AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE TAKES CENTER STAGE AS THE THEME FOR THE 2024 PROIETTORE MACCHINA AT THE CORTILE ITALIAN CAR SHOW

By Bernard Martin

Gary Daniels' Mini Innocenti 1300

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (#PVGP) is thrilled to announce the theme for the 2024 Proiettore Macchina at the Cortile Italian Car Show: AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE. Translating to "small cars" in Italian, this theme celebrates the charm and innovation found in compact Italian automobiles.
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The PVGP Cortile invites enthusiasts to delve into the allure and craftsmanship of small Italian cars that have left an indelible mark on automotive design.
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From iconic microcars to stylish compact models, this theme promises to showcase the diversity and ingenuity of Italian automotive engineering.

Every year, the Cortile selects a marque or model to spotlight for the annual event based on factors such as historical significance, unique local interest, and brand resurgence. Autovetture Piccole is the theme chosen for our 2024 Proiettore Macchina! Mark your calendars for August 3-4, 2024, at Schenley Park!

Small cars such as the Iso Isetta played a vital role in rebuilding war-torn Europe after World War II, and there continues to be a special place in everyone's heart for Fiat 500s, Fiat Jollys, and Innocenti Minis. These cute little cars embody the spirit of Autovetture Piccole! 2024 is set to bring smiles to kids and adults alike!

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.
Join us as we celebrate the elegance, innovation, and enduring charm of Italian small cars at the 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Cortile Italian Car Show. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with automotive history and excitement!
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
​"Because Mini was going to be announced ats the Marque of the Year for 2024 at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, because Mini had been Marque in 2004 adn 2014, it made sense to select some small cars or microcars to featured at the Cortile. However, We were not sure what to call it.  I was talking with Frank Campanale about the 2024 event, as he and Luigi Chinetti had judged at the Cortile in 2023, and he suggested "AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE", quite simply, "small cars" in Italian" ~ Bernie Martin
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AUTOVETTURE PICCOLE:

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! ABARTH

• Abarth 500: A high-performance version of the Fiat 500, the Abarth 500, features sportier design cues, a more powerful engine, and improved handling.

ALFA ROMEO

• Alfa Romeo 33: Produced from 1983 to 1995, the Alfa Romeo 33 was a small family car available in various body styles, including hatchback and wagon.
• Alfa Romeo Alfasud: Produced from 1971 to 1989, the Alfasud was a compact family car known for its innovative engineering and front-wheel-drive layout.
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta: Produced from 1954 to 1965, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was a compact family car available in sedan, coupe, and convertible variants.
• Alfa Romeo MiTo: The Alfa Romeo MiTo was a compact three-door hatchback produced from 2008 to 2018. It was known for its sporty design and agile handling.

AUTOBIANCHI

• Autobianchi A112: The Autobianchi A112 was a supermini produced by the Italian manufacturer Autobianchi (a subsidiary of Fiat) from 1969 to 1986.
• Autobianchi Bianchina: Produced by Autobianchi, a subsidiary of Fiat, from 1957 to 1970, the Bianchina was a small city car available in various body styles, including coupe, sedan, and convertible.​

FIAT

• Fiat 126: Produced by Fiat from 1972 to 2000, the Fiat 126 was a successor to the original Fiat 500. It was a small city car designed for urban commuting.
• Fiat 127: Produced from 1971 to 1983, the Fiat 127 was a popular supermini available in various body styles.
• Fiat 128: Produced from 1969 to 1985, the Fiat 128 was a compact front-wheel-drive car available in different body styles, including sedan, coupe, and station wagon.
• Fiat 500 Topolino: Produced from 1936 to 1955, the Fiat Topolino, also known as the Fiat 500, was one of the most iconic tiny cars of its time.
• Fiat 600: Produced from 1955 to 1969, the Fiat 600 was a popular rear-engined city car known for its compact size and practicality.
• Fiat 850: Produced from 1964 to 1973, the Fiat 850 was a small rear-engined car available in different body styles, including sedan, coupe, and spider.
• Fiat Panda: The Fiat Panda is a practical and versatile city car that has been in production since 1980. It comes in various iterations and is well-regarded for its compact size and fuel efficiency.

INNOCENTI

• Innocenti Mini: Produced under license from British Leyland, the Innocenti Mini was made in Italy from 1965 to 1975 and offered a more luxurious version of the classic Mini design.

LANCIA

• Lancia Appia: Produced from 1953 to 1963, the Lancia Appia was a small family car offered in various body styles, including sedan, coupe, and wagon.
• Lancia Y10 (Lancia Ypsilon): Produced from 1985 to 1995, the Lancia Y10, also known as the Lancia Ypsilon, was a small 5-door hatchback with a distinct and quirky design.
• Lancia Ypsilon: Lancia, a brand owned by the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, produced the Ypsilon, a stylish and compact 5-door hatchback that has been in production since 1995.