Car clubs have been organized and filled with enthusiasts since the early days of the automobile. Many point to the Paris-based, Automobile Club de France, in 1895, as the first car club, expanding to England in 1898, and Austria, Germany and Switzerland by 1900. The concept came to America by 1902 with the American Automobile Association, and by the 1930s, the first of what we would now consider current-concept car clubs were being formed.

The movement took off in America, in the 1950s and 1960s, and by the time the first Carlisle All-Ford Nationals was held at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds in 1995, car clubs were eager to gather at large events to come together, and show off their cars and their clubs.

Since the beginning of the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals, John Clor, Enthusiast Communications Manager / Ford Performance, has been involved in helping cultivate the Carlisle experience for Ford Clubs around the nation, to such an extent that there are currently more than 100 active clubs active with Carlisle Events. (Here is a link to the list of Carlisle’s recognized clubs.  Carlisle Ford Nationals - Clubs (carlisleevents.com)

Clor, a veteran journalist and automotive journalist, has owned, raced, worked on and written about Fords and Mustangs for nearly 45 years. He joined the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in 1995 and spent most of the next decade working on SVT Communications, PR and Marketing. Clor is an Iacocca Award Winner, and hosts a show called “Cars In Context” that has evolved from local cable access to YouTube. In 2007, he developed a club outreach program for Ford Racing that is now known as Club Connect, and today manages enthusiast communications for Ford Performance as well as enthusiast content on FordPerformance.com.  He calls Carlisle, “The Super Bowl of Ford Events.”

Clor said, “Through Ford Club Connect, which has 383 registered clubs, we learned that cars resonate on an emotional level and the club people often have names for their cars … they are going to keep their cars and show them off … not trade them in.” The mission of Ford Club Connect was to get out into the community and contact every club. Clor said, “Every club has its own character, and we looked for events to meet them.  Ken Appell, Carlisle’s Ford Nationals Event Manager runs the Ford Nationals attuned to the clubs. We attend, and clubs attend Carlisle because they engage with the clubs. They help make it a 3-day party for the brand and the clubs.” Clor added, “I could go on the road to 20 venues and see 20 clubs, or I can go to Carlisle and meet with 100 clubs. I can see 200 vehicles at a typical event, or I can see 3200 Fords in one weekend at one place (Carlisle).”

Clor has seen the club scene change and grow at Carlisle since the beginning. “In 1995, with the Ford Special Vehicle team, we saw a few 10x10 pop up tents. Each year, we saw bigger and bolder displays, more Ford celebrities, greater Ford brand involvement and increased Ford club activity.” He said, “Because of aging and evolution of legacy clubs, the club scene has grown younger and less sophisticated, perhaps. We see more Mustangs, and maybe fewer of the older badges, but it is even more of a party or festival and a venue at which to show off a customized source of pride.”

What used to be a bunch of car guys getting together to talk about and show off their ride, is now gaining more and more family attendance. “The experiential owners get their families involved and bring the enthusiasm to the next generation – their kids,” said Clor. “It used to be by word of mouth and phone calls, and now clubs build with Facebook groups and cruise groups and that attracts even more YOUNG families. There used to be just events and displays for guys, but Carlisle has added a women’s oasis, good food, Hot Wheels races for families, raffles, meetings, awards, activities, and it is more than simply a swap meet and a show. The clubs take it in as a family event.”

To help celebrate the clubs at Carlisle, Clor selects The Coolest Club Hangout Award. “For years, clubs would come to the show with a theme. A T-Bird Club came with poodle-skirted ladies, juke boxes, t-shirts with Lucky Strikes rolled up in their sleeves, jeans and a ‘Happy Days’ feel. A Red Mustang Club once had a pirate theme and the winner of the “Coolest Club” was who had the biggest party. He said the selection process, as with the clubs, has evolved. “I visit the clubs and they present an environment where you feel at home. It is now about the group that had roasters and a family dinner … making turkey so that it is like going home for the holidays. That is what is ‘Cool’ to me … how do they make this feel good. How do they make it fun, from trading war stories, celebrating with family and friends and appreciating brand. That club is where I want to be and hang out … they enjoy the show and each other’s company. That is cool.”

Carlisle Events helps clubs gather together with a tent program. Tent rentals are available at most specialty events to use as club headquarters. Carlisle Events offers free or discounted tents to clubs who register a specific number of Showfield cars as a way of showing appreciation for club participation.

To entice additional involvement, Carlisle Events challenges all clubs to show their strength in numbers. The top three clubs (based on number of registered show vehicles) are recognized at each event's awards parade. Further, the top three also get a special banner, which can be displayed when you come back to Carlisle, or with your club at other events. Contact Carlisle Events for more details.

Ford enthusiastically embraces the clubs and the show. Clor sums up saying, “Ford celebrates at the event, it doesn’t try to sell…the brands mean something and nostalgia sells. The Ford Nationals is for enthusiasts, and the clubs make an emotional connection.”

Car clubs with a focus on the Ford family of vehicles past and present are encouraged to register to be part of the 2021 event, June 4-6.  Not only does the event offer a plethora of cars and trucks for you to enjoy, it makes a great "home base" for your club to gather, socialize and recruit.  Officially recognized Carlisle Clubs may also qualify for a FREE tent to host your hangout as well.  There's even a pair of club awards; largest and coolest.  The coolest club honors are chosen by Mr. Clor himself!  Learn more about the event and the club scene at Carlisle today at CarlisleEvents.com. 

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The Carlisle GM Nationals (June 25-26) has always celebrated all things GM, including the iconic Corvette.  With Corvettes at Carlisle taking place just a few months later (August 26-28), Corvette owners and enthusiasts tend to wait until August to bring their Vette to Carlisle.  For 2021, however; guests at the GM Nationals will see the best of both worlds via the York County Corvette Club and the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. 

Corvettes for Chip is officially transitioning from a fall event at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center to a mid-summer showcase on the National Parts Depot Showfield and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  The pairing of the two events benefits all involved, offering over 100 more vehicles for showgoers to enjoy, while also supporting the CMAF and its efforts to raise money and awareness for Amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is the disease that took the life of Carlisle Events co-owner Chip Miller in 2004.

Corvettes for Chip is THE perfect way for Corvettes to be part of the Carlisle GM Nationals, while also offering a dedicated location for Corvettes and their owners.  Many of the same aspects of the familiar Corvettes for Chip event will be part of the Carlisle GM Nationals, including vending both days and judging on June 26 for eight classes, awards, goody bags, prize raffles, a 50/50 drawing, the ability to pre-register and of course support the CMAF.  Corvettes for Chip is a non-sanctioned event hosted by the York County Corvette Club, long-time friends of the CMAF. 

For those who partake in the fun, this is a chance to access two additional entertainment options.  Mentioned already is the Carlisle GM Nationals.  For 2021, the show spotlights pop culture rides by way of Comic-Car Con, there’s a 50^h celebration of the Vega and H-Platform, plus a GM Swaps display, a GM Nationals Showcase display, the annual Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y and a June 26 appearance by TV host and builder Mike Finnegan. 

Further, less than a five-minute walk west of the fairgrounds is the aforementioned Carlisle Expo Center.  Within this facility, Carlisle Auctions hosts a one day, 200+ consignment classic and collector car auction known as the Summer Sale.  The auction provides guests a chance to add to their collection or start a new one and do so as part of an auction that rivals its “as seen on TV” counterparts.

An auction, a car show, a Corvette showcase, parts shopping AND a charitable venture, all for one price and all part of the Carlisle GM Nationals.  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.

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.