There is no doubt that the car show fun at Carlisle transcends generations.  Most times, that phrase applies to the people who pass through the gates of the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  For 2024, that phrase also applies to the Ford Mustang and its variety of offerings since its inception in 1964.  Powered by ponies, 60,000+ guests, and more than 3,200 show cars on the National Parts Depot Showfield, this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals (May 31-June 2) is once again a can’t-miss car extravaganza!

Guests rolling into Carlisle for Ford weekend will be treated to a building filled with top-of-the-line Mustangs, legends if you will, a tent filled with a timeline of Mustangs spanning its build history, another tent welcoming some of the best Mustang II’s produced between 1974 and 1978, and yet another tent, this time playing host to 40 years of the SVO Mustang.

Let’s start with the Mustang Legends display in Building T.  What better place to host the star car of the Carlisle Ford Nationals and the centerpiece showroom of the fairgrounds?  Officially titled Mustang Legends, this display aims to showcase some of the most legendary and historic Mustangs ever built.  Plans are to include popular/iconic Mustangs, historic race cars, Mustangs with great stories attached, and even extremely low-production models.

Further, guests can revel in a display tent that’s more than 600 feet long, featuring a 60-year Mustang timeline.  10 years ago, when the Mustang turned 50, everyone at Carlisle flocked to see 50 cars that showcased the history of the brand, but you ain’t seen nothing yet!  As part of the big 6-0 celebration, the tent welcomes 60 Mustangs; from year one in 1964 to modern-day, 2024 builds. 

Another great Mustang showcase welcomes 50 years of the Mustang II.  From 1974 to 1978 Ford gave us the Mustang II, and this year at Carlisle, the National Parts Depot Showfield hosts a tent with many rare, well-preserved, and just flat-out cool Mustang IIs.  In addition, there will be a Showfield class adjacent to the tent. 

Finally, as these displays go anyway, there will be a 40^th celebration for SVO Mustangs.  From 1984 to 1986 SVO Mustangs were the rage.  Join the SVO Club of America in a showcase of these awesome machines, including a select number of survivors and even a few that have taken on a life of their own over the years.  Plus, much like the Mustang II, there will be additional SVO Mustangs on the Showfield adjacent to the tent.  The SVO crew will also anchor a parade on Friday, May 31 that all SVO owners can participate in.

Gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2024 Carlisle Ford Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

In less than one month the 50^th anniversary season of Carlisle Events kick-starts a summer of automotive fun at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Events span April through October and along the way, welcome half a million guests from around the world through the gates for some of the largest car shows of their type anywhere.  There are many moving parts to an event and for the past two years, one of those parts has come by way of the Lions Club.  In fact, with the gracious support of car show guests, Lions have raised $17,000 for various causes.  For 2024, the Lions return, this time championing their vision program.

Each year, Lions staffers raise money for various causes, with vision being one of them.  As part of this cause, they take in cash donations, glasses (with lenses), or metal frames; all to benefit those in need.  In addition, they can offer vision screening scanning for irregularities in the eyes of young people.  In doing so, they’re able to identify certain markers that recommend parents take their child to an eye doctor for an in-depth eye exam.  It’s support for this cause that brings them to Carlisle this year.

Lions’ members have committed to being part of five events in 2024, plus another with a first-ever brand showcase and hands-on support for young people.  Confirmed events include Spring Carlisle driven by Hemmings (April 17-21), the Carlisle Ford Nationals (May 31-June 2), the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 12-14), Corvettes at Carlisle (August 22-24), and Fall Carlisle driven by Hemmings (October 2-6).  In each case, team members will be ready with donation buckets in hand to greet guests at main points of entry between 8 AM and 12 PM from opening day through Saturday. 

In addition to having Lions at the gates for the aforementioned events, they also have a special plan in the works for the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 2-4.  The truck show welcomes over 2,200 show trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles, and eras.  This includes a dedicated big rig Showfield, which also hosts companies recruiting drivers and promoting their business.  For the Lions Club, they’ll be bringing their custom-wrapped rig to the Show and Shine, while also setting up to do vision screening for guests 12 and under.  Donations will also be accepted, with the screening free for the kids.

