Blacktie & Tailpipes
# DriveTimeParty: No engines were revving, but the party was in high gear during Blacktie & Tailpipes for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in Oakland on Saturday night. The event geared up with a reception around the Marque of the Year — the Shelby — at the museum’s back entrance. Several vintage Mustangs were lined up along with a Lexus or two. Lexus sponsored the event, which is the official open of Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix race week. The gala benefits PVGP charities that focus on individuals with autism. “This turnout is incredible,” said event chair Maggie Schmotzer with John and their two daughters, Missy Harman and Megan DePaul. “This is the first year we are having a scavenger hunt, and we sold out ,” Mrs. Schmotzer said. More than 300 guests enjoyed the passed hors d’oeuvres, libations and conversations. The late Myron Cope helped found the event, and his daughter, Elizabeth Cope, was among the guests who made their way to the music hall foyer for the sitdown dinner and dancing. “He was very proud of the Vintage Grand Prix, and I remember attending this event with him when I was in my 20 sand30s.I wish he was here,” said Ms. Cope. Living statues of Greek gods were available for photo ops. Once inside, guests bid on the silent auction and danced to No Bad JuJu. Mingling among the motors were PVGP director Dan DelBianco, Andrew Dodson from Lexus corporate in New Jersey with Jennifer Wong, Quemarce and Osa Khaiatzadeh, Jack Passoth, Ned Schano and Tom and Fran Barbush, who had their 1966 Ford Mustang on display. —