 The Waterfront Car Cruise in Homestead PA gets better every year. There were over 700 cars on display at this annual event but the big news occurred a few hours before the event got underway. Four-time NASCAR Cup Champion and current points leader, Jeff Gordon, made an appearance for a question-and-answer season. Very few of those questions were about the upcoming Vintage Grand Prix; most were about his racing career and his insight into this year's NASCAR season, as one would expect. His arrival in town created lots of publicity for the Vintage Grand Prix and the fans on-hand were all well informed about the race in the park. A helicopter flew high above the stage and the awaiting crowd knew instantly that it would not be long before they would be seeing Jeff Gordon in person. Would he look the same without the help of high definition? A police escort led a black SUV, carrying Gordon, as it traveled towards its destination. The police lights were flashing, seemingly signaling the crowd to start yelling, and to push the boundaries of the blockades that held them back. The black SUV had the dark tinted windows and was chauffer driven and came to a stop just a short distance from the stage. As Gordon emerged from the vehicle, the camera flashes went into overdrive and so did the vocals of the crowd. He walked casually to the stage, a true professional and one used to this type of excitement and hype. After the initial pleasantries, the topics quickly went to the world of NASCAR. Select individuals had been pre-selected to each ask Gordon one question in turn. The Sponsor for this event was Nicorette, the co-sponsor of his car, so there was conversation about these serious issues, and promoting the smokeless lifestyle. After the Jeff Gordon visit, the crowd at the Waterfront dissipated, and volunteers began preparing for the car cruise which was to take place just a few hours later. Entire parking lots were roped off, and the grounds were prepared for the hundreds of cars and thousands of spectators. The smallest car of the day had to be the Autobianchi (Fiat) Bianchina. Its two-cylinder engine produced just over 30 horsepower, which is capable of carrying the micro-car to adequate speeds. The car has a wheelbase of 72.4-inches, while the strong showing of Austin Mini Coopers had a wheelbase of 80-inches. It would probably feel more comfortable around motorcycles than the hundreds of large American cars that showed up to this event. None-the-less, its petite size and unique qualities were well appreciated and enjoyed. For security reasons, we weren't sure if the owner just locks the doors when he/she leaves, or is chaining it to a pole also required so it doesn't 'walk away?' The two oldest cars, coming from the same stable, were the 1903 Packard and 1906 Cadillac. The Packard was in excellent condition and was shown at this year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. The Cadillac was in good condition, with a few signs of its age; some of the paint had come loose, the seats had an occasional blemish here-or-there, and the wood was a little less than perfect. Not concours quality, but in better condition than most cars traveling the roads today - and its over 100 years old. Car Cruises are the ultimate in relaxation for drivers and spectators. There is no judging, no awards, and very few rules. For car owners, it just a matter of searching out the perfect parking spot, which many owners tend to find the most comfort with vehicles similar to their own. For the hours that follow, it's all about catching up with old friends, and making new ones. This is a well attended event for the Orphan car group, including Studebaker, Hudson, DeSoto, Nash, Edsel, and others. An Orphan Car is usually described as an American car that wasn't built by the Big Three. The definition is not concrete; in many circles it includes foreign marques such as Citroen, Simcas, and Singers, to name a few. In recent years, the popularity in these types of cars has escalated, due to their unique styling and low production figures. It was easy to locate the American Muscle stable, just look for the group of cars with their hoods open. Every nut-and-bolt seems to shine in the sun; and the owners are more than eager to start up the car and rev it a few times. Usually located in close proximity to this group are the Hot Rodders and their modern equivalents. These guys have it all; mechanical abilities and artistic style. Their quest is to take something original, and make it their own. For the older cars, this usually means dropping the body as low as it go so it is just inches off the ground, smoothing off the body so that it defies wind and stuns onlookers, and powering it with the largest power plant the engine-bay will accept. For modern cars, the formula is the same, but is taken another step further thanks to technology. The stereos are usually the loudest things on the car, not the engine. No modern tuner car would be complete without at least 10 video screens and a video game console. Throw in some flashing lights and hydraulics, and the vehicle is complete. As the cruisers rolled into the parking lot, they were asked to make a donation to some of the charities supported by the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The proceeds will be added to the other funds collected throughout the ten-day celebration, and donations made at a special ceremony. To date, the Grand Prix has raised more than $2 million for charities. The funds help provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region. The final event of the ten-day celebration is the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, the only race still run on city streets in the United States, and the largest of its kind.  |
 |  |
Bossa Nova Roars | Walnut Street Invitational Car Show in Shadyside |
PVGP Downtown Parade and Car Display | Historics at BeaveRun | Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix | PVGP Car Show |
