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Skip to main contentRemember those World II movies in which the G.I.s traveled around battlefields and countrysides in Jeeps, or on the TV show, “M.A.S.H.” when Radar …
Remember those World II movies in which the G.I.s traveled around battlefields and countrysides in Jeeps, or on the TV show, “M.A.S.H.” when Radar O’Reilly mailed one of vehicles home to Iowa piece by piece? Well, the Jeep has come a long way since then. While the Jeep brand heralds that it is the original sport-utility vehicle beginning in 1941, today’s Jeeps are trendy, powerful, wide-functioning, and can perform off-road with the best of them.
Nostalgic Americans and car-lovers alike have held a warm spot in their hearts for Jeep since WWII. The general purpose vehicle that could go anywhere and determinedly complete its missions, even under fire, bombardment or on the most challenging terrain, served the U.S. military steadfastly, before being marketed to the public in 1945 as the first Civilian Jeep (“CJ”) vehicles – the Willys-Overland CJ-2A.
While many believe that “Jeep” is a phonetic pronunciation of the abbreviation GP, from “General Purpose,” that was used as part of the official Army nomenclature, the first documented use of the word “Jeep” was the name of a character, “Eugene the Jeep,” in Popeye cartoons. Eugene gained his rep for supernatural abilities such as walking through walls. Automotively, Jeep was also the name of a small tractor made by Minneapolis-Moline prior to WW II. Either way, the name was a hit with servicemen, and after the war, Willys filed a successful trademark claim for the name
Jeep lays claim as a sports-utility vehicle ground-breaker beginning with its General Purpose military transport in 1941, built by the Willys-Overland car company. After the war, Willys did not resume production of its passenger-car models, choosing instead to concentrate on Jeeps and Jeep-branded vehicles, launching the Jeep Station Wagon in 1946, the Jeep Truck in 1947, and the Jeepster in 1948. An attempt to re-enter the passenger-car market in 1952 with the Willys Aero sedan proved unsuccessful, and ended with the company's acquisition by Kaiser Motors in 1953, for $60 million. Kaiser initially called the merged company “Willys Motors”, but renamed itself Kaiser-Jeep in 1963.
American Motors Corp. (AMC) purchased Kaiser in 1970 for $70 million and in 1976, introduced the CJ-7. Chrysler bought AMC in 1987, and soon replaced the CJ-7 with the Wrangler YJ. In 1992, Grand Cherokee became the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product and was launched when then-Chrysler president Robert Lutz made a grand entrance at the Detroit Auto Show by driving the vehicle through a plate glass window to debut the SUV. In the 29 years since, Grand Cherokee has been an award-winning off-road and around-town luxury sports-utility vehicle that performs equally well at upscale occasions, off-road and while towing boats, toys and workloads.
The 80-year history of Jeeps is the focus of the PA Jeeps, Inc. 25th Annual All Breeds Jeep Show, July 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. One of the longest and largest Jeep shows in the world the event spotlights fun, family events including:
Award categories include Best Military Display, Best Overland Equipped, Best After-Market Equipped and Best “Lit” Jeep.
Jennifer Watson, Jeep Show Chairman for PA Jeeps bought her first Jeep soon after high school. It was a 1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ, and she still owns it. After nearly 30 years of wheeling and Jeep culture in her blood, she has added a 1947 Willys CJ-2A and a 2003 Wrangler TJ to her collection. Watson said, “I believe the Jeep culture has sustained since its military beginning because Jeeps are just fun. You can take the top off most of them, let your hair blow in the wind and let all your troubles blow out with it. They are the most versatile off-pavement vehicle and daily vehicle for any weather condition. The Jeep brand has the distinction of having one of the highest proportions of original vehicles still in running condition. The longevity of the vehicle aids in sustaining the brand.”
Watson believes the current devotion to Jeeps started “with ‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ along with their appearance in ‘Jurassic Park’. It all began with the G.I.s returning from WW2, who had access to inexpensive surplus Jeeps that helped foster their popularity in the civilian world. Many of the returning G.I.s had fond memories of a Jeep that got them through some difficult times during the war.”
Since the start of model-year, when 4-door Wranglers were introduced, the brand boomed in its following and appeals to those who want to experience the Jeep lifestyle. High residual values for used Wranglers have also helped.
According to Watson, “Today's culture is much different than when I started in the Jeep world. Many of the old-school Jeepers would pack up to go camping and trail riding for a weekend with a group of friends. It seemed like a smaller close-knit group, if you happened to run into other Jeepers, they were just part of the group and were added in. Back in the day, you carried everything with you in your Jeep, from extra parts and emergency gear, to extra clothes. You were always prepared for anything and if you didn't have it someone else did.”
Part of the culture phenomenon is “The Jeep Wave.” According to Watson, it began soon after WWII. According to Watson, “After the soldiers returned home, the Jeeps that were not destroyed were purchased by returning soldiers. Soldiers riding around in their Jeeps would wave to fellow Jeepers to greet their fellow soldiers. During WWII, the wave was said to be a form of communication with allies or fellow soldiers with supplies, or with wounded soldiers. The wave continued with civilians who purchased Jeeps and saw others wave. There are rules to the Jeep wave as well. As you approach another Jeep the lesser of the two waves first.”
The 25th Annual All Breeds Jeep Show at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds this weekend is hosted by PA Jeeps Inc. The family-oriented club has been in existence for 26 years and promotes the safe and fun use of Jeeps on- and off-road. Watson said, “The membership is made up of people all walks of life with the common goal of enjoying their Jeep and promoting the brand with like-minded people. We expect up to 500 Jeeps to register for the Show n’ Shine event, with judging split into 13 classes spanning the 80 years of Jeep. Many of the owners will then take their Jeep on the show’s obstacle course. We came to Carlisle this year to expand the future of the Jeep show.”
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
Herb McCandless, known during his racing days as “Mr. 4-Speed,” is returning to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals this weekend (where he has been a f …
Herb McCandless, known during his racing days as “Mr. 4-Speed,” is returning to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals this weekend (where he has been a frequent guest), along with an exciting assortment of his race-winning cars that are now in the McCandless Collection. Additionally, the long-anticipated documentary on McCandless’ life and career is complete, and its world premiere will take place at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds event. The full four-part series will play on a loop throughout the event, and it will be possible to watch the entire documentary or just segments, as it pleases the viewer. The film, to be shown on a large screen in a huge tent will be accompanied by the McCandless Collection display, making it possible to see the cars in action on screen and up close in person. Additionally, the man about whom the documentary was produced will be at his display, and available for autographs and conversation.
A true Mopar living legend, the man in the documentary, Herb McCandless, was an American Pro Stock drag racer. With a long career in racing, McCandless won NHRA's Modified Eliminator title at the 1970 Gatornats in a Plymouth Barracuda. He also won the 1970 NHRA U.S. Nationals in Pro Stock driving a 426 ci. 1970 Plymouth Duster for the Sox & Martin team, and was on top of the drag racing world from 1970 through 1974. After retiring from driving, McCandless became a respected engine builder.
