Carlisle Events has been hosting automotive gatherings at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds since 1974.  In addition, the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s has been entertaining tens of thousands of enthusiasts since its inception in 1995.  This year, the company who has welcomed generations of families through its gates for nearly 50 years, and the event, which has been growing in size for the past 10 years, set an all-time high for registered Showfield vehicles with 3,454.

You heard right, the 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 3-5) became the largest car show ever produced by Carlisle Events and in doing so, broke a record previously set in 2003 by a non-Ford event.  This makes the Carlisle Ford Nationals THE “King of the Hill” at Carlisle and with room to spare over some of its brand X competitors.

With amazing weather spanning three days, the National Parts Depot Showfield quickly filled up, bringing car owners and enthusiasts together to mix, mingle, and enjoy the sights and sounds of all things Ford.  Not only were the cars on display, but vendors were set up too, offering shopping opportunities for those looking for OEM or NOS items, plus merchandise, collectibles, and more.  While parts and shopping are a popular draw for those coming to Carlisle, the display cars are what really grabs everyone’s attention…and grab their attention they did.

It’s only fitting that a record-setting event set a few other records along the way.  In addition to its grandiose nature, the Carlisle Ford Nationals also hosted a record amount of registered Shelby vehicles.  Team Shelby boasted over 400 registered club members and made a real splash indoors too, as part of their 60-year celebration.  In Building T at 3 p.m. on June 3, Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, Tracey Smith, Executive Vice President of Carroll Shelby International, Jim Owens, Mustang and Shelby Marketing Manager, Carlisle Events co-owners Bill Miller, Jr. and Lance Miller, and anxious onlookers witnessed the unveiling of the “Cammer Cobra” concept, a 427 SOHC V8 powered continuation Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe.

Special displays included the Lightweight Reunion in Building T, 40 years of SSP Mustangs, the Bronco Summit, Electric Avenue (EV’s), and the annual Ford Nationals Select display in Building Y.

Cars didn’t just show at Carlisle, they were in motion too by way of a trio of parades and some exciting track activities.  Select cars from the SSP Mustang display paraded around the grounds, Team Shelby hosted a grand cruise-in, and nearly 300 Showfield participants rolled into the streets of downtown Carlisle for the annual Ford Parade and Street Party. 

In addition, Friday hosted track time with Gateway Mustang and Ford Performance Racing School (FPRS) plus a Real Street Shootout (autocross).  Saturday offered more track fun with Gateway and FPRS, plus a rolling exhaust contest, and rolling burnout and donut contest supported by Atturo Tires.  VMP Performance also came to Carlisle and brought the cars to life with dyno tuning.  Families even got to enjoy some monster truck rides by way of the Virginia Giant.   

This star-studded event included some special guests too.  Of course, Ford stood front and center as a brand, but with them came some familiar faces, including John Clor, Jim Owens, Kash Singh, Carl Widmann, and Emeline King.  In addition, Steve Saxty and Al Joniec found their way to Carlisle, while Camilo Pardo, designer of the 2005 Ford GT and Steve Saleen also spent time at Carlisle meeting guests and signing autographs.  Jack Roush, Jr. even surprised showgoers by attending the Carlisle Ford Nationals for the first time.

Save the date because the 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 2-4.  Planned special display themes include an SVT Anniversary Reunion, SVT Cobra Reunion, Ford Lightning Anniversary Reunion, the Coyote Den Display (open to all Coyote Powered Fords including swaps), and a Malaise Era Vehicle Display.  For details on this event or to check out the winner’s list and photos visit CarlisleEvents.com.

Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), today unveiled the “Cammer Cobra” concept, a 427 SOHC V8 powered continuation Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The “Cammer Cobra” follows Carroll Shelby’s initial vision for a racecar to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Each year, the Carlisle Pennsylvania Fairgrounds hosts Ford fans from across the country and more than 3,200 vehicles on the National Parts Depot Showfield. In addition to the impressive cars and crowds, the weekend includes displays, special themes and automotive celebrities. The concept car was introduced during the three day event.

“Carroll Shelby wanted to fit a massive Ford big block engine into a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe for Le Mans in 1964,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “While many know that a one-off car was built with a 427 ‘wedge’ Ford engine, that was not Carroll Shelby’s initial vision. He hoped to pair the sleek aerodynamics of the Peter Brock designed body with the incredibly powerful aluminum single overhead cam version of the FE motor. Since it was impossible to obtain one of those rare engines in time for the race, Shelby American installed the NASCAR version. Our concept car was built to realize Carroll’s initial Cammer vision.”

