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. 

Variety is spice of life, or so it’s said.  If that is indeed the case, the variety at the annual Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals offers enough variety for nine-lives.  For two days in May (14-15) the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds become the epicenter for an international showcase unlike any.  With more than a half dozen countries represented, the sights are jaw-dropping, the activities are optically appealing, and the history is mentally stimulating.

It's easy to find your vehicle of choice as they are parked on grounds by country of origin and are easily identifiable by that countries flag.  Countries include England, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, the United States, Italy and Sweden.  For 2021, even muscle cars from the states are welcome.  As part of this international showcase, guests can walk the grounds and have a special passport stamped by International Ambassadors, allowing for collectible souvenirs at the end of this “around the world” tour.  There will even be some food themed per country, meaning guests can both see the automotive world and taste it too.  These specialty foods will be available for purchase from select vendors within (or near) the food court.

Annually, this event also spotlights special themes.  2021 spotlights include a big Volvo celebration, 20 years of the Honda K-Series, a display of race cars in the Race Paddock and 30 years of the Toyota 2JZ engine.  Additionally, the Opel Manta turns 50, the club, Opels at Carlisle, celebrates 25 years of attending the show AND the 15^th annual Opel Nationals meet, which rotates locations annually, has rotated its way to Carlisle for 2021!

Along with featured vehicle displays and the international Showfield, there are awards available, not just for those showing, but for those who attend as spectators. eJudged.com hosts drive through judging for registered Showfield members.  Cars don’t just show, they go.  There is a low car limbo, drift limbo, rolling exhaust contest, a parade of Opels and of course drifting itself hosted by NICOClub.com. 

Aside from the cars and those who power them, this event would be nothing without its passionate base of vendors. From kit car vendors to those selling pieces, parts and collectibles geared to the import lovers, enthusiasts of this show should know that there is no better place to show a car, build a car or find pieces for a car than the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.

Not only are the cars and guests welcome but so are the dozens of car clubs who make this event the coolest weekend hangout in the hobby!  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 apply, register, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the show or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.   

More than once in a press release, the words “the car community is a tight-knit group” has been used.  That phrase may never be more accurate than right now!  On March 9, 2021 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at the Carlisle Expo Center, friends, family and the car community will come together to help a local man (Bainbridge, PA), Art Reisinger, as he battles prostate cancer.  Not only is Art a car lover and well-respected member of the Mopar community, he’s also a long-time vendor at Carlisle Events’ annual car shows.

While cancer is never something we want to face, the reality is, its various forms affect many of us personally.  Art’s love for the hobby, and its love for him, are bringing everyone together on March 9 for a very special event.  Though the event is, in part, being spearheaded by Ed Buczeskie of Carlisle Events, the blood drive is not an event produced by Carlisle Events.  Ed’s passion for the hobby and friendship with Art helped make this happen.  He’s being joined in his efforts by Shirley Bencaz, former sales rep for a Mopar themed publication and Tresa Govern, a Mopar lover and mutual friend of Ed and Art.

The event will obviously include a blood drive, though monetary donations will also be accepted.  In addition, there will be door prizes provided by Carlisle Events and others within the hobby.  The Central PA Blood Bank will handle the donation duties and blood donations.  All blood types are welcome, and blood that’s a match to Art can directly benefit him, though other types are needed through the blood bank too.  Those unable to make the event can still donate at any Central PA Blood Bank event by offering Art’s name in full, or by using donor ID number R-267. 

“What started as a Blood Drive that would be marketed toward the local Mopar community has grown legs and is now spreading across the country,” said Buczeskie.  “Mopar ‘celebrities’ have been donating items to be used to encourage participation as door prizes and we’ve seen an overwhelming level of support from people outside of the Mopar community too.  Art has been such a staple at events in Carlisle as well as within car circles, that everyone has been eager to help he and his family during these tough times.”

Those looking to support the cause are able to simply show up, but to better the experience, the Central PA Blood Bank recommends booking a time slot in advance by calling them at 1-800-771-0059.  For general questions regarding the event, e-mail Ed Buczeskie at EdB@CarlisleEvents.com.

Finally, the Carlisle Expo Center and this event are COVID compliant.  Masks are required and while no prior COVID test results are required to donate, donors are offered the opportunity to obtain a FREE COVID anti-body test prior to donation.

Every new car show season brings changes of some sort to the schedule for Carlisle Events.  Sometimes those changes are subtle, while other times they serve as a cornerstone to the season and the automotive enthusiasts who trek to Carlisle for their event of choice.  Commencing in 2021, Carlisle Events is excited to announce that American Collectors Insurance has been named "The Official Collector Car Insurance Partner of Carlisle Events."