McCandless was a hired gun for some of the biggest Chrysler-backed drag racing teams. Billy Stepp recruited him to drive Strepp’s 1968 Hemi Barracuda in the Street Eliminator class at the NHRA Winternationals, and with the urging of Chrysler race boss Dick Maxwell, McCandless and Stepp joined forces. McCandless said, “Maxwell came to me and asked if I’d put my motor in Stepp’s Barracuda and drive it. We ran A/Modified Production, were 200-pounds too heavy and got killed in the class. I asked Billy if I could take the car back to Memphis with me and set it up to run B/Modified Production. After thrashing for a few weeks on both cars, I headed to Gainesville for the Gatornationals. I had a spare Hemi engine so I threw it in my ’68 Dart and entered it in Pro Stock, and entered Stepp’s ’68 Barracuda in B/Modified Production.” That is one driver with two different cars in two different classes.
“I swear I didn’t take my helmet off all day,” said McCandless, “and lived on a pit bike bouncing around from car to car. I won Modified Production and set the record in the class. I need to give personal thanks here to Billy Stepp, through the grace of him and his family, we have the ‘Wally’ from that race.” (The Wally is a prestigious trophy named in honor of late NHRA founder Wally Parks.) “It means a lot to me,’ said McCandless, “and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
Many fans misremember or believe that McCandless became known as “Mr. 4-Speed” following his NHRA Modified Eliminator title at the 1970 Gatornats or his 1970 NHRA U.S. Nationals Pro Stock championship. Others believe it was for his prowess in his 4-speed 1968 Dodge Dart or his 1972 Dodge Demon. But that wasn’t the case.
In his early days, McCandless drove in NHRA events for such teams as Sox & Martin and Dick Landy, and he was stellar on the AHRA circuit, which had a more liberal rules package. He also ran Super Stocks and he raced in 52 events in 1968, winning money in more than 40 of them – already racing with the nickname. McCandless said, “My 1965 Plymouth was what got me started, but that ’68 car was the first car I really traveled with and we won just about everywhere with it. I didn’t have any bad days with that car.”
But about the nickname, "That ‘Mr. Four-Speed’ nickname was not my idea," McCandless said, "John Moore, from Chrysler's zone office in Memphis, wanted it painted on the car. They only built 10 factory four-speed Super Stock cars in 1965, and after three or four weeks, there were only a handful of those still racing around the country, so Mr. Moore wanted it painted on there on my ’65 car, and it just stuck.” He ran four-speeds to victory for several teams at many venues, and never looked back.
Mike McCandless, the son of legendary drag racer has accumulated one of the world's most prestigious collections of Chrysler corporation cars. The McCandless Collection is a comprehensive showcase of cars from the “Forward Look” Era (1955-1961), cars from the 1970s driven by McCandless, or tributes to his rides, as well, as other vintage cars and memorabilia from the time period. Among the vehicles scheduled to appear are: McCandless’ 1968 Dodge Dart L023 Mr. 4-Speed, 1965 Plymouth Belvedere A990 Mr. 4-Speed Tribute, 1970 Sox & Martin Plymouth Hemi Barracuda GT1, 1970 Sox & Martin Stock Plymouth Duster Tribute and the 1972 Sox & Martin Pro Stock Dodge Demon.
McCandless and his cars are scheduled to appear at The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 9 – 11 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The event is the largest Mopar event in the world featuring more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand. Classic, muscle cars and high performance new models are all showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise. Cars, parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more will be for sale in the Mopar Automotive Flea Market, as well as the latest and greatest products within the Manufacturers Midway.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
A young boy saw a Corvette spotlighted on the cover of a magazine, immediately fell in love with America’s sportscar and devoted his focus toward o …
A young boy saw a Corvette spotlighted on the cover of a magazine, immediately fell in love with America’s sportscar and devoted his focus toward owning one – even before he could drive. That love for the automotive icon culminated in his creation of an event that became the largest Corvette show in the world, Corvettes at Carlisle, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary August 26-28 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.
Corvettes at Carlisle has attracted attendees worldwide and has earned praise from Chevrolet, car engineers, race drivers and auto enthusiasts for its diversity, excitement, attention to history and its sheer grandness, even gaining a name-drop on the Jimmy Kimmel Live TV show in December, 2018. The event started as a dream by Chip Miller, and it has been a family affair ever since, from attracting families who shared Miller’s love for Corvette, to his passing the baton to his son, Lance, after Chip Miller passed away in 2004.
Lance Miller shared his father’s history and the evolution of the event. He said his father discovered the Corvette while relaxing. Miller said, “My father was a young child sitting on the curb, and right near him was a Popular Mechanics magazine. The magazine had a Corvette on the cover. He fell in love with the artwork/car right then and there.”
Moving forward, Chip Miller became a dedicated “car guy” and he and his “car guy” friend, Bill Miller (no relation) founded Carlisle Events in 1974, to produce events for “car guys and girls just like them.” The enterprise began with a swap meet and car show called “Post War ’74”, on the Carlisle Fairgrounds. The runaway success of what became known as Fall Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Car Corral led to a similar Spring event in 1977. In short order, they became complete sellouts for vendor and car sale (or “car corral”) spaces.
By 1982, Chip Miller brought his dedication to Corvettes to the mix and started Corvettes at Carlisle as a stand-alone event. According to Lance Miller, “My father’s passion and love for Corvettes wasn’t just about the car, it was truly about the people. He loved his friends and most were involved in the Corvette hobby. When he decided to host Corvettes at Carlisle, his list of friends grew exponentially due to the size of the event. The show started off with just a few rows of Corvettes, with some vendors sprinkled in, and the event quickly became one of the largest Corvette-only events in the world.”
Chip Miller was enthralled by devotees and their interaction with the car. Lance Miller said, “My father enjoyed the people behind the wheel of their Corvettes more than anything. Bringing people together to enjoy what he loved so much wasn’t a job for him; it was something he really wanted to do because it allowed others to experience exactly what he loved so much – friendships. Many friendships were formed over the years because of each of our events, and Bill Miller and my father were all about those friendships and those people.”
According to Lance Miller, Chip Miller’s proudest moment each year was seeing all of his friends come to “his” Corvette party, as it became a true tradition for many. “My father’s goal of bringing like-minded individuals together became more and more of a success as years went on, and this success brought my father sincere joy each year,” said Lance Miller. “Today, Corvettes at Carlisle still generates new friendships each year, thanks largely to my father and Bill Miller, his partner and friend. That exemplifies true Corvette Camaraderie.”
After that first show in 1982, the event grew larger, more diversified and more sophisticated each year. In the beginning, the event focused on a showfield area where Corvettes were on display, a Corvette Corral where Corvettes were for sale, and as was true for all Carlisle Events, a large vendor area -- something that Chip Miller took great pride in, as “the heartbeat of the Carlisle Events organization.”
In the 1980s and ’90s, OEM Corvette parts were tough to come by, but during Corvettes at Carlisle, Chip Miller took great effort to make sure he had all the right vendors at the event. As the event continued to grow in each sector, so did the visitors’ excitement of owning and driving a Corvette. Chevrolet saw the advantages of this Corvette enthusiasts’ Mecca and Chip Miller succeeded in having Team Chevrolet attend Corvettes at Carlisle for the first time. Lance Miller recalled, “I’ll never forget how grateful my father was for having them come to the event. We’re fortunate to continue this tradition today”.
