The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds has a history dating back to the 1940s, but its modern day footprint has been carved by passionate automotive enthusiasts from around the world. 

THE biggest event of the season is Spring Carlisle and with it comes a layout of 8,100 active vending spaces, thousands of vendors, and millions of automotive pieces and parts.  Starting April 20, Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors commences and so does the shopping frenzy. 

So...what are the best ways to traverse the grounds and shop within the automotive flea market?  Our expert team has crafted 20 tips on making a trip to Carlisle a successful one.  Check out the info online now and while there, make your plans for attending Spring Carlisle 2022 either as a vendor selling your wares, or as an attendee shopping and enjoying the thrill of the hunt!

20 Tips for Shopping the Automotive Flea Market

Spring Carlisle - Secure my Vending Space(s)
Spring Carlisle - Secure my Corral Space(s)
Purchase Discounted Attendee Admission Tickets

Carlisle Events offers kids age 12 and under FREE admission, while also spotlighting family friendly entertainment at many of the car shows.  One element that stands out for the young and young at heart is the ability to see in real life, cars and trucks that they play (or played) with at home.  But, why is the ability to see and touch a car/truck so important to the development of a child?  Our latest All About Cars blog tackles that topic by way of a 2020 piece penned by Claire Gillespie from TheWeek.com.  

Check out the story and make your family plans to attend a Carlisle car show in 2022.  It all starts April 20 with Spring Carlisle and spans the entire summer, concluding with Fall Carlisle in late September...and remember, kids 12 and under ARE FREE!  It's a sensory experience at Carlisle and we invite you to be part of the fun.

Why Kids are Obsessed with Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles - Read On

2022 Carlisle Events Season Schedule - Make Your Plans Today
Register for a Car Show
Purchase Discounted Spectator Tickets

2021 gave central Pennsylvania car lovers a “bonus show” as the long-standing event in Allentown made a one-time transition to the Carlisle Expo Center.  That event yielded a bevvy of feedback and enthusiasm that eventually led to the creation and execution of the Winter Carlisle Auto Expo.  Held January 28-29, the event was exactly what everyone hoped it would be, another successful automotive event promoted by Carlisle Events.

When the doors opened at 12 p.m. on the 28^th, an eager line awaited the vendors positioned within the Carlisle Expo Center.  Once indoors, the buying and selling frenzy was up and running.  Each vendor brought a little something to the table, figuratively and literally.  For every vendor who had something available suited for an automotive project, there was another who had a practical/retail item that could be used around the home or the shop. 

Winter Carlisle Auto Expo even offered a handful of cars for sale, two of which sold to buyers who weren’t even at the event.  The fact that two non-attendees purchased cars, a Mustang and Corvette respectively, isn’t unique to an event like this, though it does make for a cool story.  In the case of the 1970 Mustang Convertible, Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller, Jr. happened to be walking the aisles and snapped a photo of it.  Its factory shaker hood and 351 Cleveland powerplant, combined with power top and 82,000 original miles caught his eye.  He shared the photo with his son, Bill Miller, III who in turn, shared it with a friend who was in Scottsdale, Arizona attending the Barrett-Jackson auction.  After a few conversations between all parties involved, the new owner wired the money the next day.  The same vendor also sold a Wurlitzer 1050 Jukebox for an impressive $5,000.  Only 2,000 were made and it was recently delivered to its new home in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania…just a short 30-minute drive from Carlisle.

In an almost similar manner, the aforementioned Corvette also sold thanks to modern technology and an eagle-eyed observer.  The seller, who attends multiple events at Carlisle, gave the Winter Auto Expo a try and in doing so, brought a clean, one owner 1999 Corvette with him.  Not long after the doors opened, a friend of a friend spotted it, shared some photos and after a FaceTime call, a verbal handshake agreement was made.  Less than 48 hours later, the car was picked up in Maryland and taken to its new home at the beach. 

Between the parts and merchandise heading home with eager buyers and the cars that sold, the first-ever Winter Carlisle Auto Expo was deemed a success.  In fact, the event returns January 27-28, 2023.  In the meanwhile, opportunities exist for more great stories and camaraderie like what happened at the Winter Carlisle Auto Expo by way of upcoming events beginning with Spring Carlisle (April 20-24) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Complete details on this event and all others are available at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The late Chip Miller had a dream - to find an iconic Corvette race car and return it to its former glory!  Despite his passing, that dream became a reality when the legendary #3 Cunningham Corvette, complete with original driver and Chip's son Lance, returned to Le Mans, France in June 2010.  For years, the car was THE centerpiece of the Miller family collection, appearing at car shows and museum displays across the country.  Fast forward to January of 2022 and to the surprise of many, it was announced the car had been sold.  In our latest All About Cars blog, Keith Cornett of CorvetteBlogger.com spotlights the sale and what's next for this one-of-a-kind racing Corvette!

For more Corvette themed fun, make your plans for Corvettes at Carlisle 2022.  The three-day event runs August 25-27 and welcomes special displays such as 50 years of 1972 Corvettes, the NCRS, NCCC, and Chip's Choice, an annual rotating feature that in August, focuses on the Pratt & Miller/Factory Corvette Race Cars.  Learn more about the sale of the Cunningham car AND Corvettes at Carlisle via the links below.

