Spring Carlisle presented by eBay motors returned to its standard April dates for the first time since 2019 and did so with resounding success.  Powered by buyers craving products and vendors with an abundance of inventory, the event saw an energy unlike any in recent memory.  For five days in April (21-25), the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds became THE destination for car lovers to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.

Wednesday started the fun with vendor set up and early bird shopping.  As the day one deals within the car corral and swap meet occurred, everyone was eagerly looking forward to day two and all that came with it, including an influx of enthusiasts, plus guests mixed and mingled at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center to preview the vehicles that would be crossing the auction block as part of the two-day Spring Carlisle collector car auction presented by Carlisle Auctions.  There was even a little snow squall on Thursday morning, marking the first time since the early ‘90s that it snowed during Spring Carlisle.

Once the snow subsided and the sun came out, Thursday through Saturday really helped solidify Spring Carlisle as one of the premier events of its type in the world.  Aisles were bustling with guests of all ages who spent every available show hour from sun up to sun down picking, purchasing and mingling along the way.  Vendor sales were also reported to be brisk and despite the aforementioned coating of white, spirits remained high all around.

Two cool displays also drew attention, the ARMO Hot Products Showcase in front of the stage and the AACA car club’s showcase on and around the stage. 

The ARMO display showcased new/hot products straight from the SEMA Show that are coming onto the market.  Guests were able to vote for what they thought was the HOTTEST new product available too and even talk person to person with the ARMO team, learning more about these great products and how they can work for any vehicle, regardless of era.

For the AACA, the car club returned to Carlisle to showcase cool classic cars that are part of their club, recruit members for inclusion into the club and promote their fall meet, planned for October in Hershey.

From the midway and its always growing list of vendors to the automotive flea market, car corral, food vendors, industry experts and more, Spring Carlisle 2021 really did live up to its label as one of the top 5 automotive events of its type in the world…and that doesn’t even include the auction (more on that in a separate release). 

While Spring Carlisle is a wrap for 2021, Carlisle Events sets its sights on the next event, plus next year’s spring show.  Up next at the fairgrounds is the annual international showcase of cars and trucks as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 14-15).  As Spring Carlisle 2022 goes, the event is planned for April 20-24, with the auction happening April 21-22.  Complete details on all things car show related, including the ability to buy spectator tickets in advance at a discounted rate can be found at CarlisleEvents.com.

Carlisle Auctions presented its second collector car auction of 2021, April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center and offered a great showcase of past, present and future classics.  The event was a smashing success by every measure and proved once more the passion and hunger for the collector car hobby is alive and well amongst enthusiasts of all ages and tastes.

As the cars and trucks loaded in on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of auction week, the anticipation of those browsing the staging lot grew to a fever pitch.  400+ lots were planned and bidders had the chance to review each from bumper to bumper, while spectators and car lovers alike took pictures and shared stories of “a car like that from when I was younger.”  From 1910 to modern day, each vehicle glistened in the sun (and snow) of each spring day.

The fun started at 12 p.m. on April 22 and saw a 1987 Buick Grand National cross as the high sale of the day at $71,125.  That total ended up being a top five seller, just $2,170 less than number four!  In addition, Thursday welcomed the all-truck hour.  For 60 minutes the auction block looked like a truck rally, with lowered, lifted and classic rides selling like hot cakes.  Once the all-truck hour concluded, the first charity car of the event crossed the block (details below).  From there, the day churned forward before ending with a few hundred cars finding new homes and Carlisle Auctions poised to enter Friday on a record pace.

As Thursday gave way to Friday, records did fall both in total sales and sales percentage.  While the fifth top-seller might have sold on Thursday, the top four all went on Friday.  In fact, three of the top four went for six figures.  The high-sale of the event was a 1957 Ford Skyliner, selling for $136,425.  A somewhat distant second was a 1967 Corvette for $121,500.  The top five totaled $515,765 for an average of $103,153.  This average total is up $28,153 over the last spring auction (April 2019).  Better yet, as Carlisle Auctions concludes its second 2021 event, totals were $18,500 more than the February auction in Lakeland, Florida.

The top five for the Spring Carlisle Collector car auction include the top seller, a 1957 Ford Skyliner which garnered $136,425.  Number two was a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette at $121,500.  Third was a 1969 Pontiac Trans Am at $113,420 and fourth was another ’67 Corvette, this time for $73,295.  Finally, the aforementioned 1987 Buick Grand National managed $71,125.

