How about we all just forget 2020 ever happened, ok?  Seriously, things were less than ideal.  With Fall Carlisle 2020 wrapping the season for the Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions teams, now is a great time to share what’s on tap for the future, specifically we’re excited to announce our car show and auction schedules for 2021. 

It all starts January 15-17 with Auto Mania within the Agri-Plex building of the Allentown Fairgrounds.  This eastern Pennsylvania event is perfectly located within a 200 mile driving radius of nearly 10,000,000 people.  Some of them even have interest in cars, making Auto Mania Pennsylvania’s LARGEST indoor and heated automotive flea market.

One month later, the heat comes from Mother Nature and the sun and fun of Florida.  Winter AutoFest runs February 19-21 and is held at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland.  This event is another where an automotive flea market is part of the fun, but it also offers an auction (more on that soon), a car corral PLUS multiple car show options, including a general cruise-in, Mopar and Corvette Fun Fields, the NCRS and Mustang car show.  Mix in the car fun with an active runway/airport and there’s always something unique to see.

The fun in Carlisle starts with Spring Carlisle, April 21-25.  For five days in late spring, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds come to life as throngs of car lovers converge to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.  After all, some of the best deals are found at the event and by dealing direct vs. a sight unseen online purchase from a faceless seller.  Spring Carlisle also hosts a car corral where person to person car sales are a popular aspect.  For auction enthusiasts, Carlisle Auctions presents a two-day offering, April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Here, attendees have a chance to find their first or next classic and ultimately, an investment that truly accelerates.

Less than a month after the spring event, specialty car show season commences with the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.  This international showcase of cars and trucks from around the world runs May 14-15.  Drifting, autocross and automotive competitions historically anchor this event and cars showcased from no less than eight different countries of production, with over 100 years of history available in one place.  All-new in 2021, Friday evening of the event will feature extended hours with more show specific fun, including track time and competitions.

In the final weeks of the spring season, Carlisle Events “Summer of Muscle” commences with the Carlisle Ford Nationals, Carlisle GM Nationals and Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.   Ford weekend, presented by Meguiar’s, runs June 4-6, the freshly re-branded Carlisle GM Nationals are June 25-26 and the Chrysler Nationals span July 9-11. 

Each event has its own unique personality and highlights a diverse array of cars/trucks, guests and more, especially as part of the National Parts Depot Showfield during the Ford and GM.  For Ford, guests can enjoy brands like Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Merkur, Ford Tractors and more, while GM hosts Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, etc.  Further, Chrysler weekend sees decades of classics front and center like the Dart, Road Runner, Charger, Challenger, ‘Cuda, GTX, Duster and more, with some of the best new rides positioned all around.  Guests, competitions and anniversary displays are also a big part of all three events.

Positioned between Ford and Chrysler weekend and running in conjunction with the GM Nationals, Carlisle Auctions offers its third event of the year, the Summer Sale.  This one day classic and collector car auction takes place at the Carlisle Expo Center on June 26.

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After a few weeks “off,” the Carlisle Events team welcomes truck lovers to town as part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores.  This event, August 6-8, is the MOST family friendly offering of the season, combining fun exhibitions with monster truck shows, displays and more.  Kids and adults alike can enjoy in real life the trucks they play with as toys and it doesn’t matter if it’s a fire truck, big rig, cool custom van, SUV, light duty truck, etc., if it’s part of the truck family, it’s on display at Carlisle.

The last specialty, or car specific show, is Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive.  The 2021 event runs August 26-28 and aims once more to spotlight every generation of the Corvette, from 1953’s C1 to today’s modern marvel, the mid-engine C8.  Planned to return in 2021 will be the Corvette Engineers from Team Chevrolet, seminars from Paul Koerner, a 50-year display of 1971 Corvettes, Chip’s Choice with a salute to law enforcement theme, on-site installations, parts shopping within the automotive flea market, midway and more.  Also planning a return to the 2021 docket is the downtown Corvette parade and street party and NEW, a “thin blue line” flag, showing support for those who keep us safe and put their lives on the line daily.

2021 wraps with a pair of auctions and Fall Carlisle, the flagship automotive flea market event powered by Carlisle Events.  Fall Carlisle 2021 spans five days, September 29-October 3 and includes a large-scale vending field, car corral and an unrivaled Manufacture’s Midway.  Much like Spring Carlisle, the fall event is a place where car lovers from all walks of life come together to buy, sell and trade all things automotive, all while catching up with old friends or making some new ones along the way.

Fall Carlisle (like Lakeland and Spring) also hosts a two-day, 400+ lot, classic and collector car auction.  The fall auction at the Carlisle Expo Center, just blocks from the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, takes place September 30-October 1.  Lots that cross the block range from early 1900’s era production to modern rides that will no doubt be future classics.  A best-of-show classic or show worthy daily driver can be had starting in the four-figure price range and up and auctions historically include a theme specific to a brand or style, like an all-Ford hour or all-truck hour.