The vendors and parts have changed quite a bit in 40 years of the show. Many of the older cars have been restored -- some restored multiple times -- so original parts aren’t in as high demand as they were back in the day, and many have been remanufactured making them cheaper due to mass production. Lance Miller said, “We’ve seen a transformation of our attendees wanting to enhance and personalize their newer Corvettes. Sometimes they need an exhaust, sometimes it’s paint protection film, sometimes it’s different wheels and sometimes it’s an entire engine makeover.”
It seems apparent that Corvette passion is alive and well, and there is a current push towards Vette-Rods, as enthusiasts are converting older Corvettes with newer technology – brakes, transmission, AC, engine and suspension components. The vendors at Corvettes at Carlisle adapt to the times and trends, and supply what the audience and attendees demand. Lance Miller said, “I’m happy to say if you visit us at Carlisle, you’ll find what you need for your next project – whether you’d like to keep your restoration as close to factory as possible all the way to the Vette-Rod.”
When Chip Miller passed away in 2004 from amyloidosis, Carlisle Events management asked Lance Miller to manage Corvettes at Carlisle. “I accepted the challenge without hesitation,” he said. “In fact, my Mom needed help managing her ownership of the company so it ended up being a dual position. At the time I had my own web design and consulting business, which I sold quickly prior to accepting the job at hand.”
Lance Miller didn’t come in cold; he was involved with each of the company’s events at a very young age, from putting out paper plates on the field with vendor ID numbers, to selling tickets and driving the company tram. “My father was a true mentor for me,” he said, “and he would put me through the paces. I recall mowing the lawn, putting in the vendor ID disks and taking them out, emptying the trashcans, scrubbing the floors in the buildings, and everything my father wanted me to learn. As I got older, I learned quickly why he did what he did. It made me truly appreciate each position at Carlisle Events. I know how hard every team member works, and if it weren’t for my father forcing these jobs on me, I wouldn’t appreciate how hard each person works, nearly as much. To say I’m grateful is an understatement, he did well at his parenting and I’m thankful for it now I can pass that down to my daughter (I bet she’ll love it!).”
When Lance Miller took over the reins of the event, he quickly learned about the Corvette community. “They are amazing,” he said. “Everyone that was involved with helping my father reached out and said they’d handle different themes for the event. They were amazing and I quickly realized our events are ALL about the people – the passion behind the car is driven hard, but the people drive it home for our events. Whenever we have incredible displays there’s always a couple of people that really drive it home – typically one car owner of a specific theme will go out of their way to ensure it’s a great display. This spills over to the general public and makes for a great event.”
Lance Miller reflected, “Corvettes at Carlisle was my father’s baby, it meant the world to him. The event keeps him alive, and after I had taken over, a Corvette community friend mentioned to me at one of our events that he felt that we should conduct an Engine Rev tribute to my father. As feedback is essential to making any event better, we listen and we apply. I did just that… I broadened the scope a bit, and we do an Engine Rev for our loved ones at noon on Saturday each year during Corvettes at Carlisle. I typically have my Mom by my side, I say a few words and then following a moment of silence, everyone on the grounds revs their engines for our loved ones that can no longer join us. Each year I have tears in my eyes and I can feel my father’s presence with my Mom and me in the car. To me, this is something my father would be proud of and it is something I’m proud of.”
Lance Miller has seen the show grow, but the fans remain constant. He said, “The fans are still the same; some have aged, but their love and passion haven’t diminished. We also see that there are a LOT of new Corvette enthusiasts entering the market. We’re seeing a drastic increase in people enjoying their newer Corvettes -- C6-C8 cars -- due to the luxury of driving it compared to the early years. The vendor base is the heartbeat to our organization and I often tell people they can build a Corvette out of the parts that are available within our vendor area. If you’re looking for that hard to find part, you’ll most likely find it at Carlisle. We’re also seeing a spike in our Manufacturers Midway, where many of the exhaust manufactures and others do installs transforming your Corvette right before your eyes. It’s a lot of fun to watch and hear.”
Lance Miller added, “My father would often say… LIFE IS GOOD! For three words, it’s quite powerful. I do my best to live by these words and we do our best to apply this to each event we host. If you’ve never attended one of our events I’d encourage you to come out, in fact I’d love to hear your feedback as we put them on solely for you! Feedback is crucial for us to improve and the only way we can improve is by hearing how we can make it a better experience for you.”
Corvettes at Carlisle at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, August 26-28, is the largest and most diverse Corvette car show in the world. The annual Corvettes at Carlisle event features thousands of Corvettes representing all generations of America’s classic sports car. Corvettes at Carlisle spotlights all aspects of the Corvette hobby, including different styles, packages and every generation of production, from year one in 1953 to the modern day C8.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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.
Car guys love car shows, and when a car guy who stars on a televised car show guests at a live car show (event), it is the best of times in the car …
Car guys love car shows, and when a car guy who stars on a televised car show guests at a live car show (event), it is the best of times in the car show world. Aaron Kaufman, TV host and car builder, is the former lead mechanic at Gas Monkey Garage and co-host of Fast N’ Loud filmed at the Gas Monkey Garage. Kaufman is the owner of Arclight Fabrication in Dallas, TX and he will be a guest celebrity for a meet-and-greet at the Carlisle GM Nationals, June 25 - 26, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.
The Texas-based Kaufman, who also starred in a one-season television show entitled Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman, is coming to Carlisle, fresh from his newest TV venture, Aaron Needs a Job, in which he toured America while featuring people doing jobs he found interesting and challenging. Of course, most of the jobs on the show relate in some way to the automotive industry, but he isn’t tied into that without the flexibility to investigate other exciting jobs and the people who work them.
More than a mechanic, fabricator, car builder, TV personality and “car guy,” Kaufman is also a competitive racer. In September 2015, Kaufman competed in the Speed Energy Formula Off-Road Stadium Super Trucks series, driving a Toyo Tires-sponsored truck at the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, CA. He ran two rounds during the weekend, finishing fifth in both his heat races, followed by tenth- and eighth-place runs in the features. Things didn’t go Kaufman’s way during the event, including one incident in which his truck partially rode on a K-rail. After the race, fellow driver Robby Gordon joked that is was “some of the best, worst driving I have ever seen from the Toyo Tires driver.”
Kaufman got his automotive start working at a garage in Dallas, putting to use his talent for pulling things apart and putting them back together, a skill he recognized in himself as a child. Kaufman’s father was a passionate car guy and Kaufman helped his dad work on multiple projects.
Originally, Kaufman pictured himself becoming a park ranger, but when he found he had a skill and a thirst for disassembling cars and putting them back together with tweaks to make them better than ever, his focus went to all things automotive. As a young man, he ventured into hot rods as a self-taught fabricator, mechanic, and hot-rodder. At his garage, he met Richard Rawlings, the entrepreneur who was also a reality show (Fast N’ Loud) and media personality. Rawlings recognized Kaufman’s skill and hired him as a mechanic, eventually promoting him to lead mechanic at Gas Monkey Garage, both at the garage business and in the Fast N’ Loud TV show based on the enterprise.
As Kaufman became a media personality, he never lost focus of his passion for building, tweaking and creating automotive projects. After 14 years at the Gas Monkey Garage and four years with Fast N’ Loud, Kaufman felt boxed in as to the approach to what vehicles he could work on and how to fix them up, and left the relationship to allow him the flexibility to work on exciting projects of his own choosing.
This will be Kaufman’s first time at the Carlisle GM Nationals and he said he was “anxious to see the cars and meet the enthusiasts.”
