Beautiful cars.
Friendly people.
Enjoying the drive.
July 16-18, 2026
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​Jaguar: Marque of the Year at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
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Grand Marshal: Ian Callum
If there has ever been a moment when Jaguar owners, enthusiasts, and historians should circle a date on the calendar in bold red ink, this is it.
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From July 16–18, 2026, the International Jaguar Festival (IJF) will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—embedded within the world-renowned Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) Motorsports Festival, where Jaguar will be celebrated as Marque of the Year. Legendary designer Ian Callum will serve as Grand Marshal. In the words of automotive authority Ramsey Potts: “You need to be here.”
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While the January–February 2026 Jaguar Journal announced Jaguar’s Marque of the Year honor and Ian Callum’s participation, that article was submitted prior to a pivotal development. In December 2025, the Board of Directors of the Jaguar Clubs of North America approved Pittsburgh as the host of the 2026 International Jaguar Festival.
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What normally takes many months of planning came together in a matter of weeks due to assiduous efforts. The Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh (JCOP), in close partnership with the PVGP, moved swiftly and decisively to create what promises to be one of the most distinctive IJFs ever held.
An IJF Like No Other
The 2026 IJF is not merely being hosted alongside the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix—it is fully woven into it. From Thursday through Saturday, Jaguar owners will enjoy a front-row seat to one of the world’s most extraordinary motorsports festivals.
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The PVGP is the only vintage street race in the United States and ranks among the most significant historic racing events in the world. In 2025, it was again named a finalist for Motorsport Event of the Year by the International Historic Motoring Awards, alongside the Silverstone Festival, Le Mans Classic, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. That global recognition speaks volumes.
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The PVGP spans multiple weeks and includes vintage circuit racing, a hill climb, internationally significant car shows, galas, rallies, parades, and social events—all benefiting autism charities. Every dollar raised through IJF participation supports these causes, making this a celebration with a purpose.
Photo Credit: Dave Adams on flickr
Host Hotel: Comfort, Access, and Space
A block of rooms has been secured at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh–Cranberry Hotel, located at the junction of I-79 (north–south) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 east–west). This strategic location avoids most Pittsburgh traffic while remaining just 21 miles from Schenley Park via easily driven interstate highway.
The hotel offers an outstanding rate—under $200 per night including taxes—and features a large surface parking area capable of accommodating trailers. For those who prefer to detail their Jaguars on site, hoses with running water will be available. This will be the central hub for IJF event departures.
Thursday, July 16th:
Drive, Rallye, and Garden Party
Efforts are underway to offer a JCNA-sanctioned Time-Speed-Distance Rallye on Thursday morning, complete with a scenic route, midpoint lunch, and a return to the hotel by mid-afternoon. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a parallel scenic tour will follow the same route and lunch stop.
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Thursday evening brings one of the PVGP’s most elegant traditions: the Garden Party at Phipps Conservatory. This Victorian-era landmark, filled with spectacular flora from around the globe, will host food and drink stations throughout the conservatory. Jaguars will be given pride of place on the lawn in front of Phipps until space is filled—a truly unforgettable setting.
Photo Credit: Phipps Conservatory
Friday, July 17th:
Slalom and a Night to Remember
Plans are also underway for a JCNA-sanctioned slalom event on Friday morning, located just a few miles from the hotel, pending sufficient registration.
Friday evening is one of the crown jewels of the IJF: a Dinner Reception at the historic Pittsburgh Golf Club. Set in an elegant clubhouse, the evening will feature superb cuisine and a keynote address by Ian Callum. Parking will be on the adjacent golf course, which becomes the heart of the PVGP International Car Show the following day.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from, and interact personally with, one of the most influential automotive designers of our era in an intimate and refined setting.
Photo Credit: The Pittsburgh Golf Club
Saturday, July 18th:
The Heart of the Festival
Saturday is where everything comes together.
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More than 3,000 vehicles will fill the Bob O’Connor Golf Course for the PVGP International Car Show. Jaguars, as Marque of the Year, will be prominently featured as IJF Concours d’Elegance and Display vehicles. Vintage race cars will thunder past throughout the day as Concours judging takes place, creating an atmosphere unlike any other concours in the world.
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The IJF tent will serve as mission control—strategically located, well-appointed, and staffed throughout the day. Registrants may purchase a Saturday food package in advance, providing everything from morning coffee to cold drinks all day, plus breakfast and lunch options. Meals will include freshly grilled chicken and salmon, served on salads or brioche buns.
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Concours and other Display entrants are encouraged to arrive early—between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m.—to avoid congestion. Trailer parking will be available on a nearby street. Chief Judge Bryan Williams welcomes judges from across JCNA to participate. Due to anticipated demand, concours entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by class.
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Awards will be presented Saturday afternoon at the IJF tent, with Ian Callum personally presenting the trophies.
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For those wishing to have a Jaguar autographed by Ian Callum—provided it is one of his designs—bring your preferred marker and plan ahead. Ian will be available throughout much of Saturday when not performing Grand Marshal duties.
Sunday and Beyond
While the IJF officially concludes Saturday afternoon, registered display and concours vehicles are welcome to return to the golf course on Sunday as vintage racing continues. IJF registrants will receive wristbands granting access both days.
Sunday is an ideal time to explore the paddock areas and start-finish line via PVGP shuttle buses. Food and beverage vendors will be plentiful, and attendees are also welcome to bring their own provisions. JCOP members can provide recommendations for excellent local food options for those visiting from out of town.
Registration and Information
All registration will be handled through pvgp.org. Look for “Jaguar” under vehicle listings to access the dedicated Jaguar Marque of the Year and IJF portal, where participants can reserve hotel rooms and select event options. Concours d’ Elegance entrants must print and submit the appropriate hard copy forms directly to Chief Judge Bryan Williams, who is managing the Concours.
Why You Need to Be Here
Ramsey Potts—founding partner of Broad Arrow Group and 2025 PVGP Grand Marshal—captured the essence of the event perfectly in his reflections last year. He spoke of obstacles transformed into opportunities, an unmatched gathering of collector cars, and, above all, the extraordinary volunteers who make the PVGP unlike anything else in the collector car world.
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“I have no official data, however, my eyes were wide open and I saw collector cars in numbers I can’t ever remember seeing! You filled a golf course to capacity and hosted the most stupendous gathering of every possible kind of collector car! I heard from first time attendees and they were blown away by the volume, and I spoke to “regulars” who were equally gobsmacked at the quality! I will say it, and because of my role as a Broad Arrow Car Specialist, I can say it with some authority, the PVGP show field is without rival in its scope and volume! …….. No other event, no other place, and no other group of volunteers… simply nothing else of its kind exists…… You need to be here.”
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In 2026, Jaguar takes center stage in this extraordinary setting.
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If you love Jaguars, history, design, driving, and the fellowship of like-minded enthusiasts—there is no better place to be.
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You really do need to be here.
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For additional information, visit pvgp.org, or contact Stu Benson (412-491-1586) | stubenson3@gmail.com).
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—By Stu Benson, Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh, Chairman of the JCOP PVGP IJF Committee