Cunningham Corvette Sells - Read on to Learn More
Corvettes at Carlisle - Learn More

Caption: 1930 Ford Model A owned by Natalie Bolea of Coraopolis, PA

Every year in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a different sort of steel comes together at the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown area.  While the Steelers didn't make it past round one of the NFL post-season this year, the locals still had something to get excited about by way of the annual Pittsburgh World of Wheels car show that happened January 21-23.  This was the 61^st edition of this annual event that brings together not only automotive enthusiasts from the greater Pittsburgh area but also the greater east coast.

We at Carlisle Events attend this event to connect with many of our industry friends, clients, builders, and vehicle owners.  This year was no different with a wide array of vehicles that we hope to see at our events later this year.  Friday at the event allowed us to get a head start on the east coast car show season and see many of these awesome vehicles below.  Check out our coverage below and as always feel free to share this with your peers and friends.

Our friend John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ brought out the Hemi Hearse and the Red Baron.  John brought us the Dragula and Batmobile at last year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.  The Red Baron and Hemi Hearse were huge hits at World of Wheels.  Who remembers these TV Cars?

Caption: The Hemi Hearse owned by John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ

Caption: The Red Baron owned by John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ

Aaron Buck of Pottstown, PA brought out this radical 1936 Ford Pickup that has been transformed into this custom slammed beast! 

Chrysler products did dominate a good portion of this year’s World of Wheels.  Many familiar names brought out a piece or more from their collection.  Friend of the Chrysler Nationals, Bill Woessner, brought out a great collection of Dodge Charger R/T’s. Check them out below!

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Floyd Furr of Nokesville, VA brought out this resto-modded 1967 Plymouth GTX, check it out:

Check out a few more Chrysler products from the show as well:

Caption: Shane Crozier of Pittsburgh, PA and his 2018 Dodge Charger

 

Caption: John Borgen of Gibsonia, PA and his 1970 Plymouth Superbird

Caption: Ralph Patsch of Houston, PA and his 1963 Dodge 330

Hailing from Kewaskum, WI, Michael Beal brought out this killer 1933 Ford using a Factory Five body. Take a look under that hood and some of the subtle touches all around the car:

Awesome Ford’s dotted the show as well, check out these that caught our attention.

 

Caption: Jeffrey Lakes Sr of Bridgeville, PA and his 1972 Ford F-250

 

Caption: Fred Birch of Franklin Park, PA and his 1964 Ford Fairlane

Caption: Bobby Crouch of Pittsburgh, PA and his 2014 Ford F-350 Platinum

Caption: Total Image Autosport’s 2022 of Pittsburgh, PA and their 2022 Ford Bronco

Caption: A good showing of Fords from the PA Hot Rods group.

Caption: Jason Faux of Clinton, PA and his 1995 Ford F-350

Caption: Tyler Davidson of New Brighton, PA and his 1997 Ford F-350

Now this next one was quite a surprise to see out in the wild!  The 1991 Ford F150 PPG Indy Pace Truck Concept was ahead of it’s time.  Designed by McLaren Performance Designs with the powerplant from Jack Roush, PPG spent over $250,000 to build this for the Indy Car Series.  Rumor has it, this truck may make an appearance on the Spring Carlisle Auction Block.

 

Here’s a slightly different Ford that is totally on another level (pun intended).  Check out this 1936 Ford Sedan overlanding build from Jason Rodz by Ludwin of Fort Johnson, NY:

One truck that caught our eye was this 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine dubbed the “Lowcoe”!  Take a look at the 12 Valve Cummins sitting behind the cab!

Speaking of GM products, check out “Lil Sassy” the Cavalier here.  Who wants to go for a pass in this!?!

Caption: Robert Biery of McCandless, PA and his 1974 Pontiac Trans Am

Caption: Josh Hillard’s 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

Caption: Ron Spadafora of Reading, PA and his 1956 Sedan Delivery

Caption: Denny Mascari of Allison Park, PA and his 1957 Chevrolet Nomad

 

Caption: Ian Stowe of Pittsburgh, PA and his 1965 Cadillac Sedan Deville

 

Caption: Marc Hansen of Chester Springs, PA and his 1955 Chevrolet Hardtop

Caption: Pro Comp Customs and their wicked 1969 Pontiac GTO

Caption: Luke Yianlouis of New Kensington, PA and his 1969 Buick Riviera

Caption: John Schiavone of Beecher, IL and his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

One killer 1941 Willy’s Pickup Gasser from Charlie Source of Findley Lake, NY:

Pittsburgh Car Scene also showed up in force with a great showing of Import’s from their group.  Check them out below:

Speaking of Imports, our friends at Super Car Workshop / Super Car Restoration normally bring a selection of Chevy Novas and Camaros to World of Wheels, this year they brought something a little more buggy.  Check out their two VW Beetles they just finished up in time for the show. 

Caption: Colleen Hughes of Latrobe, PA and her 1979 VW Beetle

Caption: Shelly Cooper of Clymer, PA and her 1975 VW Beetle

Check out some of the other Imports that caught our eye as well below!

Caption: Jennifer Mance of McKees Port, PA and her 1991 VW Cabriolet

Caption: Ty Kimmick of Mount Pleasant, PA and his super clean WRX.  Don’t forget we are celebrating the Impreza at the Import and Performance Nationals this year in May.

Caption: Mandy and Kurt Emigh’s awesome 2000 BMW 353 ready for autocross!  Don’t forget BMW is a celebrated marque at the Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals in May.

Caption: Vincenzo Girone of Pittsburgh, PA brought out his 1993 Mazda RX7, check out that bay!

Stop back here on All About Cars next week for an all new article about the Cunningham Corvette formerly owned by Lance Miller.  In the meanwhile, learn all about what we have coming up in 2022 at CarlisleEvents.com.