The meet-and-greet and autograph sessions with Kaufman are free for Carlisle GM Nationals attendees, once through the gates. Following his Carlisle appearance, Kaufman is expected to compete in the Pikes Peak Hill Club the following day (Sunday). Kaufman will fly to Colorado after his Carlisle appearance and drive in the 99th offering of the “Race to the Clouds” at Pikes Peak in Cascade, Colorado. The peak is nearly three-miles high and Kaufman will be among those drivers to attack the climb. He has driven in the race multiple times, most often in a 1963 Ford Falcon race car he re-built on his show, until he sold it online.
The Carlisle GM Nationals is one of the largest GM featured event in the world, with more than 1000 vehicles on the field spanning more than a century and showcasing the many badges that have been under the General Motors badge (umbrella). The cars on-site will include vintage and classics to late-model automobiles and trucks, including the 6th Generation Camaro.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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 1970s was a decade filled with self-expression, breaking with tradition, experimentation with fashion, inventive color and style, and a drive t …
The 1970s was a decade filled with self-expression, breaking with tradition, experimentation with fashion, inventive color and style, and a drive to be unique. That determination was apparent in the automotive industry with colorful cars and the evolution of custom vans -- shaggin’ wagons.
While high-impact color muscle cars rolled down America’s highways, perhaps the vehicle that best illustrated America’s go-for-the-good-times lifestyle was the custom van. The muscle-car apartments on wheels were a canvas for creativity that cruised down Van Nuys Blvd. in California, Woodward Avenue in Detroit, and on various strips across all regions of America.
Several auto manufacturers built already “customized” vans to take advantage of the market, and many after-market companies served the movement by fully customizing the blank van canvas to the buyer’s own vision.
These were full-sized vans, as the minivan didn’t really hit the scene until 1984. They were not today’s soccer-mom transporters. They often had beds inside, lots of speakers, shag carpet, and personalized cosmetics and features. While their popularity waned by the end of the decade, the wild ’70s saw a genre in which the wilder was the better, and each unique interior take or creative exterior paintjob was in competition with the next customization to be king of the road.
A tricked out van could include shiny chrome, plush carpeting, extreme sound systems, amped-up horsepower and museum-worthy artwork that was hip, trendy, professional and exclusive to each van. On a single cruise strip you could see vans sporting robust color, flames, stripes, lettering, and images of monsters, dungeons and dragons, skulls, mermaids, princesses, fairies, pirates, space scenes, Western scenes, animals, giant insects, naked or nearly naked objects of desire, airbrushing, brushed-on portraits and so much more. Each van was a unique creation.
The 1970s van culture was a creative moment in time, but it still plays today, and Carlisle Events will pay homage to the era at the Carlisle Truck Nationals August 6 - 8, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The display, called Vanarama IX welcomes vanners and all vans and enthusiasts. As part of the show, Carlisle Events has invited Kurk Collis of customvan.com to head the event, and the show features several of his works of automotive art as well as several from automotive artist Ed Beard Jr., who has 40 years of illustration and custom automotive airbrush work in his portfolio.
Collis builds his own parts and concentrates on interiors. He began by learning every aspect of the van conversion plant he worked for in the 1970s, working his way up to design engineer until forming his own custom van shop -- RV Doctor -- in Baltimore, in the late 1980s, specializing in vans and SUVs. Collis said, “In the 1970s I read car magazine articles showing shag-carpeted vans and the new breed of auto enthusiasts who expressed their individuality and took the delivery van to a new level. It changed my life and I envisioned helping them taking an old bread truck or mechanics truck and personalizing it to give it a personal meaning.”
Exterior art is what you see from the road, and while Collis continues the exterior story inside, Ed Beard Jr. creates it on the outside. Beard did his first airbrush automotive job in 1982 and moved from vans to hot rods, then to Harleys; hand-painting high fantasy, warlords, creatures and monsters, from murals to close-up work. He moved to illustrating books, calendars and novelty products, then returned to van art creation in 2010.
Regarding van exteriors, Beard said, “The art tells a story … I use different techniques for the art at hand, from airbrushing to hand brush work and fine line work. I specialize in lettering and portrait work, and I hand-draw. You can see individual hairs on my portraits and I follow a creative-theme storyline with hidden objects that you have to search out to see.”
Beard believes that the exterior and interior work together. He said, “A successful van customization has a synergy between the exterior and interior. The style and theme on exterior front doors has to be carried on inside. Kurk carries the theme with sound, collectable and fun objects, cloth, stitching, colors and panel lighting, and I add theme painting to complete the package.”
Carlisle got into the act in 2010. Collis said, “I came to the Spring Carlisle Swap Meet to sell inventory and we got a few vans together to show off and sell. Visitors and Carlisle staff saw the excitement and next year we brought – or contacted vanners to bring – 30 vans to Building T. Soon, van campers were allowed in to make Vanarama a van party. This year we will see more than 100 vans attend and display.”
There is no typical design, but common interior themes from Collis include “Two chairs in front that swivel, a bed in back, and such unique themes as Superman, or a railroad narrative, or we did one with a ‘Stairway to Heaven’ song storyline.” Collis’ playbook includes high-shine waxed wood inside, lighting that changes to the music played, lighted logos in wall (in the Superman van), center wheel logos, and what creative additions the conversion suggests to him. “We build a fluid, living thing,” said Collis.
Collis said, today’s crowd is similar to that of 50 years ago. “Today is the same as always,” he said. “It is about what the 60-year-old vanner was driving 40 or 50 years ago and nostalgia that makes older vanners feel young again. Maybe he wants to recapture the van he had or one he saw, but couldn’t have in those days. And it is about the young vanners who want edgy and not mainstream art on wheels, with navi, electronics, Bluetooth, music, lights, fuel injection and high-tech. In the end, it is as it has always been … it is about self-expression.”
Beard said, “Today’s exterior focus is not much different, stressing military, history super heroes, Marvel comic heroes or sports. And it is often personal, My ‘Orange Krate’ creation carries a family’s story in a Bermuda Triangle-pirate theme; ‘Dragonlord’ is a wizards and dragons theme and ‘Shanna Marie’ is a pirate-themed tribute to a family.”
Collis added, “At Vanarama you can see the evolution of it all. What remains the same is the company we keep. The vanner community cares about each other. We stick together as a family … the vanner family.”
Beard and Collis will show off some of their work, along with more than 100 other vanners, at this year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals, which hosts around 2,000 trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. Attendees can take in some action with a burnout contest, low truck limbo, high truck contest, frame-dragging contest, and more.
Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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.
On the surface, motorsports appears to be a male-dominated domain, but there have been plenty of women who have made their marks on the scene and b …
On the surface, motorsports appears to be a male-dominated domain, but there have been plenty of women who have made their marks on the scene and behind the scenes, especially within the Ford sphere (or oval) of influence.
Often left unreported, women have been involved in automobile racing from the beginning of racing’s early days -- on the track, in the pits, and behind the scenes. From Detroit to Daytona, and from Indy to Le Mans and Sebring, women have earned their stripes and checkered flags, and the list reads like a motorsports who’s-who regardless of gender. Drivers such as Michele Mouton – World Rally Championship and Le Mans; Vicki Wood -- The first female to ever to drive in NASCAR; Maria Teresa de Filippis – Formula One; Sara Christian – NASCAR; Janet Guthrie – Indy and NASCAR; Sarah Fisher – Indy car driver and team owner; Donna Mae Mims – SCCA; Brittany, Courtney, and Ashley Force – NHRA; and many more.
