The Carlisle GM Nationals car show (June 21-22, 2024) has been an important part of the Carlisle Events season-long schedule of automotive entertainment for more than two decades.  For an event that averages a little more than 1,000 show cars on the National Parts Depot Showfield and around 21,000 guests through the gates, it’s a must-visit each year for die-hard GM enthusiasts.  This year’s offering was no different, as the NPD Showfield turnout of 1,067 ranks 6^th all-time for the event that’s been taking over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds since 2001.  It’s also the second-highest car count dating back to 2011.

Gates opened at 7 AM on Friday, June 21 and for those who came early, it was a chance to visit the automotive flea market and midway to shop for parts, while also traversing two amazing display halls.  Within each, guests could enjoy a snapshot of automotive excellence, including the Solid Lifter Showroom (SLS) in Building T and a Cadillac display in Building Y.

These two displays welcomed some amazing and historically significant vehicles.  Solid Lifter Showroom fans had a chance to see every color of Yenko Camaro and Chevelle ever created, a few prototypes, and the biggest SLS ever, with 50 cars on display.  Adjacent to the SLS was the Cadillac display which featured vehicles dating from the 1940s through modern day.  The anchor piece, at least for pop-culture enthusiasts, was a 1977 Cadillac formerly owned by Hollywood icon Betty White. 

In addition to the display cars indoors, there were many more outdoors.  This included many with Pontiac, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Hummer, Saturn, Saab, Opel, and Oldsmobile branding.  One of the hottest display areas belonged to the Fiero.  There were hundreds of them at Carlisle and best of all, they were flanked by two men who helped build and design them, John Schinella, and John Callies.  These men also hosted a trio of round-table Q&A sessions on the stage, while also posing for photos and signing autographs. 

There were pop-up parades around the grounds, including one with the 3^rd Gen Camaros and Firebirds, and another with the Cadillacs.  Bruce Larson returned to Carlisle too, showcasing his sensory overload-inducing Nitrofest on six different occasions, plus there were wheels in motion competitions, including a rolling exhaust contest, rolling burnout and donut contest, and the real street shootout (autocross).

Shows within the show are always popular and this year was no different.  The aforementioned 3^rd Generation Camaro and Firebird Nationals continue to grow, as does Novas at Carlisle, along with Corvettes for Chip.  Ultimately, there was a little something for everyone to enjoy this year, while also looking forward to next year.

Speaking of next year, while 2024 is a wrap, plans are underway for 2025.  Save the dates, because the Carlisle GM Nationals return June 20-21 and will feature displays dedicated to 75 Years of the Tri-Fives including the Bel Air, 55 Years of the Monte Carlo, and IROCs.  In addition, the popular activities and shows within the show return as well.  Learn more about the continuation of the Carlisle Events 50^th Anniversary season and make your plans at CarlisleEvents.com.