The final automotive event to preclude the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix weekend is held at Bossa Nova in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural district. In comparison to the other events that transpire during the ten-day celebration, this could be considered the least focused on the cars, and more on the conversation, relaxation, and enjoyment of friends, history of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, and the fine drinks of Bossa Nova. An exclusive group of mostly racing cars is invited to park in the parking spots located in front of Bossa Nova with most of the activity taking place within the bar.
Located on 7th street in downtown Pittsburgh is a trendy and hip bar/restaurant named Bossa Nova that is renowned for its tapas, exotic cocktails, and martinis. It features a unique space with a cozy lounge, dramatic bar, and an eclectic blend of music, art and sculpture. It is located on the edge of the Cultural District and tends to attract young, up-and-coming professionals. Bordered by the Roberto Clemente bridge with views of PNC Park, this location and atmosphere was perfect to entice the potential next-generation of high-end exotic vehicle owners and to stir enthusiasm for the weekend's Vintage Grand Prix.
It is not often an entire street gets closed down to regular-traffic parking and reserved for only racing cars and those associated with the Pittsburgh Grand Prix celebration. A few cars that had circled the BeaverRun Motorsports raceway a few days prior showed up to this year's Bossa Nova event. The open-wheeled, single-seater Merlyn MK 11A Formula Ford racer was one of those cars, and was one of the more unusual vehicles to be found on the city streets. A pair of Turners sat in close proximity, displaying the work of British based Jack Turner who made it his goal to create an entry-level sports car that was able to driven on both road and track. The stylish and lightweight fiberglass body concealed the Austin A-35 components, large diameter steel tube ladder frame, and Turner designed chassis. Both of the Turners on display are very rare, with the 1956 Turner 803 being just one of 18 known to exist in modern times.
The Allard J2X, parked in prime real-estate in close proximity to the main entrance at Bossa Nova, is a modern recreation of the legendary British roadster of some 50 years ago. A total of 82 J2X's were created between 1951 - 1954, and Montreal-based Allard Motor Works Inc, founded by Roger P. Allard, is attempting to give new life to an old classic. 'We want to provide our customers with a high-quality handcrafted product that will remain rare and provide appreciating values over time,' comments Roger Allard. 'We are in an enviable position having been awarded, by the Allard Registry, special serial numbers and all of our vehicles are included in the Allard Registry.' The Allard J2X Mk1 will continue the tradition of powering its roadster with big American V-8s, with the GM 350 RamJet PFI (350 hp) as its standard engine, offering the Chrysler 5.7 liter Hemi, the 6.1 liter Hemi and the Cadillac rear-drive Northstar as options.
The 'Bossa Nova Roars' event is a great opportunity for individuals to catch-up up with old friends and to make new ones.
Located on 7th street in downtown Pittsburgh is a trendy and hip bar/restaurant named Bossa Nova that is renowned for its tapas, exotic cocktails, and martinis. It features a unique space with a cozy lounge, dramatic bar, and an eclectic blend of music, art and sculpture. It is located on the edge of the Cultural District and tends to attract young, up-and-coming professionals. Bordered by the Roberto Clemente bridge with views of PNC Park, this location and atmosphere was perfect to entice the potential next-generation of high-end exotic vehicle owners and to stir enthusiasm for the weekend's Vintage Grand Prix.
It is not often an entire street gets closed down to regular-traffic parking and reserved for only racing cars and those associated with the Pittsburgh Grand Prix celebration. A few cars that had circled the BeaverRun Motorsports raceway a few days prior showed up to this year's Bossa Nova event. The open-wheeled, single-seater Merlyn MK 11A Formula Ford racer was one of those cars, and was one of the more unusual vehicles to be found on the city streets. A pair of Turners sat in close proximity, displaying the work of British based Jack Turner who made it his goal to create an entry-level sports car that was able to driven on both road and track. The stylish and lightweight fiberglass body concealed the Austin A-35 components, large diameter steel tube ladder frame, and Turner designed chassis. Both of the Turners on display are very rare, with the 1956 Turner 803 being just one of 18 known to exist in modern times.
The Allard J2X, parked in prime real-estate in close proximity to the main entrance at Bossa Nova, is a modern recreation of the legendary British roadster of some 50 years ago. A total of 82 J2X's were created between 1951 - 1954, and Montreal-based Allard Motor Works Inc, founded by Roger P. Allard, is attempting to give new life to an old classic. 'We want to provide our customers with a high-quality handcrafted product that will remain rare and provide appreciating values over time,' comments Roger Allard. 'We are in an enviable position having been awarded, by the Allard Registry, special serial numbers and all of our vehicles are included in the Allard Registry.' The Allard J2X Mk1 will continue the tradition of powering its roadster with big American V-8s, with the GM 350 RamJet PFI (350 hp) as its standard engine, offering the Chrysler 5.7 liter Hemi, the 6.1 liter Hemi and the Cadillac rear-drive Northstar as options.
The 'Bossa Nova Roars' event is a great opportunity for individuals to catch-up up with old friends and to make new ones.