Among those women who have been pioneers and winners on the track are a slew of Blue Oval drivers who brought thrills and skills to races while driving Fords.
There are many Blue Oval racing women who have earned due respect, but a few of the most memorable and skillful drivers include the following.
Danica Patrick -- Arguably one of the faces of motorsports in the first two decades of this century, Danica Patrick drove Formula Fords and NASCAR Fords, was 2005 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year and raced in 191 NASCAR races. She was the first female to win an Indy Car series race, first female to win a pole position in both Indy Car and NASCAR series, and one of only 14 racers, male or female to lead a both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. She got her start with Ford backing in the United Kingdom, racing Formula Fords, and drove Ford Fusions in NASCAR races, including the No. 10 Ford Warriors Pink Fusion NASCAR racecar for Breast Cancer Awareness month, marking Ford’s decades-long commitment to raising awareness and funds in the fight against the disease.
Lyn St. James – The first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the year Award, Lyn St. James raced SCCA TransAm, IMSA GT, CART and Indy Racing League races and won at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. She is the only woman to win an IMSA GT race driving solo, when she won in 1988 at Watkins Glen, and she became the first woman driver to reach over 200 mph on a racetrack. For the majority of her career she drove a Ford Mustang, and she used a Ford Thunderbird to break a closed course record for women with 227.32 mph. She often raced driving Mercury Capris Ford Cosworths, and Ford Mustangs.
Shirley Muldowney – “The First Lady of Drag Racing” in the NHRA, Shirley “Cha-Cha” Muldowney began street racing in New York as a teen-ager and competed in Top Gas dragsters before switching to Funny Cars. She won the International Hot Rod Association Southern Nationals in 1971, and she was a three-time NHRA Top Fuel Dragster Champion in 1977, 1980 and 1982. Her first nitro car was a Mustang-bodied, Chrysler-powered Funny Car she bought from Connie Kalitta and raced Mustangs and Mustang bodies for most of her career.
Denise McCluggage – A driver who fought for equality in motorsports and automotive journalism as well, Denise McCluggage, wearing her iconic polka-dot helmet won her class at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1961, driving a Ferrari 250 GT SWB. McCluggage also scored another class win at the Monte Carlo Rally in a Ford Falcon in 1964 with her teammate, English rally driver, Anne Hall. She also helped launch Autoweek magazine and won the Ken W. Purdy Award for excellence in automotive journalism, among other journalism awards.
Hailie Deegan -- One of the new faces of racing is female driving phenom Hailie Deegan, who was signed by Ford Performance for ARCA racing. The 19-year-old Deegan is currently driving Ford F-150s in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, piloting the No. 1 Ford F-150 for David Gilliland Racing. Deegan grew up racing off-road and on dirt, but transitioned to competing on asphalt in 2016 to pursue a career in stock car racing. She began her career in NASCAR in 2018 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, and she became the first female driver to win races in the West Series, doing so in 2018 and 2019. To date, Hailie Deegan is the ONLY female ever to compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series and in 2016, she was named the circuit's Driver of the Year.
Deegan, will be making an appearance at Carlisle Ford Nationals on Saturday, June 5. You can meet Deegan and get her autograph at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar's. As noted, she's at the event on June 5, while the full event itself runs June 4-6 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The Carlisle Ford Nationals is the largest all-Ford show in the world, and features more than 3,200 cars – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Fords -- on National Parts Depot Showfield. Deegan is scheduled to appear Saturday, June 5.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
Don't find out after …
Don't find out after an accident happens that you didn't have the right coverage!
As the weather improves and old man winter begins to relinquish its grip on much of the country, our classic cars are more likely to stretch their legs and take to the streets and show fields.
For many, it will be a season of great memories, but even those of us that take every precaution to keep our steeds safe sometimes accidents, damage & theft happen.
Unfortunately for many owners, after the fact is a terrible way to learn that the coverage you thought you had doesn't cover your loss.
Here are three of the most important terms you need to know regarding your classic car insurance:
1. Actual cash value
This is what your car is worth today according to your insurance adjuster, based on his own sources prior to your cars damage or theft. This is what the settlement amount will be based from. (not your appraisal)
2. Stated value
Simply put, stated value allows you to tell the insurance company what you feel your vehicle is worth, thus also determining how much your premiums may be. Stated value does not determine how much you will get if you suffer a total loss. Often times stated value includes a term that allows the insurance company to "pay the stated value or actual cash value, whichever is less." check your policy!
3. Agreed value
If you’re a classic car owner, this is most likely the policy for you. In layman's terms, in the event of a total loss, the insurance company pays you the amount both of you agreed your vehicle is worth before you ever paid a premium. Period.
The value of your vehicle does not depreciate over the course of your coverage. If your policy says anything other that this, consider contacting your insurer.
There are many quality classic car insurers to choose from. Protect your pride & joy with coverage that’s right for you.
Photos and text courtesy of JP Emerson and JPEmerson.com, automotive writer and host of the JP Emerson Show podcast.
About the Author: JP Emerson is an award winning author & journalist whose bylines appeared in many of the most popular automotive magazines in the country. JP covers classic muscle cars and the people who own them with real stories from real owners relating everything from ownership, car shows, music, road trips and what everyone has in common regardless of brand.
A long-time friend of Carlisle Events, and a beloved icon in the automotive industry has passed away. Norm Kraus, affectionately known industry-wid …
A long-time friend of Carlisle Events, and a beloved icon in the automotive industry has passed away. Norm Kraus, affectionately known industry-wide as “Mr. Norm” and “The High Performance King” died on February 26, 2021 at the age of 87.
Known for his sales and promotion of Dodge muscle cars and his nationally popular club, his legendary status ranged from high-performance Mopars to funny cars, to die-cast cars, to his co-ownership of Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago from 1962 through 1977, which became the No.1 Dodge dealership in the world.
His dedication to high-performance Dodges was embodied in his efforts in bringing Dodge vehicles to another level. He got his start and his nickname, in the 1950s, when he and his brother Lenny began specializing in selling used performance cars. They employed the tagline "Call Mr. Norm" in their classified ads, and the name stuck. Soon, Dodge offered the brothers an opportunity to open a new car dealership. Promoting muscle cars and exploiting his nickname, Kraus explained, “’Mr. Norm’ was an image that was built into the dealership. When I walked out at the end of the day, I wasn't ‘Mr. Norm’ anymore; I was Norm Kraus. I learned to be a humble winner on the track and a gracious loser. I'm just glad I didn't have to be gracious too much."
According to Kraus, one of his proudest accomplishments, was when he sought to install a 383ci V8 engine in a compact Dodge Dart body. He was positive that this combo would be a great sell, since a lightweight Dart with a powerful 383ci would be competitively fast. However, Dodge's engineering team turned him down; saying it placing a 383ci V8 in Dart’s engine bay couldn't be done. Undeterred, in 1967, he ordered a new Dart and a crate 383 V8 engine, and after a few days' work, the Dodge Dart Grand Spaulding Special (GSS) was born. Soon, the dealership was offering GSS conversions involving larger 440ci engines. With this focus on performance and ingenuity, Kraus was able to make Grand Spaulding Dodge the largest Dodge dealership by 1972.