Often called "Ford's greatest engine”, the Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V8, was based on Ford's 427ci side-oiler block. The engine was intended to be Ford's two-valve, single-overhead-cam, high-rpm answer to Chrysler's 426 Hemi for NASCAR in 1964. 

“It is essentially a single-overhead-cam conversion of Ford's 427 V8,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations. “The heads were predominantly cast-iron, though later aluminum ones were available, with a roller chain cam-drive. The block had revised oiling and cross-bolted main bearing caps were added to handle the increased rpm. The Ford 427 Cammer churned out 616 horsepower with a single four-barrel carburetor and 657 horsepower with dual four-barrel set up. It was one of the most powerful engines to come out of Detroit during the period.”

In 1964, Carroll Shelby tasked fabricator John Ohlsen with lengthening the chassis of one of the six Daytona Coupes (CSX2286). Shelby planned to replace the 289 c.i.d. Ford engine with the SOHC motor. The experimental racecar was supposed to be Shelby’s “secret weapon” for the 1964 Le Mans race. However, it was impossible to secure the SOHC motor in time and a reliable, high-performance NASCAR 427 was used instead. Weighing about 2,200 pounds with world class aerodynamics and the power of a big block, the car had tremendous performance potential; it was thought capable of going 200+ miles per hour at Le Mans.

However, the car did not make the race and never ran a lap with the 427 SOHC when Shelby American returned it to small block configuration.

“The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe program still achieved great success without the big block and won its class at Le Mans in 1964,” said LaViolette. “The next year, Shelby American took the FIA World Sports Car Championship with the Coupe and roadsters rolling over the competition.”

The Craftsmen of Legendary GT of Pennsylvania build continuation Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes for Shelby American. Each aluminum Coupe incorporates safety and performance improvements without sacrificing integrity, as they are built from original blueprints and measurements.

Legendary GT founder Barry Smith was a close friend of Carroll Shelby and is a major supporter of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. He has always been fascinated with Shelby performance cars and his collection features a variety of 1960s era Shelby American vehicles.

The continuation big block Shelby Daytona Coupe follows the same specs as the Ohlsen modified racecar. It has an aluminum body over a 3-inch lengthened chassis with a hood modified to accommodate the aluminum 427 SOHC big block motor. The 650-horsepower engine is mated to a period-correct 4-speed manual transmission. The car was assigned Shelby serial number CSX2623 and will be documented in the official Shelby Registry.

The Carlisle Ford Nationals is celebrating Shelby American’s 60^th anniversary this year. Festivities include the concept vehicle introduction, factory display and Team Shelby East Coast Grand Nationals integration. Patterson introduced the Shelby concept car, surrounded by Team Shelby members, at 3 PM ET on Friday, June 3. The event was open to the media and public.

“This concept is a tribute to the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, one of the most celebrated cars in automotive history,” said Patterson. “It answers the ‘what if’ question for everyone who shared Carroll’s dream and will also gauge demand for a limited series of the vehicle. We plan to exhibit the Cammer Concept throughout the year in celebration of our 60^th anniversary.”

For more information about the Shelby Continuation Daytona Coupes is available at Shelby.com.

Carlisle Auctions is halfway through its 2022 auction schedule and after two successful events, anticipation is high for the two fall offerings; the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction (September 29-30) and the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction (November 11-12).  

While Carlisle Auctions is actively taking consignments for these two events, let's look back at what 2022 as offered us so far. 

In late February, Carlisle Auctions went to Lakeland, Florida where hundreds of classic and collector cars sold.  Many future classics also crossed the block and with the demand for new vehicles, saw prices touch six figures.  Fast forward to April and Carlisle Auctions returned to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for what is known (for now) as the best-ever auction produced by Carlisle Auctions.  For two days, 72% of all lots sold and the event tallied $6.5 million in sales. 

The top five sellers were as follows: 
1. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible - $100,440
2. 1969 Camaro - $85,320
3. 1934 Ford 5 Window - $83,160
4. 1967 Corvette - $81,500
5. 1965 Tiger Sunbeam - $81,000

Another cool moment coming out of the Spring auction was that a buyer in Melbourne, Australia became the new owner of a 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III.  She was a phone bidder and soon, her elegant British ride will arrive down under for her to enjoy, drive, and show off!  

