The 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals takes place June 2-4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, and believe it or not, this year’s event just might be even bigger than its record-setting predecessor from 2022.  Gates open at 7 a.m. daily for this massive gathering of Ford lovers from around the world, all converging on Carlisle to see special displays, meet industry guests, watch the wheels in motion, and check out decades of past, present, and future excellence from Ford.

From the time the first guest enters the gates on Friday the 2^nd through the departure of the final show car on Sunday the 4^th, the facility will be bustling with Blue Oval excitement.  Announced special displays this year include those showcasing SVT, Coyote powerplants, the Lightning, 40 Years of Saleen, the Malaise Era, and more.  In addition, the annual Ford Nationals Select Display returns to Building Y, offering a glimpse of at least a dozen vehicles unique to the history of Ford.

Get out those cameras, because not only are there focused gatherings of unique vehicles by way of the displays, but the National Parts Depot Showfield will also be PACKED with car owners who want to show off their prized Ford to anxious throngs of spectators.  Those same owners and spectators will revel in planned vehicle walkarounds at the stage, some wheels-in-motion competitions like rolling burnouts and donuts presented by Atturo Tires, a rolling exhaust contest, and even some track time with the Real Street Shootout.  In addition, select special displays will transition from parked to rolling for on-grounds parades, while the Downtown Carlisle Association presents its annual Ford Downtown Parade, Park and Party on Saturday, June 3.   

But wait, there’s more…a whole lot more.  Ford weekend draws in the star power by way of people and cars/trucks.  Both elements will stand front and center through a series of vehicle unveilings and activities.  Specifics on which major companies and what they’ll be unveiling will be announced soon by way of the Carlisle Ford Nationals Facebook page and online at CarlisleEvents.com.

Seeing the guests and show cars isn’t the only option for attendees.  There’s also a nice mix of vendors set up, offering Ford parts, accessories, collectibles, etc. within the automotive flea market and Manufacturers Midway.  Further, the food court offers a nice mix of fare, suitable for all ages.      

Registration for the Showfield is now open and will no doubt welcome even more of these historic masterpieces.  In addition, discounted spectator admission tickets are available online, while kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Register to show, purchase spectator tickets, and learn more about the 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals online at CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 today.

When you come to Carlisle, we know you're here for the car show, but we also know you're looking for things to do in the region, either as part of your visit or for a future visit to the area.  Did you know that one of the coolest museums of its type is less than an hour from the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds?  It's true!  Not far from Carlisle sits the AACA Museum, Inc., also know as America's Transportation Experience.  Ongoing, they have a great Tucker themed display and in June, they'll celebrate 75 years of Preston Tucker's invention...and you're invited. 

Now, whether or not you’ve ever seen the Coppola and Lucas film featuring Jeff Bridges about Preston Tucker and his American Dream, WORRY NOT!  Swing by the museum and witness the largest assembly of Tucker automobiles, artifacts, and exhibits to ever exist in one place. This is not only where you can learn the real story behind the Tucker Automobile, but we are also planning a 75^th Anniversary celebration showcase as well!

The museum’s Cammack Tucker Gallery is home to the universe’s most extensive Tucker collection.  Named for Tucker historian and collector David Cammack, the gallery displays interactive exhibits chronicling Preston Tucker’s vision, determination, history, and struggles to build the “Car of Tomorrow.”

Through his Chicago-based start-up, Preston Tucker set out to revolutionize the automobile industry.  His engineering and manufacturing teams designed and built only 51 innovative ‘Model 48’ vehicles, unmatched by other offerings on the post-war American market.

The AACA Museum Inc.’s Cammack Tucker Gallery is home to three Tucker model 48’s, along with a Tucker factory test chassis, engine prototypes, movie prop car, interactive displays, and a lot more!

On permanent exhibit and pictured here, the first Tucker Model 48 ever to be sold (#1001), sourced from a Tucker dealership located on North Cameron Street in Harrisburg, PA!

The big 75th-anniversary event in Hershey is happening June 16-18.  Highlights can be found here.  Make your plans today to experience no less than eight additional Tucker automobiles on exhibit – some never before seen by the public, Tucker owners, collectors, VIP guests, and Tucker family member discussions, a screening on June 16 of the Tucker: A Man and his Dream movie at a local theatre, dinner event with authentic Tucker artifacts, an auction and the Generations Big Band, and more.   

Contact America’s Transportation Experience/The AACA Museum Inc. today at (717) 566-7100 and join us for this event.  You will likely get Tuckered out!

Officially the first day of Spring has come and gone, but while Spring (the season) is still figuring itself out, Spring (the automotive event in Carlisle) is shaping up to be one for the ages, both within the automotive flea market of Spring Carlisle and the two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.  Spring Carlisle happens April 19-23 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and hosts a collector car automotive flea market and car corral, while next door at the Carlisle Expo Center, Carlisle Auctions offers its spring auction, April 20-21.  Both events draw car lovers from around the world and this year, the auction has even more eyes on it for a variety of reasons. 