The final auction of the season takes the Carlisle Auctions team back to Florida, this time Sarasota.  Sunset-Carlisle takes place November 12-13 at the Sunset Automotive Group facility on Sawyer Loop Rd., not far from I-75.  Though a slightly smaller version of the auction events in Lakeland and Carlisle, hundreds of “Florida cars” cross the block, including sports cars, exotics, well kept muscle and more. 

Involvement in all auctions yields the ability to buy, sell or simply watch as a spectator.  Bidding is offered in person, online or over the phone, making the process simple and convenient.  Auction consignments are also taken under Carlisle Auctions’ FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, meaning any consignment 25 years or older that doesn’t sell will see applicable fees refunded.  Finally, consigning early means more time for the Carlisle Auctions team to expertly market and promote to a hungry audience of car enthusiasts.  Full auction details are available at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

As the car shows go, many display themes and guests that will support them will be announced in the coming weeks and months through www.CarlisleEvents.com or on the show’s respective social media pages.  Those interested in becoming a vendor or learning more can call 717-243-7855.

Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions are committed to the health and safety of guests who attend our events.  As such, we remain COVID-19 compliant heading into the 2021 season.  Current health safety measures are available for review online at either of the aforementioned web pages.  Call or check CarlisleEvents.com and CarlisleAuctions.com to confirm dates, prices and activities.

The Carlisle Auctions team is meticulously preparing for its second auction of the year as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  The Fall Carlisle event itself spans September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, while Carlisle Auctions takes center stage at the COVID-19 compliant Carlisle Expo Center on October 1 & 2.  The fall auction and at least one other in 2021, will see special support from the AACA Museum, Inc. of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Beginning with the Fall Collector Car Auction, the AACA Museum, Inc. is on board as the Preferred Auction Sponsor of Carlisle Auctions.  This partnership and title will also be in place for Carlisle Auctions first event of 2021, February 19-20, as part of Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida.  For these two auctions, the AACA Museum, Inc. team will have a prominent position within the main expo halls of the Carlisle Expo Center and SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus, respectively. 

For the fall Pennsylvania event, the café/hospitality area will be recognized as the AACA Museum, Inc. Lounge.  In addition, each auction day will see the world champion auction team for Carlisle Auctions offer multiple promotional announcements about the museum and their special displays, programs and collections.  AACA Museum, Inc. branding will also be visible at the venue, online, in marketing pieces and more.

Finally, and possibly most important, the AACA Museum, Inc. has connected Carlisle Auctions with seven (possibly eight) jaw-dropping consignments for the fall auction and aims to do something similar going forward.  Fall consignments include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS.  These fine examples of automotive history will be offered over the course of the two-day auction.

“On behalf of myself and the Carlisle Auctions team, we are thrilled to welcome the AACA Museum, Inc. as our Preferred Auction Sponsor,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We have enjoyed a great relationship over the years and look forward to working together going forward.”

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page. 

It’s been too long – too long indeed since the Carlisle Auctions brand was front and center as part of a Carlisle Events automotive event.  With auctions cancelled due to the coronavirus in the spring and summer, Carlisle Auctions is proud to present a two-day, 400 car offering as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  While Fall Carlisle itself runs September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, just a few blocks west at the Carlisle Expo Center, nearly 100 years of automotive excellence will cross the block on October 1 & 2.

Powered by an all-new partnership with the AACA Museum, Inc., Carlisle Auctions second auction of the season hosts more than a half dozen cars from the museum, including a handful that are from pre-war era.  In addition, these time capsules are impeccable and not only must be seen to be believed but will most certainly draw large scale attention from collectors across the country.  Commitments from the AACA collection include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS. 

In addition to these gems, Carlisle Auctions offers an eclectic mix of muscle plus even more collector cars from the past, present and even some future classics.  While muscle is quite frequently flexed during auctions, there are other styles of rides that cross the block.  Thursday, October 1 at around 5 p.m., trucks take center stage.  An all-truck hour will help transition the lots from early on day 1 to the heavy hitters of the evening.  Big trucks, little trucks and even some SUVs will be part of the fun.

One of the best parts of a Carlisle auction is that consigned vehicles run the gamut.  Bidders can pick up their first or next classic and do so with a variety of options.  SOLD could mean a trailered white-glove collector car destined for Best of Show honors or it could be a ride that will still turn heads, but can be driven from show to show.

Powered by Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, auction events offer competitive fees that are some of the best in the industry, world champion auctioneers, years of experience and a wide assortment of marketing measures that aim to maximize exposure for committed consignments.

“We are excited to return to the Carlisle Expo Center for our Fall Carlisle Auction,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We’ve been hearing from buyers and sellers alike who are anxious for the event,” continued Cline.  “We feel this will be one of our best available lots of cars in some time, with different types and styles available dating back to the early 1920s.  We are still actively taking consignments and encourage those interested in bidding to register in advance.  I can’t wait to see you starting October 1.”

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page. 

Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive did what it always does, showcased the past, present and future of the Corvette brand.  For 2020, while things looked and felt a little different, the reality was that for everyone who came to Carlisle, it was status quo and three-plus days of Corvette themed fun.  To put it a different way, even during the worst of times, the event was still the biggest all-Corvette themed offering in the world.  The first Corvette on the Fun Field arrived three days before the event started, but once things officially got up and running (August 27-30), many, many more joined.

Thursday ushered in the cars, the people and the excitement plus a nice mix of automotive flea market vendors.  Day one afforded guests the chance to see special displays like the 50-year 1970 feature and Chip’s Choice in Building T.  For the 2020 Chip’s Choice display, Bloomington Gold took the lead, populating the building with cars that were previous Benchmark award winners, while also promoting their upcoming September event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.  This impeccable Corvette gallery was one of the most photographed aspects of the weekend.  In fact, between Chip’s Choice and the nice array of C8’s onsite, guests had plenty of photo options.

The C8 wasn’t the only generation of Corvette to turn heads.  From early era solid axle production to a bevy of C7s, the packages, styles and look of each and every ride was worth the price of admission.  Decades of excellence didn’t just show, they were also in motion.  Friday and Saturday hosted a Corvette cruise around the grounds, there were open autocross runs with the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club, Lingenfelter Performance backed the King of the X autocross shootout Saturday and 14 Corvette owners took part in the first-ever rolling exhaust contest. 

Another key element to event weekend was support for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.  Every day saw Judy Miller, wife of the late Chip Miller, and various family members staffing the CMAF tent.  Here, they took donations and shared information on the foundation.  In addition, the C8 Corvette that would be given away on August 29 was on display too.  Further, on stage Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. each day, Dr. Joe Abal, long time CMAF supporter, held court as an auctioneer as the CMAF auctioned off over a dozen items; all in the name of charity.

Finally, Saturday wrapped with an afternoon medley of awards and recognition.  Beginning at 4 p.m. various winners throughout the weekend were honored, including the largest club, King of the X, People’s Choice, Spring Mountain Motor Resort giveaway and the CMAF Sweepstakes C8 giveaway.  Further, the day fully concluded with an awards parade.  Here, a few dozen car owners who stuck around after the rains picked up their plaque, posted for photos and more.

While 2020 is a wrap, 2021 is already in the planning stages.  Chip’s Choice is planning a salute to first-responders, there will be a 1971/50-year reunion showcase, Paul Koerner returns with more amazing diagnostic sessions, parts shopping on the midway, within the automotive flea market and more.  Save the date, because Corvettes at Carlisle runs August 26-28 (Thursday-Saturday), 2021.  Learn more at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

In late spring, the team with Carlisle Events made the difficult decision to postpone the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals from its original May dates to the second weekend of August. As world events evolved, August 14 through the 16th rapidly approached and with the weekend in the rearview mirror, it was obvious that while the date change would slightly augment the show, the passion and enthusiasm of those who attended would not be altered. Spanning the three-day event, over 1,000 cars and even more attendees walked the grounds, enjoyed great concessions, participated in competitions and otherwise just hung out and enjoyed the automotive world at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Gates opened Friday at 7 a.m. and while most guests didn’t arrive until mid-day, waiting for them was a great indoor display in Building T. Here, the BBS was celebrated as was 100 Years of Mazda and 50 Years of the Datsun and Nissan Z. There was also a general vehicle display too, including a Lamborghini, C8 Corvette and an ‘80s era Ferrari. Along with those displays indoors, the outside offered even more history with a massive SAAB tent, a Showfield of Audi’s, Volvo’s and more.

The Showfield itself is really the draw, as it offered such an eclectic mix of automotive history.  Cars represent over a half a dozen countries and are parked by country of origin.  The geographical placement allows guests to walk the grounds and essentially the automotive world.  One of the countries, France, historically sees support from the Renault Club.  For 2020, they had some early 20th century French production on display, while more modern rides also made up this international automotive festival. Dune Buggies cruised the grounds, the Opel saw lots of love as did displays with Fiat, Subaru, BMW and VW just to name a few.

Of course the cars at Carlisle didn’t just show, many were on the go via multiple competitions and or/a parade.  These competitions included a couple of preliminary rounds for the rolling exhaust contest, the exhaust finale itself, drift limbo, low car limbo and of course the ultimate competition, the judged Showfield.  There was even a mid-day Saturday parade as the Nissan Z went from being featured to in motion as part of an impromptu parade around the grounds.

Car clubs were also a big part of the event, dozens of clubs set up shop at Carlisle, and select clubs won awards as well.  Saabs at Carlisle was tapped as the largest club, while Street Distortionz earned coolest club honors.

Hundreds of awards were doled out Sunday following another successful eJudged event, with car owners making plans for the 2021 event.  Speaking of which, with less than nine months to go, plans are under way for the weekend, back to its original May dates; in this case May 14-16 2021.  Check out photos and more about the event at www.CarlisleEvents.com.