Scuderia Ferrari entered a World Championship Grand Prix with a Ferrari car.

In 1962 Al Garthwaite Jr. became the owner of Derham Custom Body Company of Philadelphia in 1962 and renamed the company Algar, short for AL GARwaite which  would become Algar Ferrari.  Today, Algar Ferrari is named Ferrari of Philadelphia but more about that below.

In 1972, Garthwaite and Chinetti partnered to create an automobile importing company fundamental to the birth to the East Coast American Ferrari Dealer Network. 

Establishing retailers from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River and through the lower half of Texas, the Chinetti-Garthwaite enterprise imported over 1600 Ferraris to this network through a distribution facility in Paoli, Pennsylvania. ​

The Chinetti-Garthwaite  partnership also became a custom builder of Ferrari’s.  Luigi Chinetti, Jr. had a passion for shooting brake models and a talent for automotive design. In 1967, Chinetti, Jr. was started to design custom Ferrari’s. One of these became the famous 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Shooting Brake. But that is a story for another time. 

The success of the Paoli-based distribution partnership contributed measurably to the restoration of Ferrari racing greatness. North American sales funded Ferrari Racing.  If you’ve seen the movie “Rush” you know that Formula 1 is a contest where dollars produce horsepower. Chinetti’s idea to sell Ferrari’s in North America paid off with a Formula 1 title merely three years after the Chinetti-Garthwaite partnership was established.  The Scuderia Ferrari team won the coveted Formula 1 World Championship three more times in the next four years. Many attribute those successes to the funding provided by North American sales. 

In addition to its racing achievements, NART was also known for its unique and striking livery, which featured a blue and white color scheme. This livery, designed by Chinetti's wife, became one of the most recognizable in the history of motorsports.

The Chinetti-Garthwaite partnership disbanded in 1980 when Ferrari established a factory controlled entity for US distribution but the team's legacy lives on through its numerous racing successes and its lasting impact on the sport. NART raced Ferraris until 1982, at which point it had participated in more than 200 races with over 100 different drivers. On December 24, 2021 Algar Ferrari was sold and renamed Ferrari of Philadelphia who joins us on the showfield July 22nd and 23rd.

Together, Ferrari and NART wrote one of the most fascinating chapters in motorsports history. Ferrari and NART association with some of the greatest drivers and cars in the history of motorsports is why is has been chosen, for only the second time since 1992, as the Marque of the Year for the PVGP.

by Bernard Martin

PITTSBURGH, PA - Artist Lyn Hiner has been announced as the featured artist at the Cortile Italian Car Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's 2023 event featuring Ferrari as the Marque of the Year. 

Lyn is an internationally recognized palette knife painter based in Southern California.  Known for portraying expectedly detailed elements through an emotionally expressive application, Lyn’s bold colors and palette knife strokes create a sense of energy on the canvas revealing a beautifully unique perspective.

​Her  palette knife technique is reminiscent of  Impasto without quite the thickness.  Rob, her husband, says that her style most closely resembles Abstract Expressionism which is defined as an Impressionist-style, but with an emphasis on varying measures of abstraction.  Lyn says it's more of an emotive expressive approach. 

What you will find mesmerizing about Lyn's work is how it draws you in from afar.  Each piece can capture you and then you find yourself moving closer.  ​

You are attracted to it more and more as your eyes try to translate the colors and abstract lines of each highly recognizable piece in your mind.
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​But the colors are bolder than what you expect as the norm, more vibrant.  
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Launched in November 2017, Lyn’s "Petrol" collection was first debuted at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and is now regularly featured at juried fine art shows, galleries and distinguished automo-
tive exhibitions internationally:

by Bernard Martin and Chat GBT

​Luigi Chinetti Sr. played a significant role in Ferrari’s early success in America. He was appointed as the official importer of Ferrari cars to the United States in the late 1940s, and his passion for the brand and belief in the potential of American drivers and teams led him to establish the North American Racing Team (NART) in 1958.

NART was the only American team to ever compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it was involved in other international motorsports events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona. NART’s partnership with Ferrari was essential in promoting Ferrari in the American market, and it had a lasting impact on the sport.

NART’s most famous achievement was winning the overall victory at Le Mans in 1965 with a Ferrari 250LM driven by Jochen Rindt, Masten Gregory, and Ed Hugus. Coincidentally, Ed Hugus was born in Pittsburgh and raced at LeMans 10 times and later opened a Pittsburgh auto dealer that built the first three Shelby Cobras. He also helped establish the Steel Cities Region of the SCCA. The team also won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1968 and 1970, and its drivers included notable names such as Pedro Rodríguez, Mario Andretti, and Phil Hill.

The 2023 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix will showcase the rich history and legacy of Ferrari and N.A.R.T. Many chapter members of the Ferrari Club of America from throughout North America have already committed to congregating in Pittsburgh for Tifosi-centered events.  The events are expected to attract a vast number of motorsport enthusiasts and will feature a wide range of activities, including car shows, races, and exhibitions.

Click this link to see all of the 2023 Events for Ferrari