Every year spanning the final days of October and the early days of November, the automotive universe converges on Las Vegas for the pinnacle event of the hobby, the Specialty Equipment Market Association show, also known as SEMA.  While SEMA isn’t “open” to the general public, it serves to showcase some of the best vehicles in the world as well as showcasing hot or new products coming onto the market.  Before many of those items end up on a retailer’s shelf, they make an east coast appearance by way of Spring Carlisle (April 21-25) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds as part of the ARMO Hot Products Showcase.

Unlike SEMA, Spring Carlisle is open to the public and has been an annual destination event for car lovers since 1977.  One of the marquee features of the spring show is the aforementioned ARMO display, centrally positioned on grounds near the stage.  ARMO is short for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization and is a council of SEMA itself.  ARMO directs its efforts toward preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry and annually at Spring Carlisle, offers its showcase for the nearly 100,000 guests and thousands of vendors who converge on fairgrounds for the days-long automotive spectacular.

With the showcase at Spring Carlisle, show-goers can see in person the latest and greatest products coming on to the market, and with the 2020 SEMA show canceled, this will also serve as the first-time many of these items are seen in person by retailers and consumers alike.  Best of all, the product experts are available within the ARMO display to talk person to person about each item.  Having these kinds of conversations best helps everyone understand what is being displayed and how the products can work for any vehicle, regardless of its era.

New for 2021, products will also appear in an online Showcase display and guests will vote for Best New Product Awards electronically. In addition to those New Product awards, a special “People’s Choice” award is reserved for only products onsite in the Showcase tent at Spring Carlisle and will be chosen only by guests onsite.

“ARMO members look forward to participating in Spring Carlisle each year,” said SEMA’s ARMO Council Director Jim Skelly. “As the largest restoration event of the year, it’s the perfect way to kick off the car show season and showcase products. We’re especially excited for our members to show off their hot new products and connect with the industry at this year’s event.”    

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 learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

Since its inception in 1974, Carlisle Events has held automotive get togethers in Carlisle outdoors and during a timeframe spanning April through early October.  Beginning in 2022, however; a new era of early season car themed fun commences.  Following a successful one-time showing of Auto Mania at the Carlisle Expo Center and after discussions with vendors and guests alike, Carlisle Events is excited to announce the addition of the Carlisle Winter Auto Expo, January 28-29.

While Auto Mania will return to Allentown for 2022, the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania will still bring car enthusiasts together with this brand-new event.  With a spacious parking lot for car corral and outdoor vending, mixed with a 30,000 square foot indoor footprint, the two-day showcase should prove to be a great way for central PA locals as well as regional car buffs to get out during an otherwise dull time of year to have some fun.

Those looking to book vending spaces can do so beginning May 4 online or by phone.  In addition, spectator admission tickets will be available for purchase in advance of the show at a discount at CarlisleTickets.com.  With an increased interest in collectibles, car parts and all things automobilia, the new Winter Auto Expo allows enthusiasts yet another opportunity to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.  This may include items to continue a winter project, gift giving ideas for the gear-head in the family, hard to find items or even a car itself.

“We had the opportunity to run the Auto Mania show on our home turf at the Carlisle Expo Center in January,” noted Carlisle Events General Manager Scott Amig.  “The show went quite well and we heard a lot of positive feedback from guests and vendors alike,” continued Amig.  “That trial run provided us with a real-feel understanding of how hosting a similar event at the expo center would go.  As such, we are excited to bring this type of automotive flea market to the venue during the winter months,” continued Amig.   “It allows us and car enthusiasts in and around the south-central Pennsylvania region to pursue their passions during a time when not a lot of other car themed events are happening.”

“With the addition of this event, we’re easily covering the bases of quick, easy and convenient as it relates to buying and selling of automotive parts for enthusiasts in central Pennsylvania and its surrounding area,” said event manager Tim Demark.  “Don’t let your items collect dust.  Everyone is welcome and we’re here to help you make things happen and make you happy,” continued Demark.  “Vendors always want to keep you stocked up during this time of year, so make your plans today to be part of this all-new event.”

2022 will start with a trio of events that span three cities and two states for Carlisle Events.  As previously noted, Auto Mania returns to the Allentown Fairgrounds and takes place January 14-16.  Two weeks later, Winter Auto Expo debuts at the Carlisle Expo Center (January 28-29) and less than one month after that, Carlisle Events travels to Lakeland, Florida for Winter AutoFest (February 25-27).  Winter AutoFest also features a two-day classic and collector car auction (February 25-26) powered by Carlisle Auctions.

Details on this and all other events backed by Carlisle Events are available at CarlisleEvents.com.  While there, pre-purchase event spectator tickets at a discount, sign up to be a vendor at the events or, where applicable, register to show a vehicle as part of the brand specific specialty events.  The inaugural Winter Auto Expo 2022…don’t miss out! 

Carlisle Auctions has come out of the proverbial starting gates stronger than ever following its season-opening auction in Lakeland, Florida.  The two-day offering known as the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction brought car lovers from around the Sunshine State together February 19-20, 2021 at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus to bid and buy on nearly 100 years of automotive history.

For Carlisle Auctions, being able to tout the best-ever results from a February Lakeland event is always a big deal, but to be able to do so in the midst of everything that’s been going on speaks volumes to the passion for the hobby, the quality of the consignments and the want of the consumer for in-person entertainment.  Carlisle Auctions, sharing a similar passion, was able to offer the latter two, resulting in OVER $4 million in total sales and a better than 60% sell through rate of its 400+ confirmed lots.

