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,
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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.
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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 50th 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 50th 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.