The auction is always a hotbed of excitement, with some 400+ classic and collector vehicles spanning all eras of production crossing the block.  The wow factor is amplified this time, though, as something that’s never happened before will happen!  Carlisle Auctions is excited to share that a 1953 Corvette, Serial #100 to be exact, will cross the auction block on Friday, April 21.  This ’53 is an NCRS award winner and includes many functional and original build parts.  A ’53 is rare overall in that only 300 were ever built, rarer yet is one popping up for sale.  Expectations are that this will be the star of the event, with bidder attention from around the world by way of in person, on the phone, and online bidding.

In addition to the ’53, Carlisle Auctions is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Robert Metzgar Collection.  This collection comes to Carlisle Auctions by way of Robert Metzgar, a 1960 Penn State graduate and professionally, the former owner and president of Warren (PA)-based North Penn Pipe and Supply.  The 20+ lots span decades and include (in no particular order), a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette, 1955 Buick Century, 1954 Buick Century, 1965 Chevrolet Covair 140, 1964 Ford Galaxie 500, 1955 Ford Thunderbird, 1930 Ford Model A, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette, 1990 Cadillac Brougham Limousine, 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, 1950 Chevrolet 4 Door, 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle, 1962 Jeep Pickup Truck, 1947 Willys Jeep, 1971 Jeep CJ 7, 1930 Packard Sedan, 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, 1926 Packard Sedan, and a 1958 Packard Sedan TT.  Much like the 1953 Corvette, this collection will be part of the Friday auction action.

But wait…there’s more!  Carlisle Auctions welcomes back its all-truck hour on Thursday, April 20.  This popular showcase of trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs gives buyers and sellers alike a full hour of trucks of all shapes and sizes.

The auction is the most convenient way for someone to pick up their first or next classic and do so at an affordable price point.  There will be white-glove, best-of-show vehicles for sure, but there will also be show-worthy gems that can be driven and enjoyed with total confidence.  

Advanced/online bidding starts April 17 and every registered bidder is eligible to not only bring a guest to the auction but to attend Spring Carlisle as well.  Complete details on the auction are available at CarlisleAuctions.com.  Consignments are being added daily to the Carlisle Auctions web page.  Spectator admission is $13.  For auction details, call 717-960-6400.  Get involved today and don’t miss out on a chance to own your first or next classic with Carlisle Auctions! 

Car show season in Carlisle, Pennsylvania welcomes nearly 500,000 guests to the region.  Along the way, enthusiasts from all walks of life bring their positive outlook and generosity to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and into the community.  Last year, with support from multiple event guests and area Lions Club team members, $10,000 was raised and donated to the Carlisle branch of the Salvation Army to support humanitarian relief efforts in war-torn Ukraine.  For 2023, the Lions are back and this time, they’ll be fostering a cause that’s near and dear to them, their Lions International Disaster Relief program.

This year, instead of focusing on one specific country, the Lions Club returns to help those in need wherever and whenever disaster strikes around the world.  From July to December 2022, the Lions awarded 173 disaster relief-related grants, totaling more than $3.5 million around the world.  Lions Disaster Relief provides millions annually to help disaster survivors, from tornados in the heartland of America, destructive earthquakes in Turkey, hurricane and fire relief in Canada, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or in and around any of the 200+ countries where Lions Clubs exist.

Confirmed for the upcoming car show season, Lions Club team members will be stationed at select gates (location and staffing vary per event) for Spring Carlisle (April 19-23), the Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 2-4), Carlisle GM Nationals (June 23-24), Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 14-16), Corvettes at Carlisle (August 24-26), and Fall Carlisle (September 27-October 1). 

“Our motto is ‘We Serve’ and since 1972 when disaster strikes, Lions have served their communities springing into action,” noted Laura Highlands, Carlisle Lions Club President.  “Once again Lions Clubs throughout the area will come together to work with Carlisle Events raising money for those in need.  Every penny collected will go to Disaster Relief, supporting communities in one of the 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries around the world.” 

Showgoers can look for the Lions in their well-known yellow vest adorned with the Lions Club logo on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Spring and Fall Carlisle as well as Corvettes at Carlisle, while working Friday and Saturday of Ford, Chrysler, and truck weekend.  Warm smiles, caring hearts, and a black donation tin in hand; learn more about the Carlisle Lions and Disaster Relief 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.

The annual Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show frequently showcases the Dune Buggy.  In fact, until his passing, Bruce Meyers, the iconic inventor of the popular ride would be at Carlisle with his wife Winnie.  Fast forward to 2023 and the famous Meyers Manx is getting a makeover for the first time in 53 years.  In our latest All About Cars blog post, Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press takes a look at what's on the horizon for the Manx!  

Read the full article by way of the link below and be sure to make your plans for the 2023 iteration of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, May 12-13 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

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Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals - Learn More/Be Part of the Show