In front of the upcoming Fall events, consigners are encouraged to bring their truck to auction...not just as a mode of transportation, but as a sellable lot!  Trucks are also quite popular these days.  After all, there are countless songs about trucks, so from a lifestyle stand point, it works!  The truck market has NEVER been hotter and each of the next two auctions will feature an all-truck hour.  At a time and date TBD during these events, trucks will be the ONLY vehicles crossing the block. 

With new trucks nearly impossible to come by and pre-owned trucks still selling at a premium, take advantage of the demand and sell with Carlisle Auctions.

Finally, the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction will feature at least one collection of cars from a single consignor; Dave Ferro.   Dave is a long-time friend of Carlisle Events, Bill Miller, Jr. and the late Chip Miller.  Not only will these lots from the Dave Ferro Collection cross the block, some will be display at events this summer at Carlisle too.

Call 717-960-6400 today or visit us online to learn more about bidding, buying, or selling with Carlisle Auctions in 2022 and beyond!  Let our expert team help with an investment that truly accelerates!  

Every year our very own Ed Buczeskie pens (types) a piece for Mopar Collector's Guide.  As the event manager for the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, he's in touch with Mopar enthusiasts from around the world, many of whom make their way to Carlisle each July.  Our latest All About Cars blog post comes to you from the desk of Ed himself and takes a look at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals!  So...without further adieu, let's learn all about the July 15-17 event at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals Preview

It was clear that people were ready to get back out in 2021 and we saw that with a record setting 2,927 show cars! That beats the old record by more than 100 cars, which is bittersweet because we did it without our Canadian friends who typically bring another 120 Mopars. We have our fingers crossed in hopes that we break the 3,000-car mark this year, but even more important, we want to see our Canadian Mopar family again. We hope you’ll join us this July to help break the record and exceed 3,000 cars.

Speaking of huge, the all-Mopar swap meet is on track to sell out again. After selling out in 2019 and 2021 (we sold Car Corral spots for general vending to accommodate where we could), we added a few more spaces; don’t ask how!! We have just over 3,000 vending spaces in the swap meet and as of this writing (late March), we have less than 300 remaining. If you haven’t booked your spaces yet, contact us ASAP to see if we have any left.

In a lot of cases, there is an actual family connection with our Mopars and we’re going to highlight some of those vehicles this year with a Mopars in the Family display. We’re looking for cool cars for this, but we’re just as interested in the story. We’ve heard some incredible stories involving Mopars over the years and now we want to feature them. The only requirement for consideration is a family connection. We’ll know a great story when we hear it, so if you have one that you think qualifies, please submit an application.

We’re taking a slight detour for our next featured display, but this isn’t the first time we’ve done something untraditional. We did the first ever Barn Finds display way back in 2010 by filling Building Y with derelict Mopars. Our sanity was questioned but it turned out to be a hit. This year we’re straying from automobiles a bit and doing a non-automotive Mopar Collectibles Display. Imagine a building filled with go karts, bicycles, Sno Runners, boats, driving simulators and more…all with a Mopar connection. We’re still looking for cool items and we’re especially looking for things we might not know exist. You’re strongly encouraged to submit if you have something for this once-in-a-lifetime display. You won’t want to miss this one!

1972 was a full 50 years ago. Performance was waning but Mopar hadn’t given up. You could still get a 440, a 4-speed and a Dana 60 in a B-Body. 340s still rocked and came in some pretty attractive packages. We’ll have some of the nicest ‘72s and a couple of the rarest as we celebrate 50 years of the 1972 model year. If you have a truly unique ’72, go to www.CarlisleFeatures.com to submit an application.

Most people reading this probably remember when the Prowler came out. It was unlike anything an OEM had ever made. It was a factory-built street rod. It wasn’t all that long ago, right? It was 25 years ago! It’s kind of rare to see a Prowler these days but we’re expecting to have 50+ including some special ones in a big tent on the Showfield. From bone stock to highly modified, we’ll have them all.

We didn’t let Covid slow us down in 2020 and put our full effort into the show. We wanted everyone who attended to get the same experience and quality they have come to expect from Carlisle Events. Even though many 1970 Charger owners are from Canada, including the leader of the registry, we moved forward with the 50^th anniversary celebration. It was done with the understanding that there would be a redo as soon as Canadians could travel freely to the US. So this year will be the 1970 Charger 50^th Anniversary Redux. These owners are a passionate bunch and we’re expecting a record turnout!