“Lions have been involved in eye programs for over 100 years, and in 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become the knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,” said Zone Chair Ray Highlands, from the Carlisle Lions Club.  “Lions accepted her challenge and have worked diligently to include sight programs aimed at preventable blindness and eye diseases into our annual agendas,” continued Highlands.  “80% of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured.  Prevention and cures come from awareness and early detection especially in children who are vulnerable to eye diseases and sight abnormalities that can go undetected until it could be too late to cure or correct. Lions have helped 100s of millions through their vision programs.”

Showgoers can look for the Lions in their well-known yellow vest adorned with the Lions Club logo.  Each member will also have warm smiles, a caring heart, and a black donation tin in hand.  Learn more about the Carlisle Lions and their vision program at htts://e-clubhouse.org/sites/carlislepa.

Attending a car show at Carlisle isn’t just a great way to support those in need, it’s an affordable family outing.  Kids 12 and under are always admitted free at Carlisle and for details on vendor or Showfield registration, event specifics, or to purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.

50 years ago in 1974, Carlisle Events, the parent company of Carlisle Auctions was born, but 21 years prior, the Corvette took Americans by storm.  Its solid-axle C1 offerings in 1953 and performance specs of the time had consumers re-thinking what type of car they’d want to cruise about town in.  During that initial run, only 300 Corvettes were made, with less than half of those still in any kind of desirable condition in 2024.  Of those, many are (and will remain) in private hands as part of collections or museum showpieces. There is one, however; that will be coming to the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction in April, that being serial #98.

Fans and followers of Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions may recall that at the Spring event in 2023, another ’53 was made available.  That one, serial #100, sold for a whopping $324,000.  Its success, combined with the care and promotion put forth by Carlisle Auctions brought this ride to the block with the hopes of a similar, if not a superior result.

The car itself has seen a comprehensive frame-off restoration and is presented with the classic 1953 white exterior and red interior.  Showcased with its original VIN tag, body, and frame, its engine is a numbers-matching blue flame six-cylinder.  While under the hood looks great, its visible features are even better.  The body paint is exceptional, with original trunk lid, factory radio antenna built in, and its car show quality chrome will no doubt turn heads.  In addition to its powerplant, the gauges are also top-notch.  In fact, all gauges are original and restored, including the radio.  In short, there’s been no expense spared or shortcuts taken in making this 1953 one of the finest examples to hit the auction block in some time.

Taking possession of this 1953 is simple with Carlisle Auctions.  There are three great ways to bid; in person, on the phone, and online.  The auction is streamed too, making each option as simple as the other.  The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction is April 18-19 with a 12 PM daily start.  The ’53 is slated for Friday afternoon, April 19, and will carry a reserve.  Carlisle Auctions frequently sees many of its top-dollar sales come by way of the Corvette and it's expected that this ’53 will again lead all sales at the auction.   

“What an exciting way to kick off our auction season,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “This is a rare opportunity for the collectors, and it is happening right here in Carlisle!”

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction takes place in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, a five-day event that includes an automotive flea market and car corral.  Spring Carlisle happens April 17-21 at the neighboring Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and welcomes nearly 100,000 guests from around the world.  There’s reciprocating admission to the events too, meaning by attending one, you can easily and conveniently attend the other.    

To learn more about Spring Carlisle, secure a vending space or purchase discounted admission tickets, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.  For complete information on the auction, including even more details on this ’53 Corvette, call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.

Family fun abounds at the 2024 Carlisle Truck Nationals and this year, the fun is taken to an all-new level with the addition of two new monster trucks.  The annual excitement offers car-crushing thrills and it’s all happening August 2-4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  More than a dozen cars will forever be augmented by way of Avenger and Brutus; each making their first-ever appearance at Carlisle and the truck event.  They’ll be flanked by a monster ride truck; the Virginia Giant, making it an interactive showcase for guests of all ages.