This multi-year partnership sees American Collectors Insurance on-site and positioned on the Manufacturer’s Midway at most automotive events hosted at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.  In addition, the partnership will kick-off with a visit to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida as part of Carlisle Auctions’ Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction (February 19-20).

American Collectors Insurance is a division of NSM Insurance Group which includes additional brands like Heacock Classic and Condon & Skelly.  The American Collectors Insurance brand will stand front and center for all to see, not only as part of the six specialty shows backed by Carlisle Events, but also for the automotive flea market events (Spring and Fall Carlisle) as well as Carlisle Auctions’ four offerings, Lakeland Winter, Spring Carlisle, the Summer Sale and Fall Carlisle.

Visiting with the experts from American Collectors Insurance at Carlisle isn’t just a visual experience.  They’ll talk with you about your cherished ride and work with you on an agreed value for coverage purposes, rates up to 40% less than standard auto policies and even offer a flexible mileage program so you’re not just paying for coverage on a ride you can never drive.  Their brand isn’t just about insurance either, as they have a strong social media presence designed specifically to further highlight the classic and collector car hobby.  Best of all, they WILL save you money.

“We’re truly excited about this unique partnership opportunity with Carlisle Events. This multi-year sponsorship reinforces our deep commitment to do our part to protect, expand and grow the loyal collector car community,” said Paul Choi, President – American Collectors Insurance. “By partnering with a respected leader in the automotive hobby arena, we can continue to offer our best-in-class insurance products and demonstrate that we’re extremely passionate about helping our clients protect their treasured investments.”

“We are excited to partner with American Collectors Insurance as our Official Collector Car Insurance Company,” noted Ed Scholly, Director of Business and Event Development.   “They are a strong company with insurance options that should meet the needs of everyone who loves classic cars and attends an event at Carlisle.  Their staff is professional and enthusiastic about being a part of the Carlisle Events family.  We look forward to car show season and growing with them into the future,” concluded Scholly.

The 2021 Carlisle Events season is already up and running, with the Lakeland auction event planned for the third weekend of February.  From there, Spring Carlisle starts it all in Carlisle (April 21-25).  Learn more about the Carlisle Events schedule and American Collectors Insurance online today at CarlisleEvents.com or visit with them at a Carlisle car event near you!

For 30 years the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores has showcased some of the coolest trucks in the mid-Atlantic region.  From August 6-8, trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles and eras converge on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Joining the trucks are truck lovers, including lots of families and their kids.  For everyone at the event, it's a chance to see in real life the toys they play(ed) with as kids; toys like fire trucks, tow trucks, monster trucks, tractor trailers and heavy equipment. 

The big machines may drop jaws, but the little ones will do more than that.  Lowered and mini trucks have always played a key role in event weekend, but for 2021, the event welcomes an all-new dedicated area for lowered trucks and low truck clubs to gather for an official “Low Show.”

This special show within a show of lowered and mini trucks will be positioned just inside of Gate 3, the main entrance to the grounds near Carlisle Events offices to the north of the Gate.  More than ten clubs will be represented in this area to include new and old friends of the Carlisle Truck Nationals. In addition to this showing for low trucks, there will be additional competitions and activities for the low truck and all truck enthusiasts to enjoy. While at the show this year, look for a low truck limbo, coolest and largest club honors, drop and drag, a skating parade, dyno and more. 

For truck lovers looking to get upgrades while at the event, A&A Auto Stores not only presents the Carlisle Truck Nationals, but also offers in-person installations, while American Force Wheels, the Official Wheel of the Carlisle Truck Nationals brings a mixed bag of size and color options for trucks of all sizes backdropped on some incredible truck builds.

“The enthusiasm and excitement for the low truck show and showing at this year’s Truck Nationals is incredible, noted Ed Scholly, event manager of the Truck Nationals. This includes current clubs that have been showing at Carlisle and many new clubs or groups that we have not seen in a few years. Lowered, Lifted, Big, Mini, Late Model or Antique, 2021 is lining up real nice for truck enthusiasts trekking to Carlisle!”

So…while there are many great trucks and features that guests of all ages have come to know and love, 2021 will shine a new light on the lowered truck hobby and you’re invited!

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds remain COVID compliant and plan to offer detailed health safety measures at all 2021 events.  Complete details on the COVID plan, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, register for “Low Show,” the Showfield, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.