Kraus took his car work racing, and after a minor sponsorship one weekend turned into five sales by Wednesday, he was ready to go racing in a big way. Not wanting to compete against his customers, he decided to build a match-race car. He recalled that his first 1964 supercharged car “became one of the first Funny Cars in the country, because when we went out racing, we were running against all the gassers and the rails. There weren't any other Funny Cars to run." A 1965 ex-factory lightweight car allowed them to run well into the eights when the competition was in the nines, putting ‘Mr. Norm’ on the map nationwide.
The Kraus brothers grew their dealership selling trucks, vans and standard cars along with the high-performance models. And when others were turning away the younger crowd, Grand Spaulding courted them. In 1977, Norm sold his share of the dealership, which closed within a couple of years. Still in his forties, he wanted to spend more time with his family, something not possible when on the showroom floor from Monday through Friday and then at the race track all weekend. He later had a furniture business on the site of one of the dealership buildings and then sold used cars again. He followed that up with two decades of marketing products in his name under license and he continued to appear at shows, promote Mopar and keep his hand in funny cars.
Recognized for his efforts, Kraus was inducted into the Mopar Hall of Fame in 1989, and then in 1996, was inducted into the A/FX Funny Car Hall of Fame
A celebrity guest and supporter at many Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals over the years, some of his more memorable appearances at Carlisle include:
1998 – He was the featured guest celebrity of the event.
1999 – The return of Mr. Norm's Sport Club, after nearly a 30-year hiatus. Launched at the Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals, the gathering saw support from hundreds of loyal fans from around the United States and Canada. Kraus signed limited-edition lithographs of the legendary Mr. Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge dealership circa 1970, at the height of the muscle car era. The artwork was created by David Snyder.
2007 – Kraus’ 1968 GSS Hemi Dart was displayed at the event.
2008 -- Mr. Norm’s Dodge Ram Super Truck was displayed with Kraus at the show.
2010 – A dozen of Kraus’ high-performance Dodges were displayed and he was on-hand at the Mr. Norm’s Garage exhibit.
2011 – Kraus oversaw a Sport Club exhibit featuring his 2011 GSS Super Charger, the Mr. Norm’s Ram Red Xpress Truck and two Super Challengers.
2012 – A full display of fully equipped current-day vehicles from Kraus’ stable were shown, with ‘The High Performance King’ on hand to answer questions and sign autographs.
Norm Kraus … Mr. Norm …“The High Performance King – 1934-2021. He is already missed. He will be remembered at this year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 9 – 11 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The largest Mopar event in the world, it features more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand. Classic, muscle cars and high performance new models are all showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
Raise tripod legs so your camera is at, or just above door level for more dramatic shots. Keep height the same and shoot from many angles and distances.
Good things happen when you follow your instincts and follow the signs…especially when the sign is a blue oval with the word “Ford” inside it.
…Good things happen when you follow your instincts and follow the signs…especially when the sign is a blue oval with the word “Ford” inside it.
It took only three years for Bill Miller Jr. and Chip Miller (no relation), founders of Carlisle Events, to expand a new genre – car shows celebrating all cars, rather than simply pre-World War II vehicles – from one show to two. The two friends were enthusiasts of all cars from all eras, and brought their joy to thousands of like-minded car fans, beginning with the “Post War '74” swap meet at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. By 1977, the pair jumped on their success and brought the “Spring Carlisle” swap meet to the Fairgrounds.
As their family of vendors and visitors grew with each show, the Millers quickly sold vendor spaces on their 82-acre display site, and in 1995, the pair expanded again, launching the inaugural Carlisle All-Ford Nationals.
The Ford show has become the largest all-Ford show in the world, and it has expanded to accommodate more than 3200 display and for-sale vehicles encompassing Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Fords. Blue Oval-umbrella cars, trucks, performance parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more are on-hand and for sale in the world's largest Ford Automotive Flea Market, as well as the latest and greatest products on display within the Manufacturers Midway. Carlisle Events Ford Nationals Event Manager Ken Appell proudly affirms, “This is the world’s largest Ford show and swap meet. There is nothing bigger in the Ford world than this show.”
Bill Miller Jr., Co-Founder and Co-Owner Carlisle Events said that he and his partner, Chip Miller recognized the need for a Ford-focused event. Bill Miller was steered in that direction by his background and contacts. Miller said, “I was a Ford dealer when we started the All-Ford Nationals. My Ford dealership representative was an old-car guy too, so the Ford Show was a natural for me. Not many big Ford shows were around at that time, so it became a hit from the start. Once Ford Motor Co. became involved, they helped us to make it the world’s largest All-Ford event, including not only Ford, but Mercury and Lincoln, too.”
The Millers also found a fan and supporter in John Clor, Enthusiast Communications Manager / Ford Performance. Clor has been involved since the beginning in helping Ford embrace the show while he has helped grow the Carlisle experience for Ford clubs around the nation. According to Appell, “it is the clubs, the vendors and the Carlisle visitors who are the backbone of this event.”
Clor said there are currently more than 100 clubs active with Carlisle Events. (Here is a link to the list of Carlisle’s recognized clubs. Carlisle Ford Nationals - Clubs (carlisleevents.com). He has seen the support grow from the beginning. “In 1995, 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,” said Clor. He added that due to aging of the original club members, 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.”
Recalling that first show, Miller said, “Ford grew to understand what we were about, what we shared and what our concept was. Ford Motor Company is a family-owned business just like we are, and they value their history. So they realized that if you love your old Ford, you will buy their new products too. You certainly would not trailer your old Ford pickup to a show with a Brand-X pickup, now would you?”
As visitors and clubs are the lifeline of the All-Ford Nationals, Miller lauds loyal vendors, who are the life’s blood of the event. Over the past quarter-century of the show, Miller has watched the vendor family grow and remain loyal by displaying annually. He said, “Our vendors who supported us at our big Fall Carlisle events, followed us to our first Spring and Ford events. They were there to support us from the beginning and many continue today.”
Miller continued, “When we started the All-Ford Nationals it quickly became ‘the place’ for enthusiasts to bring their old Ford and show it off. Spring and Fall Carlisle were only cars and parts for sale with no show field, and with the All-Ford Nationals, the show field added a whole new dimension to Carlisle Events. Our visitors came with their cars, and vendors found that they were also looking for parts, while Ford recognized that our visitors loved Ford, old and new, and gained bonding with those who loved all things related to the Blue Oval.”
Over the years, Miller has seen an evolution of the event. “With each yearly Ford Show, Ford Motor Co. involvement has boosted the show to new heights. Each year they work with our staff to make it the biggest and best Ford event in the nation,” he said.
Miller added, “At that first event, three marketing staff members from the Ford Special Vehicle team arrived with a 1995 SVT Mustang Cobra, a Cobra R model and an SVT F-150 Lightning pickup packed with about 1,000 posters and a 10x10 tent. They were the first and only Ford Motor Company representatives in attendance. Now we get full Ford teams, engineers, executives, celebrities, full vehicle line-ups and full support.”
Clor credits added Ford involvement to the additions Carlisle Events makes to broaden the audience. Clor said, “Our club members now bring their families. What used to be a bunch of car guys getting together to talk about and show off their rides, is gaining more and more family attendance. 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, and Ford sees this as a means of family bonding with THEIR fans.”