Monster truck rides are ongoing throughout the weekend, with shows happening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Rides are backed by monster truck Hall of Fame driver Diehl Wilson, with Wilson also serving as emcee and host of the monster truck shows.  As the shows go, Avenger and Brutus will take center stage, crushing the cars with an adrenaline-filled burst of acceleration followed by a mighty crash onto the prone vehicles. 

These family-friendly activities have been commonplace at the truck show since its inaugural year in 1991 and with each year, comes a new set of trucks and a new batch of drivers.  But, who exactly are Avenger and Brutus?

Avenger will be driven by Columbus, Michigan native Jon Koehler, while Brutus is piloted by his dad Jim.  Each truck has ties to the Monster Jam circuit, with Brutus having a 20-year run on the tour.  Brutus was a World Finals Freestyle Champion in 2003 and has earned Extreme Air of the Year recognition almost annually since 2012. 

As mentioned above, the Virginia Giant ride truck is owned by former Monster Jam regular Diehl Wilson.  It’s cool because it’s interactive.  It’s interactive because guests can climb aboard the iconic truck and go for a heart-pounding, car-crushing, no-hold-barred edge-of-their-seat ride.  Ride, crush, enjoy and repeat!

A ticket for the Carlisle Truck Nationals is just $15 with kids 12 and under FREE.  All monster truck shows are FREE with admission to the grounds, though a nominal fee does apply for rides on the Virginia Giant.  Seating goes quickly for each show, so guests are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy all that the truck show has to offer, and then find a spot.  Complete details on truck weekend including how to show a truck or buy spectator admission tickets at a discount online can also be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF) launched in 2004 following the untimely passing of National Corvette Hall of Famer and Carlisle Events co-founder, Chip Miller.  For the past 20 years, the CMAF has served those in need in a variety of ways, and in memory of the 20^th anniversary of Chip’s passing, it’s safe to say that 2024 couldn’t be off to a better start for the foundation and for those who knew and loved Chip.  While the foundation is in the process of planning its summer events season and managing its current Corvette Contest, a recent contest car and the buzz surrounding it netted the CMAF nearly $300,000, all because of a handful of generous people and national TV exposure.

On Thursday, January 25, while many were wrapping up their workday, Lance Miller, president of the CMAF was in Scottsdale, Arizona with friends and the hard-working team from the Barrett-Jackson auction house.  Barrett-Jackson was amid its annual Scottsdale auction and this year, included Miller, the CMAF, and one very special Corvette; a 2023 Z06 with Z07 Performance Package.  The car had previously been part of the CMAF’s 2022-23 Corvette Contest and although it was awarded in October, the grand prize winner opted for the cash payout.  This meant that the foundation still had a highly sought-after car and a renewed opportunity to utilize it to benefit the foundation. 

In partnership with Barrett-Jackson, the Corvette was consigned, and before it rolled across the block where it sold for $220,000, donations of support were coming into the CMAF. 

“Prior to the sale, a dear friend walked up to me and handed me a check for $5,000, but that wasn’t the end of it,” noted Miller.  “As I was leaving, another friend walked up and hugged me.  In addition, he told me that he and his family would be donating $50,000 towards the CMAF,” continued Miller.  “We crushed it last night.  I’m so proud to be part of the CMAF and it simply humbles me as to how amazing the car hobby and the people involved with it are so gracious year in and year out.  The team at Barrett-Jackson stepped up to the plate to support the cause.  I can’t thank them enough, including Craig Jackson and my dear friend Joe Petralia too,” said Miller.  “This entire experience was an astonishing win for the CMAF.  I’m fortunate to have been able to share our story with everyone.  Our board works incredibly hard with a variety of fund-raising ventures and last night’s totals are MASSIVE for a small foundation like ours.  My father is smiling down.  Life IS Good,” concluded Miller. 

For anyone who wasn’t in attendance at the event or missed a chance to support the cause during the previous calendar year, the CMAF will host a variety of events in 2024 and is currently supporting another Corvette Contest, this time with a 1959 Corvette Restomod as the grand prize.  Learn more, enter to win, or donate today at ChipMiller.org.