We were tightlipped about last year’s collectible diecast offering because we weren’t sure if it would be done in time due to its complexity. We replicated John McCabe’s Old Skool Paint 1971 Charger dubbed “Mr. Hemi.” It was our coolest offering to date! This year we have the first in a two-part set. Do you remember the 1971 ‘Cuda ad with the 340 on the left and the Hemicuda on the right? This year will be the 340 ‘Cuda and the packaging will be the left side of the ad. Next year we’ll offer the Hemicuda with the right side of the ad. When displayed together, you’ll have the full ad.

We’re always adding something new to the show and this year we’re doing something we’ve never done. Join us at the stage on Friday morning for a “State of the Hobby” address. You’re reading MCG right now so you’re most likely familiar with Rob’s annual “State of the Hobby” column. However, this will be live and will involve several presenters including media, restorers, custom builders, Mopar businesses, SEMA reps, show promoters, racers and more. At the conclusion of the address there will be some really cool Mopar unveilings. Stay tuned!

In addition to the aforementioned highlights, the show will have Mel Major’s Mopar Survivors display, autocross shootout, special guests, Kids at Carlisle, women’s activities and so much more. Outside of the event hours, don’t forget to hang out with your Mopar family. We’ve been part of some pretty awesome hotel parking lot gatherings. You’re also welcome to stick around the fairgrounds to hang at your club tent, by your car, etc. Whatever you decide, make sure to make the most of your time at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, PA, July 15-17. Go to www.CarlisleEvents.com for more information.

For two days in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the automotive world was showcased in a way that is rarely duplicated at any other car show.  The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals presented by eBay Motors took place May 13-14 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and it did just that and then some in 2022.  The show has always been a diverse and eclectic mix of cars and trucks from around the world, but this year, the mix was even greater with the rare and unique combining with the new and yet to be released.

1,802 vehicles populated the Showfield and that total is the third highest ever since the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals came to be.  Of those cars, one was the all-new 2023 Nissan Z, a model that won’t be available to the consumer until late in 2022 or early 2023.  In addition, the yellow version on grounds is just one of a handful of show cars known to exist and best of all, regardless of color, the 2023 Z was making its enthusiast car show debut at Carlisle.  A popular draw, the yellow Z sat front and center in Building Y and was possibly the most photographed car at Carlisle.

Not far from THE Z were display buildings laced with some of the best of the best from around the world.  This included French cars in and around Building R, BMWs, Dune Buggies and Subarus in Building T, dozens of Zs in and around Building Y, Porsches just inside of Gate 3, and race prepared cars in the paddock on the east side of the grounds.

Those who ignored their weather apps in advance of the car show and simply came to Carlisle anyway stayed dry throughout the weekend, dodging just one late afternoon shower on Friday.  Otherwise, it was warm, with sun, and hot cars all around.

While the Z was unique in that it’s not available yet, there were more rare and unique rides on display in 2022.  With more than half a dozen countries represented, guests were able to check out a Toyota Century, Honda Beat, Honda S660, VW XL1, Volvo 340 and much more.  In addition, the club scene was hopping with the SAABs at Carlisle group taking home the largest club award, while Club NVUS was tapped as the coolest club winner.

The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals also became a stopping point for a group of European car lovers who were trekking cross-country from Los Angeles to Baltimore in a 1986 Citroen 2CV.  The car turned plenty of heads on their drive and at the show as they worked to raise awareness for Kennedy’s Disease.  From Carlisle, the car was slated to make a few more stops before it gets shipped to England.  From there, the journey continues to Rome, Italy.

Speaking of cars in motion, the Datsun and Nissan Z cars took part in an on grounds parade, the Volvos did too and with multiple competitions, plus autocross and drifting hosted by NICO Club, and all new, rolling burnouts and donuts, there were plenty of opportunities to see the show cars come to life.

As the final day of the 2022 show concluded, awards were posted for those who participated in professional judging.  eJudged.com was back at it this year, offering their expertise to a few hundred car owners.  Those who didn’t win still had the chance to talk with the judges to better their chances for future considerations.

The 2023 version of the event is happening May 12-13 and registration for it is now open.  Up next for Carlisle Events is the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s June 3-5.  For details on this event, advanced arrival information or to check out the winner’s list and photos from Import & Performance weekend, visit CarlisleEvents.com.