You can see everything Ford at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar's, held at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, June 4-6. Historically, more than 3,000 vehicles appear on the National Parts Depot Showfield and this year guests can see a celebration of 1971-’73 Mustangs, a display of comic, TV and movie themed Fords by way of Comic Car-Con, a 50th anniversary of the Pinto showcase, Broncos, trucks and Blue Oval icons across the decades.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
Don’t: Confront people who may have a different opinion about your car. Bite your tongue if you need to and let them be on their way. Trust me.
Don’t: Giant binders of photos documenting the restoration are great, just not sitting inside the engine compartment.
Don’t: Giant poster board or obnoxious signs leaning on your car.
Do: Consider first impressions: Not every car is a trailer queen, but every car can make a great first impression. What is your car saying?
Don’t: forget to periodically dust off your car during the show. Remember, not everyone was able to see it an hour ago.
DO: Be available. Look, we’re not saying sit by your car all day, but your cars chances of a possible feature improve greatly if we have the opportunity to speak with you.
DO: Check out your surroundings. Is there trash, leaves, debris on the ground around your car? Pick it up.
Bill Miller Jr. and Chip Miller (no relation) were cars guys and friends, who saw a need for events that catered to like‐minded individuals who hun …
Bill Miller Jr. and Chip Miller (no relation) were cars guys and friends, who saw a need for events that catered to like‐minded individuals who hunted for parts and accessories to restore their vehicles. They also recognized that automobile-specific swap meets were rare and were generally sponsored by local car clubs as fundraisers. They saw that existing events were generally small and exclusively attracted local enthusiasts – there was little regional attention. One of the biggest industry deficiencies to the friends was that they had mutual interest in Post-WWII cars – specifically cars of the 1950s – and automotive events of the day were limited to a pre-War car-focus.
As the Millers embraced all cars, they created a genre for all car enthusiasts on September 26, 1974, by renting the Carlisle Fairgrounds, to produce “Post War '74”, an event for enthusiasts of more-recent vehicles. Later known as “The Fall Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Car Corral”, it quickly became so successful that the pair branched out to produce a similar Spring event in 1977. In short order, the Spring events became complete sellouts for vendor and car sale (or “car corral”) spaces, and over the years, the pair bought the 82-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds, upgraded it, and they currently produce 11 specialty events and five collector car auctions in Pennsylvania and Florida, attracting more than a half-million guests.
What has become their most popular show is the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral, one of the largest automotive flea markets in the world, and an auto enthusiasts’ cavalcade of all things automotive. With 8,100 spaces of vendors selling a vast array of automotive parts, accessories, cars, collectibles and memorabilia, the event is an annual “must-attend” to its loyal following.
Most often called “Spring Carlisle,” the event has grown to include a Collector Car Auction, (with hundreds of classic cars for sale), Manufacturers Midway (28 vendors), Automotive Flea Market, Car Corral, ARMO (SEMA council that preserves and promotes the automotive hobby) Hot Products Showcase, Antique Automotive Club of America display, Women’s Oasis (filled with goods, arts, crafts and vendors), parts hauling services, hand cart rental, taxi service, scooter rental, games, attractions, food and concessions (more than two-dozen food stands offering a wide variety of delights), T-shirts, souvenirs, a notary, collector car insurance (from American Collectors Insurance), on-line ticketing and apps for auction credentials and purchases, and a sea of auto parts and after-market parts, lubricants and auto care offerings.
Bill Miller, Jr. Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Carlisle Events said that he and his partner, Chip, decided to expand the one-event schedule (Fall Carlisle) to fill the void. He said, “As Chip and I realized winter was such a long time without a car show in the northeast, it just seemed natural that there would be a pent-up demand for something in the spring. With outdoor car activities all summer, fall seemed to be a more diluted time of the year, though traditionally, both Carlisle and Hershey (PA) fall events do well as enthusiasts can gear up and attend both shows.”
Miller said it was a risk to expand. “We gambled with a spring event when we first started in 1977, with no Hershey event to pair with us. It turned out to be an excellent move as Spring Carlisle is now our largest event of the year,” said Miller.
While the event has grown from just over 1000 vendor spaces to 8100 spaces, and draws many times the original number of guests, several things stand out in Miller’s mind regarding the show’s evolution. He said, “Spring Carlisle grew by leaps and bounds every year after 1977. It kept doubling in size until it became a sellout. Spring is such a happy season for people, knowing winter is behind us, and car enthusiasts welcome our show as a renewal and beginning of the car season. We recognized that people needed parts for their collector cars that they worked on during the winter season, and they looked forward to an event where they could find what they needed to continue their projects and talk cars with like-minded car people.”
Miller has watched the vendor family grow and remain loyal by displaying annually. He said, “Our vendors who supported us at our big Fall Carlisle events were there to support us from the beginning and many continue today. They have been the lynchpin to our success, in marriage with our loyal visitors -- many who have been to every Spring show since 1977, and they have expanded their support to include generations of their families.”
Miller has noticed some tech changes for the good since the inaugural event. He said, “In 1977, there were no walkie-talkies, cell phones or golf carts. We used to have to run from one end of the field to the other and it was really hectic. And of course, we do a lot of registration, sales, customer support and vendor support through the internet now.”
Miller is proud of the show and takes satisfaction in its consistency and growth. He said, “Spring Carlisle is the same great show it was from the beginning, only today’s Spring Carlisle has more vendors, more concessions and food, and more visitors. What really stands out in my mind is that the Manufacturer’s Midway is a central part of the show and was not present in the early days. Additionally, many companies now remanufacture old parts that are no longer available from the original manufacturers to keep our old vehicles on the road. Those manufacturers help keep old-car projects alive and by displaying at Spring Carlisle, are the life’s blood for many of our visitors’ automotive needs.”
From car parts, to cars-at-auction, to cars for sale on the grounds, to just about everything automotive, the Carlisle Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral (Spring Carlisle) is a “must-go” April 21-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. Across the street is the Carlisle Auctions, Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction from April 22-23.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
Pumping the gas pedal sends wafts of octane laden fumes into the cockpit like an aphrodisiac as the building clatter of a solid lifter engine blends harmoniously with the low guttural growl as the dual exhaust monster awakens. Many of today’s drivers scoff at the sight of this gas swilling, unapologetic dinosaur of another time, choosing instead to measure my carbon footprint from behind their disposable cups of overpriced coffee with a double shot of irony.
At some point in our lives we realize that while we are not old, we are no longer young. That days and weeks do eventually become years and those endless summers do one day in fact, end. Fortunately for us we were lucky enough to live in a time where pictures could be held, not just sent. A time of meeting friends, not friending people, and working delivering newspapers, cutting grass or flipping burgers was viewed as an opportunity and not a job looked down upon.
Coming of age was a driver’s license, not a cell phone. The open road, not the internet, and the cars that transported us there. Much like, actually exactly like the keeper that still occupies a coveted spot in my garage over a half a century later.
“If I could go back”…yeah, I hear it all the time and honestly I wouldn’t change a thing. Mostly because thankfully, I still can.
Photos and text courtesy of JP Emerson and JPEmerson.com, automotive writer and host of the JP Emerson Show podcast.