The top seller on day 1 (and overall) was a 2019 Corvette ZR1 3ZR.  This C7 tallied $136,900 and toppled its closest competitor by nearly $40,000.  Speaking of number two, it and the other top five all sold on Saturday.  Top sellers two and three were also Corvettes.  A ’67 Convertible managed $97,370, a ’57 drop top pulled in $93,625, while car four, a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera, came in at $87,000.  The final of the top five was also part of the Chevrolet family, a ’69 Camaro SS, going for $86,670.  These figures include buyers/sellers fees and in total, accounted for $423,265.

In addition to those five top-sellers, Carlisle Auctions moved dozens of trucks, including many as part of its all-truck hour on Friday, February 19.  There was even a charity car sold, as a ’13 Cadillac CTS Performance model took in $6,750 – all of which benefitted a local charity.   

“This has been the most successful auction that we have presented in Florida to date,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline.  “Our team can’t thank those who were part of the event enough for helping to jump-start our 2021 schedule in this manner.  We can’t wait to come back to Lakeland and do it again next year (February 25-26).  In the meanwhile, we look forward to hosting our next event, the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, April 22-23, 2021 at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, PA.”

Complete results for the 2021 Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction are available online now as are select “still for sale” consignments that did not sell in Lakeland.  Further, www.CarlisleAuctions.com also hosts details about the three remaining auctions on the Carlisle Auctions schedule.  Call 717-960-6400 or visit Carlisle Auctions on the web today to learn more. 

Variety is spice of life, or so it’s said.  If that is indeed the case, the variety at the annual Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals offers enough variety for nine-lives.  For two days in May (14-15) the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds become the epicenter for an international showcase unlike any.  With more than a half dozen countries represented, the sights are jaw-dropping, the activities are optically appealing, and the history is mentally stimulating.

It's easy to find your vehicle of choice as they are parked on grounds by country of origin and are easily identifiable by that countries flag.  Countries include England, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, the United States, Italy and Sweden.  For 2021, even muscle cars from the states are welcome.  As part of this international showcase, guests can walk the grounds and have a special passport stamped by International Ambassadors, allowing for collectible souvenirs at the end of this “around the world” tour.  There will even be some food themed per country, meaning guests can both see the automotive world and taste it too.  These specialty foods will be available for purchase from select vendors within (or near) the food court.

Annually, this event also spotlights special themes.  2021 spotlights include a big Volvo celebration, 20 years of the Honda K-Series, a display of race cars in the Race Paddock and 30 years of the Toyota 2JZ engine.  Additionally, the Opel Manta turns 50, the club, Opels at Carlisle, celebrates 25 years of attending the show AND the 15^th annual Opel Nationals meet, which rotates locations annually, has rotated its way to Carlisle for 2021!

Along with featured vehicle displays and the international Showfield, there are awards available, not just for those showing, but for those who attend as spectators. eJudged.com hosts drive through judging for registered Showfield members.  Cars don’t just show, they go.  There is a low car limbo, drift limbo, rolling exhaust contest, a parade of Opels and of course drifting itself hosted by NICOClub.com. 

Aside from the cars and those who power them, this event would be nothing without its passionate base of vendors. From kit car vendors to those selling pieces, parts and collectibles geared to the import lovers, enthusiasts of this show should know that there is no better place to show a car, build a car or find pieces for a car than the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.

Not only are the cars and guests welcome but so are the dozens of car clubs who make this event the coolest weekend hangout in the hobby!  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, register, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the show or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.   

More than once in a press release, the words “the car community is a tight-knit group” has been used.  That phrase may never be more accurate than right now!  On March 9, 2021 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at the Carlisle Expo Center, friends, family and the car community will come together to help a local man (Bainbridge, PA), Art Reisinger, as he battles prostate cancer.  Not only is Art a car lover and well-respected member of the Mopar community, he’s also a long-time vendor at Carlisle Events’ annual car shows.

While cancer is never something we want to face, the reality is, its various forms affect many of us personally.  Art’s love for the hobby, and its love for him, are bringing everyone together on March 9 for a very special event.  Though the event is, in part, being spearheaded by Ed Buczeskie of Carlisle Events, the blood drive is not an event produced by Carlisle Events.  Ed’s passion for the hobby and friendship with Art helped make this happen.  He’s being joined in his efforts by Shirley Bencaz, former sales rep for a Mopar themed publication and Tresa Govern, a Mopar lover and mutual friend of Ed and Art.

The event will obviously include a blood drive, though monetary donations will also be accepted.  In addition, there will be door prizes provided by Carlisle Events and others within the hobby.  The Central PA Blood Bank will handle the donation duties and blood donations.  All blood types are welcome, and blood that’s a match to Art can directly benefit him, though other types are needed through the blood bank too.  Those unable to make the event can still donate at any Central PA Blood Bank event by offering Art’s name in full, or by using donor ID number R-267. 

“What started as a Blood Drive that would be marketed toward the local Mopar community has grown legs and is now spreading across the country,” said Buczeskie.  “Mopar ‘celebrities’ have been donating items to be used to encourage participation as door prizes and we’ve seen an overwhelming level of support from people outside of the Mopar community too.  Art has been such a staple at events in Carlisle as well as within car circles, that everyone has been eager to help he and his family during these tough times.”

Those looking to support the cause are able to simply show up, but to better the experience, the Central PA Blood Bank recommends booking a time slot in advance by calling them at 1-800-771-0059.  For general questions regarding the event, e-mail Ed Buczeskie at EdB@CarlisleEvents.com.

Finally, the Carlisle Expo Center and this event are COVID compliant.  Masks are required and while no prior COVID test results are required to donate, donors are offered the opportunity to obtain a FREE COVID anti-body test prior to donation.