In addition, select charity lots sold yielding nearly $30,000 in monies raised for a good cause.  This included a 1964 Cadillac Eldorado convertible that sold for $26,500 and saw 100% of the money go directly to the Williamsport, Maryland Fire and EMS department.  Additional donations were taken for the Rescue 22 Foundation.

“Thank you to all of the bidders and consignors that helped to make this the most successful collector car auction that Carlisle Auctions has ever presented,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We look forward to carrying this momentum into our Fall Auction which takes place September 30 and October 1 right back here at the Carlisle Expo Center.”

As Cline noted, the next Carlisle Auction is planned for late September.  In addition, Carlisle Auctions would like to note the cancelation of its Summer Sale auction, originally planned for June 26.  The Summer Sale will not be rescheduled.  Complete details about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, including results, photos, still for sale consignments and more can be found at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

The National Parts Depot Showfield at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s always hosts show vehicles that are head-turners.  From cool classics to modern marvels and everything in between, the event (June 4-6, 2021) is a MUST for Ford lovers around the world.  Families are also a big part of the weekend, whether it’s part of a day trip or a longer vacation.  This year, event planners have cultivated a display that WILL draw the casual fan and family in addition to the car enthusiasts.  That display, Comic-Car-Con, is planned for Building T, and we’re excited to announce the planned display cars.  *Denotes screen used car (not a replica)

1. 1964 Barris Dragula* – Munsters TV Show
   • This vehicle was made popular on the ‘60s show starring Butch Patrick as little Eddie Munster.The Dragula car was designed by the legendary George Barris and this particular car was THE car used on screen for the show.
2. 1966 Ford GT40* – The Sound Car for the Movie Ford v. Ferrari
   • In the 2019 film Ford vs. Ferrari, there were many vehicles on screen.On such ride, the Ford GT40 piloted by Ken Miles, played a prominent role.While the machine in the movie had its own real life power source, it also had a “stunt” double.The ’66 Ford GT40 planned for this special display WAS that sound source.
3. 1966 Ford Batmobile – Batman TV Series
   • Ka-Pow, Bang – na na na na Batman?Anyway…popularized by the ‘60s era TV show with Adam West and Burt Ward, this George Barris inspired Batmobile is coming to Carlisle and in addition, guests can have their photo taken with cos-play Batman and Batgirl characters.
4. 1971 Ford Custom 500 Galaxie – White Lightning
   • The iconic Burt Reynolds starred in the 1973 film alongside Ned Beatty and Bo Hopkins of American Graffiti fame.This Galaxie is a replica of the ride that Reynolds drove in the film.
5. 1973 Ford Galaxie PLUS TWO 1976 Ford Gran Torinos* – Starsky & Hutch (TV and Movie)
   • Paul Michael Glaser, David Soul, Antonio Fargas, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Snoop Dogg, the first three played Starsky, Hutch and Huggy Bear in the ABC drama Starsky & Hutch from 1975-1979, while the last three played the same roles in the 2004 movie.  The show and the movie each spotlighted cool cars and they’ll be part of this great display.  Confirmed is a 1973 Ford Galaxie replica of Hutch’s car from the TV show, while the ’76 Grand Torino’s are SCREEN USED from the TV show and movie respectively.
6. 2005 Saleen Barricade – Transformers Movie
   • This franchise has spawned numerous toys, conventions and no shortage of replica vehicles.The ’05 Saleen Barricade made famous in the 2007 action flick Transformers offers no deception as part of this display.  While it is a tribute car, it’ll still take enthusiasts back to the summer of ’07 when the Autobots and Decepticons clashed on the big screen.

Bring a camera with plenty of storage space because this display will be eye-popping and memorable.  In addition, the Carlisle Ford Nationals honor the Pinto with a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for Feature Vehicle displays, register for the National Parts Depot Showfield or to be a vendor, purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance and more.  Call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.  

The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds have a long and storied history.  From its first fair in 1946 to its first car event in 1974 and everything since (and in between), the spacious grounds and buildings have played a role in entertaining millions upon millions of guests.  As 2021 commences, Carlisle Productions is pleased to announce that the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, in addition to hosting 10+ Carlisle Events car shows, will host a number of events for automotive, motorcycle, powersports and outdoor enthusiasts of anything on wheels!

