2019 is a year for the ages at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s (May 31-June 2 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds).  Not only will Ford spotlight some of its newest products at the event, it’ll surround itself by some of the best pieces of work from its storied history of production.  Some of the new include the GT500 and 2.3L High Performance Package Mustang, Roush Stage 3 Mustang and Roush F-150 and guests might even see the latest production model Ford GT.  One thing is for sure, the GT will turn heads, as well as the like branded supercars that flank it.  One such car is only one of two of its type AND it’s being shown for the first-time EVER in the United States next to the #60 Matech Ford GT1 Race Car.

Carlisle Events is proud to announce that guests can see first-hand, the 2009 Matech Ford GT Prototype GT1 race car.  As noted above, this car has NEVER been on display in the United States at ANY car show and during Ford weekend, that WILL happen for the first-time.  This particular car is one of only two prototype Matech Ford GT1 race cars in the world and it was built by Matech Competition which was a Swiss racing team. 

It doesn’t just look sleek, it went fast, having competed in select races in the FIA GT Championship Series in 2009 as a Prototype GT1.  The Matech team saw success with this car in its races and it helped them better learn how to improve other competition cars, specifically in the aerodynamics department.

In 2010 when Matech launched the new GT1 race car they nailed the aero tweaks thanks to Ford’s factory support which allowed the team to test the new cars in their wind tunnel to concentrate on the most efficient and effective aerodynamics of their new cars.  The support from Ford really helped Matech dial in their GT1 effort in order to get the best vehicle possible for their Le Mans efforts.

The prototype making its U.S. car show debut at the Carlisle Ford Nationals will be joined by one of the aforementioned 2010-2012 competition cars.  The #60 was a front-runner at Le Mans throughout most of the race before being rear ended and disabled from the race.  Repaired and stateside since 2014, the 50,000+ showgoers at Carlisle will see these two cars, plus a handful more as part of a special Ford GT display.  In addition, the GT’s (not all of them) will put in some hot laps on the Gateway Classic Mustang Autocross course starting at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.

Ford weekend is an annual history-making event and with this new addition, it’s a must-do for anyone with a pulse.  Complete event information, including links to buy tickets or register for the National Parts Depot Showfield are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

In 1977 Carlisle Events first offered Spring Carlisle to its throngs of fans.  All these years later, the annual spring fling is still just as important to the guests who call the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds home each April.  For 2019, Spring Carlisle ran April 24-28 and welcomed over 100,000 guests, all with a common goal; car stuff and camaraderie.  People came from around the world to buy, sell and trade, while also catching up with old friends, and also making new ones.  It was five days of automotive bliss!

Coming out of Easter weekend, the facility was already full of life early on Monday of event week.  With a few days of load-in completed, Wednesday ushered in the first day of the show under sunny skies and perfect spring weather.  Spaces were packed with vendors, while aisles were crowded with shoppers.  From the northern part of the car corral to the western part of the automotive flea market, the fairgrounds were bustling.    

As the event transitioned from Wednesday to Thursday, the event sped forward at a breakneck pace.  The automotive appetites of everyone who made the annual pilgrimage to Spring Carlisle also were satisfied.  Pieces and parts were moving so fast that the most frequent call on staff radios was for the parts haulers, designed to help customers get a purchase from point A to point B.  Within the car corral, the automotive history was evident too.  Rides for sale by owner spanned from early 1900 models to modern day, meaning that over 100 years of history was available at Carlisle.

Friday gave guests yet another reason to make their way around the grounds, albeit while dodging a few rain drops.  With mother nature working against showgoers, those who were on hand made the best of their time, helping lighten the return load of vendors who also were weathering the storm.  Another bright spot of the day were a pair of cars on the stage.  One car, a 1967 Camaro, showcased THE definition of a barn find (because it was), while the other was a sharp looking Bandit Trans Am, on display via a local enthusiast to help promote the June 22 Bandit Jump happening as part of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals.

Saturday and Sunday saw Spring Carlisle wind down and close out.  The rain of Friday moved on, yielding a breezy, cool day for Saturday, while Sunday carried all the sun and fun that everyone would have hoped for all five days.     

In addition to a great event on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the Carlisle Auctions team staged yet another amazing collector car auction.  Spanning Thursday and Friday (April 25-26), the event saw 500+ consignments cross the block, tallying $5 million in sales with a 60% sell through rate.

Up next for Carlisle Events, its Import & Performance Nationals event which runs May 17-19, while Carlisle Auctions returns on June 22 for its second annual Summer Sale.  Complete details on the Carlisle Events show can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com, while auction details can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  

With Spring Carlisle opening central Pennsylvania car show season, Carlisle Auctions also returned to action with its popular brand of live entertainment, hosting a two-day auction at the Carlisle Expo Center.  The fun, held in conjunction with the Thursday and Friday of Spring weekend, welcomed thousands of guests and packed the Carlisle Expo Center on April 25 and April 26.

Something unique crossed the block at nearly every turn, including many one owner and/or low mileage consignments.  There were even a few that were donated, with $3,400 going to the Carlisle branch of the Salvation Army.  The auction even featured some special themed hours, including ones dedicated to ‘60s era cars, trucks and even a no reserve hour.  Each theme proved quite popular, helping amass over $5 million in sales and a 60% sell through rate.

Of that $5 Million, $375,390 came from its top five sellers.  The #3 seller, the GTO “Judge,” was tops on Thursday, with the ’63 Corvette not only being the top seller Friday, but the top seller overall.  The top five and their sales totals are noted below and include buyer’s premium.  

