he Carlisle Ford Nationals car show continues to be one of the fastest-growing and biggest all-Ford events of its type.  Two years ago, the event broke an all-time, any event record at Carlisle with nearly 3,500 vehicles on the National Parts Depot Showfield.  Now, following a year where another record nearly fell, the 2024 offering of the Carlisle Ford Nationals (May 31-June 2) is excited to announce the planned themed displays for a milestone year at Carlisle. 

Ford lovers not only get to see the cars (new and classic), but they can shop for parts within the automotive flea market, participate in various “wheels in motion” activities, and even mix and mingle with some top-level Ford brass, including engineers, designers, and other key players from Michigan.  Along with that come milestone displays.  These displays will be positioned in various spots, including Building T, Building Y, and under tents.

At least a half dozen themes are planned, including one that has a direct connection to 50 years of Carlisle Events.  This year, you’re invited to revel in a Building T showcase of Legendary Mustangs coming together to highlight 60 years of the Ford Mustang.  There’s no doubt the Mustang is a popular ride.  Over time, it’s been the star car of many TV shows and movies, plus the Mustang is a big part of the annual Carlisle Ford Nationals.  This 60-year gallery will showcase some of THE BEST produced and include some special guests along the way.

Adjacent to Building T is Building Y and that’s where the annual Ford Nationals Select gallery is positioned.  For nearly a decade, 12-14 cars that are unique to the history of Ford are welcome. Each car gets a historic number and also receives a commemorative banner to mark their inclusion in the display.  In addition, banners will hang from the rafters akin to what sports teams do, logging the history of the Ford Nationals Select.

The National Parts Depot Showfield also hosts a handful of displays, with a quartet of tents welcoming a Y-Block reunion, an outdoor timeline display of the 60 Years of the Mustang, 40 years of the SVO, and serving as the perfect tie-in to the Carlisle 50^th; 50 years of the Mustang II.  Also as part of the Carlisle’s 50^th, the Carlisle Ford Nationals will honor elements of the event that are historic in nature.  This may include long-time car clubs, vendors, concessionaires, and/or special guests.

Speaking of special guests, Ford will be back at Carlisle with their new vehicle showcase, vehicle walk-arounds, and midway footprint.  Also a big part of the weekend, the downtown Carlisle Ford Parade and Street Party, the second annual Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation dinner (this time with a Mustang theme), the automotive flea market, car corral, and activities on and around the track that help put the wheels in motion for the show cars and the enthusiasts who enjoy them most.

The Carlisle Ford Nationals is actively taking display consideration submissions online through the Carlisle Events/Carlisle Ford Nationals web page.  The submission process is ongoing into at least the first quarter of 2024.  Apply today for display consideration.  The vehicle doesn’t have to be the best of the best, but it does need to fit one of these display themes.  Don’t have something that fits the bill for these displays, but own a Ford?  Showfield registration is open now.  Full details on the event, links to purchase tickets, and more are available at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 today.