In addition to events by its resident promoter, Carlisle Events, five complementing events are on the schedule for 2021. The Central PA Porsche Club, regional affiliate of the Porsche Club of America will be presenting the Porsche car show and swap meet on May 1. The event includes a Showfield of Porsche vehicles and a swap meet, where parts, merchandise and collectibles will be for sale.  July welcomes the All-Breeds Jeep show July 24-25, brought to Carlisle by PA Jeeps!  All Jeep breeds are welcome for a Showfield that will be flanked by vendors, rock crawling and more.

Two wheels and powersports return to the Carlisle Fairgrounds brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Enthusiasts of all things motorcycle, powersports and related interests will enjoy the Progressive International Motorcycle Show Outdoors, September 10-12. October welcomes back our friends from Camping World RV for a two-week RV sales event October 16-31. The final event scheduled at this time is a “season ending” Race Car Swap Meet on November 6.

Rental options ARE NOT limited to only automotive offerings.  There will be (and have been) yard sales, fireworks, 5K runs and other community/social events like touch a truck and more.  The sheer size and versatility of the facility make hosting an event in Carlisle nearly turn-key for all involved.

“We are excited to welcome more promoters to our automotive hometown at the Carlisle Fairgrounds,” said Ed Scholly, director of Business and Event Development.  “The automotive, motorcycle and RV events scheduled this year will complement Carlisle Events portfolio of events for similar enthusiasts,” continued Scholly.  Along with Carlisle Expo Center events, we are excited to continue making the great community of Carlisle a destination! “

Complete details about rental opportunities can be found on an ALL NEW facilities web page, CarlislePAFairgrounds.com, on Facebook @CarlislePAFairgrounds or by calling Ed Scholly at 717-243-7855 x118.

The Blue Oval returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 4-6 as part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals, presented by Meguiar’s.  Returning to its normal early June dates in 2021, the car show weekend brings Ford lovers together to celebrate all things Ford, from the most basic of marques like the Escort to the extravagant like the Ford GT.  In addition, Ford Nationals weekend gives you the past, present and future of the brand with nearly 100 years of production adorning the National Parts Depot Showfield. 

While the event starts on June 4, there will be cars and vendors on-site as early as Wednesday, June 2.  From car corral/for sale vehicles being parked in the car corral to vendors setting up within the automotive flea market to Featured Display vehicles getting parked indoors or under tents, everyone is chomping at the bit to get the fun up and running.  In addition, at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, Ford will be setting up its showroom and test drives for all to enjoy.

As special guests go, the Carlisle Ford Nationals is pleased to welcome up and coming race car driver Hailie Deegan.  Deegan, a Ford Racing Development driver, is the daughter of famous racer Brian Deegan.  The younger Deegan might share her dad’s last name, but she’s successfully carved out a name of her own since 2012.  Deegan started racing at the age of eight and to date, she is the ONLY female ever to compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series and in 2016 she was named the circuit's Driver of the Year.  Last year, in her first ARCA start of the season, she finished fourth at Daytona.

Deegan may be a humanly special guest, but the vast array of special displays and celebrations are guests of another sort.  In addition to the great showcase of cars on the NPD Showfield, special themes and displays will anchor the indoor buildings.  Ford weekend welcomes its first-ever Comic-Car Con.  In addition, the Pinto gets a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Competitions and wheels in motion are also a big part of the fun.  All weekend there’s autocross, with ride-alongs from Gateway Classic Mustang, the Real Street Shootout Friday night and open runs by way of the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club on Sunday.  There’s even a rolling exhaust contest where the sounds of the machines echo throughout the grounds.  Ford (the company) also turns heads with their new vehicles on display as well as product walkarounds from their expert team on the midway and the stage. 

Yet another great weekend aspect is the Manufactures Midway and automotive flea market.  On the midway, some of the top companies in the hobby are set up showcasing and selling new products, while A&A Auto Stores is onsite handling installs of exhaust systems.  If new or aftermarket isn’t front and center for shoppers, the automotive flea market is a prefect way to find original and classic parts, while also offering collectibles, merchandise, practical items and more.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for special displays, register to show, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.