1) 1963 Chevrolet Corvette - $85,600
2) 1985 Ferrari Testarosa - $81,320
3) 1969 Pontiac GTO "Judge" - $75,790
4) 1959 Chevrolet Apache - $68,480
5) 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS - $64,200

Of course there are some that didn’t sell and Carlisle Auctions is eager to work with buyer and seller to help close a deal on a “Still For Sale” consignment.

For complete information on this auction, its results and those cars that might still be available, contact Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 or to learn more about this event or future auctions, including the next one taking place in June.  The Summer Sale runs in conjunction with the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals and takes place at the Carlisle Expo Center on June 22 at 10 a.m.  Visit www.carlisleauctions.com to learn more.

Nixon was in the White House, Woodstock overtook a New York field, the Beatles were king, man was landing on the moon and Detroit was manufacturing some of the most iconic cars of all time.  It all happened in 1969 and 50 years later, a little bit of the famed Summer of ’69 will take center stage at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. 

While the season schedule for Carlisle Events has seen two of its events completed, the core of its season remains.  From Spring Carlisle (April 24-28) through Fall Carlisle (October 2-6) and everything in between, guests who come to America’s Automotive Hometown will find something a little nostalgic about their experience.  Call it a 50-year class reunion, because the displays, imagery and even some musical ambiance will transport guests back in time.

The shows themselves will offer special displays, more specifically starting with the Carlisle Ford (May 31-June 2) Nationals and concluding with Corvettes at Carlisle (August 22-25).  Ford weekend, presented by Meguiars, hosts the 50^th Birthday celebration of the Mach 1, the 50^th anniversary of the Boss, 50^th anniversary of the Eliminator and celebrates the 50^th of the Maverick.  Up next is the Chevrolet Nationals (June 21-22) which is also the first official show of Summer.  This weekend spotlights the 50^th birthday of the Blazer as well as the GTO Judge.  In addition, Buildings T and Y will have featured displays including cars from 1969. 

As June transitions to July, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 12-14) are up next.  50-year honors for this event include a 50^th tribute to the Dodge Charger Daytona & 500, the A12 Road Runner & Super Bee, the M Code A-Body as well as a featured vehicle showcase of some of the best Mopars ever made in 1969.  In August, the Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 2-4) and Corvettes at Carlisle help wrap the specialty events at Carlisle.  Truck weekend will offer a look at some of the coolest trucks ever made and spotlight the $69/69 second burnout contest, while Corvettes at Carlisle, presented by Corvette America, will host a massive display of 1969 Corvettes.  Carlisle Auctions will even offer a ‘60s Power Hour during its events.

Common themes across all events include branding and special graphics specific to the theme.  This includes flags around the grounds, plus signs and banners near main entry gates.  In addition, Carlisle Events is offering a Summer of ’69 souvenir cup.  As part of each event, a “Flash Sale” will pop up on social media.  From there, the first 69 people to order tickets online will also get the cup.  In addition, a limited amount of cups will be available with a qualifying purchase in the Carlisle Store.  The cup will also be available as a stand-alone purchase from any concessionaire too.  Another season long giveaway will be a special Summer of ’69 sticker.  These stickers will be available on grounds as well as in Guest Services for registered Showfield participants.

Opportunities will also be available to win money in at least two different ways in 2019.  While the standard burnout contest continues with the three-minute time limit, NEW this year only, anyone who pops a tire in 69 seconds or less will win $69 cash.  Speaking of cash, an inflatable cash machine will come to life at most events providing several chances throughout the weekend to fill your pockets.  For that, select guests will have the chance to snag the flying dollars.  Contestant 1 each day starts with the chance to snag $69.  What’s left remains, meaning contestant 2 has the chance at $69, plus whatever was left over…and so on.

Complete details on each event are available at the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.  Cruise to Carlisle this summer.  It’ll be groovy man!

Spring Carlisle (April 24-28) is a destination event for over 110,000 guests from around the world.  Those guests come for many reasons, but one is most certainly the chance to enjoy LIVE collector car auction excitement.  Carlisle Auctions is front and center once more as part of Spring Carlisle for its two-day offering (April 25-26) and this time around its more cars, more special themes AND an all-new start time.

Preview day for the auction commences on April 24 as the over 500+ consignments roll in, with nearly every car in place for the event by 7 a.m. on April 25.  Carlisle Auctions is also getting the fun started even earlier with a 12 p.m. start on both event days.  In doing so, it allows more cars to cross the block each day and gives everyone in attendance even more of the fun they’ve come to know from Carlisle Auctions.

When guests walk the Carlisle Expo Center footprint, they’ll find many classics and choices which would make an ideal first or next classic for their collection.  The automotive timeline dates back to at least 1920 and includes a great array of low mileage and original/survivor cars.

The two-day event itself not only presents that all-new 12 p.m. start time but will offer a trio of specialty hours.  These hours spotlight a specific brand, era or theme from start to finish, offering even more fun.  The hours include a “no reserve” hour on Thursday, April 25 at 2 p.m. with an all-truck showcase just a few hours later at 5 p.m.  In addition, Carlisle Auctions spotlights some of the best ‘60s era vehicles ever made as part of its all-‘60s hour on Friday, April 26 at 5 p.m.

Carlisle Auctions also welcomes seven charity consignments, each aiding local organizations.  Five of the consignments will benefit the Carlisle Branch of the Salvation Army, while another assists Carlisle Cares, with another helping Project Share.

As always, consignments are taken via the FRESS UNLESS SOLD guarantee on all consignments 25 years or older.  There’s still time to register to bid, either in advance or by walking up during the event itself.  Complete details about this auction, including the run list when available, details on committed consignments, a video link for the live stream and more is available online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.