About the Author: JP Emerson is an award winning author & journalist whose bylines appeared in many of the most popular automotive magazines in the country. JP covers classic muscle cars and the people who own them with real stories from real owners relating everything from ownership, car shows, music, road trips and what everyone has in common regardless of brand.
France has been a pioneer and lynchpin of the automotive industry since French military engineer and inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the …
France has been a pioneer and lynchpin of the automotive industry since French military engineer and inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the world's first full-size and working self-propelled mechanical land-vehicle, the “Fardier à vapeur” in 1770. It was, effectively, the world's first automobile, though many point to it as more of a wagon than a car.
Steam-powered wagons were sold in France and the United States until the late 1910s, but as steam was replaced a century earlier, by the internal combustion engine, demand declined steadily. The French played a part in that, as in 1807, Francoise Isaac deRivaz invented a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine with electric ignition and described it in a French patent. In 1808, he fitted it into a primitive working vehicle often referred to as “the world's first internal combustion powered automobile”.
Fifty-two years later, engineer Jean Joseph Étienne Lenoir developed what is considered by many to be the first commercially successful internal combustion engine, and in 1863, the Hippomobile, with a hydrogen-gas-fueled one cylinder, internal combustion engine, made a 3-hour test drive from Paris to Joinville-le-Pont at a top speed of 9 km per hour.
In 1884, Édouard Delamare-Deboutteville built and drove the first gas oil-powered 4-stroke internal combustion four-wheeled vehicle, but some of the vehicles exploded during use and they never went into production. Within a few years, several manufacturers got into the game including Panhard (now owned by Renault Trucks Defense) and Peugeot. De-Dion-Bouton, Delahaye, Bollee and Renault all got into the market before the turn of the century.
By 1903, France was the top auto manufacturer in the world, producing nearly 49 percent of the world’s total. In the first half of the century, Hotchkiss et Cie, Delage, Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Aviona Voisin, Citroen, Talbot-Lago (which later became Simca, which built Fiats), Amilcar, Salmson (later bought by Renault), Matford (which built Fords), and other French auto manufacturers were launched.
From 1950 to the present, French auto manufacturing ceased its leadership position in production and most manufacturers were restructured, absorbed, merged or ended production. However, new players emerged including Facel Vega, Alpine, Matra and Venturi, and several foreign car builders put up manufacturing facilities in France. Of more than 400 auto manufacturers that have been in business in France, historically, today, there are about 20 French car builders remaining, and the top car manufacturers include Renault, Peugeot, Citroën / DS, Alpine and Bugatti.
Along the way, French cars have been exciting and have made history on the world’s tracks and streets. There have been many along the way, and there are some awesome current-model automotive works of art and power on the road today, but paying homage to the past, here are some of the more memorable wheeled-wonders born in France.
Citroën
Often called an umbrella on wheels, the 1948 Citroën 2CV was built as an affordable urban commuter. With innovative engineering and strengthened corrugated bodywork, the vehicle was part of a tax program that taxed owners based on horsepower, so 2CV, at 9 hp, was actually called the "two tax horsepower" since it only had two taxable horses.
The 1955 Citroën DS replaced the Traction Avant at the top of the Citroën line-up in the mid-’50s, and was outfitted with the revolutionary hydraulic suspension Citroën began testing in 1954 on the Traction Avant’s rear axle. It was innovative, architecturally alluring, comfortable and high-tech for its era.
The Citroën GS was an aerodynamic pioneer from 1970-1986, gaining a fastback hatch in 1978. The front-engine, front-drive, four- or five-door, five-passenger family car was technologically advanced, with class-leading comfort, safety and aerodynamics.
Renault
The Renault Megane may have captured the European “hot hatch” movement. Since 1995, the Megane has been comfortable at ralleys and at home. It won the hearts of those who see it as a daily driver and it won British and European racing championships.
The Renault 12 was a mid-size family car praised for its spacious, comfortable interior, styling, performance and low fuel consumption. In 1970, a high-performance Renault 12 Gordini model was introduced, equipped with the all-aluminum 1565 cc block from the R16 TS that was fitted with two double-barrel Weber carburetors and five-speed gearbox. The car achieved a top speed of 115mph.
The Renault 18 was produced between 1978 and 1994, and was intended as a replacement for the Renault 12. The 1981 Renault 18i was available in the US as either a sedan or a station wagon. Power was delivered by an inline overhead-valve four-cylinder displacing 100.5 cubic-inches and offering 81 horsepower. They had a four-speed manual transmission with disc brakes in the front and drums at the rear.
The Renault 5 Turbo was a 160hp rally competitor. Designed with aluminum body panels to save weight, later Turbo 2 Models in the 1980s got steel panels. The Renault 5 Turbo kicked off a hot hatchback revolution and the R5 Turbo inspired the Clio V6 Trophy model.
Alpine
Alpine merged with Renault Sport in 1976, but before that, Alpine put out the A110 as technologically advanced evolution of the A108. With a mid-engine configuration, the rear-wheel-drive A110 was a winner on the track, winning at Monte Carlo and several French ralleys, and was an eye-catcher on the road. Brought back in 2017, today’s version is a 288hp show-stopper.
Bugatti
Where do you start and end when talking about Bugatti? From its founding in 1909, it gained a rep for design beauty and race championships. Today’s Bugatti – Chiron and Veyron -- feature cutting-edge design, tech and power. But looking to the past, Bugatti earned its cred with many models.
The Bugatti Type 35 was the most successful of the Bugatti racing models, winning more than 1,000 races including 351 races in 1925-26, going on a run in which it averaged 14 race wins a week, and capturing the Grand Prix World Championship in 1926. The Type 35 set 47 records in those two years and it remains one of the most recognizable racers ever made, thanks to its innovative alloy wheels with inboard brakes. Introduced in 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 was light, reliable, fast and elegant, producing 90hp with the Type 35 and 135hp with the Type 35B.
The Bugatti Type 51 was a track star and a celebrity finder … Jay Leno has one.
The original Type 51 was launched in 1931. Its engine was a 160 hp, twin overhead cam evolution of the supercharged 2.3-liter single overhead cam straight-8 found in the Type 35B. The obvious external differences of a Type 51 include the supercharger blow-off outlet situated lower in the bonnet’s louvered section than in the Type 35; one piece cast wheels instead of bolted-on rims; twin fuel caps are behind the driver and the magneto of the 51 is off-set to the left on the dash.
The Bugatti Type 57CS Atlantic racer was built as a Touring car from 1934 to 1940. It sported a square-bottom horseshoe grille. The sides of the engine compartment were covered with thermostatically controlled shutters. It was a taller car than most for the era and it produced 135hp.
There are so many French works of automotive art that deserve spotlighting, we’ll have to save some for next time. They include, but are not limited to the 1959 Panhard PL 17, 1956 Facel Vega Excellence, 1962 Simca Coupe 1000, 1991 Venturi Coupe 260, 1947 Delahaye 175 and a collection of Peugeots from the 1987 205 GTI Rallye to the 106 Rallye and 406 Coupe, as well as many more from the badges of yesteryear to the supercars of today.
You can see a full display of 1980s-era Renaults and French cars galore, as well as a comprehensive assortment of international vehicles at the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, May 14-15. The event showcases more than 2300 unique and stunning vehicles from around the world as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high-end performance rides.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
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>
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