Ferrari is the 'Marque Car' of the year at Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Enzo Ferrari’s passion was racing cars. That love of fast high-performance Italian automobiles carries over into this year’s Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.
Ferrari is this year’s Marque of the Year at the 41st annual event that’s happening Saturday and Sunday in Schenley Park.
“Ferrari has a heritage, and it’s a little romantic,” said Jason Moka, 39, of Mars, marketing director for Rohrich Automotive Group. “Enzo’s cars have a rich heritage. They have a good pedigree. It’s a culture.”
Moka is part of that culture. He owns a 1994 348 Spider Ferrari. He said there will be at least 60 Ferrari owners showcasing their cars. The vehicles will be judged — vying for the Cortile Cup with Moka as the chief judge. All Italian Marques can compete for the Cortile Cup, the Italian show at the Grand Prix that has raised more than $6 million to benefit autistic and developmentally disabled individuals through the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.
“Raising money for charity is why we do this,” Moka said. “The cars bring us together to raise money. There will be so many amazing vehicles this weekend.”
Some Italian cars will be on display on the 18th hole of the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park. In Italian “Cortile” translates into courtyard.
The “Cortile Cup” is awarded to the most significant or exciting Italian car on display during Saturday’s viewing. Awards are also given for the best-in-class for Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Maserati, Lamborghini, and an Italian specialty car.
“Jason has been taking a more active role over the past few years in both recruiting cars and providing ideas and insights as well as promoting the Cortile to a larger audience,” said Bernard Martin, the founder and managing director of the Cortile in a statement. “He’s helped raise the bar for the exceptional level of cars that have been on our display field these past few years. He’s the next generation of leadership within our car community.”
The event will also recognize the Ferrari NART – North American Race Team.
“Owners share the stories about their cars,” Moka said. “It will be a great display. Ferrari is a smaller brand but will have huge representation at this show. People from other states are coming.”
Moka has been in the automotive industry for more than a decade. He is the creator of the Bentley Auto Show, which benefits the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix charities. It’s Aug. 27 at Bentley Pittsburgh.
Moka’s personal collection includes the 1994 Ferrari 349 Spider, a 1989 Lamborghini Countach and a 1998 Mercedes SL600 Sport.
“Cars are rolling pieces of art,” said Moka. “It is so nice that our city has an event like this. People come from all over the country. Vintage cars are about tradition. Some are family heirlooms and generations keep the stories alive.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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