Carlisle Events has officially backed the annual Auto Mania event in Allentown, Pennsylvania since 2014, with the event itself calling the Allentown Fairgrounds home since 1990.  For 2021 ONLY, the event will take place at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and WILL return to Allentown in 2022. 

Running January 15-17, 2021, Auto Mania offers buyers and sellers alike a chance to shop indoors (in a heated setting) for automotive pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles.  This is a great way to further in progress projects and/or start a new as the calendar flips from December to January and car hobbyists begin those winter projects. 

Besides the new, temporary location that’s 99 miles and two highways from “home,” Auto Mania will see some added changes during these unique times.  While the Carlisle Expo Center is quite spacious, its overall footprint is smaller than that of the Agri-Plex building in Allentown.  Carlisle Events does expect Auto Mania 2021 to be sold out, even with a reduced capacity.  Vendors will be positioned indoors and outside space (weather permitting) will be available too.  Outside space will also allow for cars to be sold via a car corral.  Here, buyer and seller can work direct to make a deal on cars spanning decades of production. 

Further, it’s anticipated that 150 vending spaces will be available for the three-day offering.  Another new feature for the 2021 offering is that spectators can now purchase tickets two different ways, in-person as they normally do OR online and in advance of the event.  In all, Auto Mania offers new products for sale, memorabilia, tires, car parts, collectibles, car care products, tools, vintage automobilia, vintage advertising and more.

Ample parking is available on the street sides leading up to the Carlisle Expo Center and just a few blocks east of the building is the spacious Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Parking will be FREE per car, while spectator tickets are $10 when purchased at the door, $9 when buying online.  Event hours vary (Friday/12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday/9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday/9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Expo Center remain COVID compliant and offer detailed health safety measures at the venue.  Complete details on the COVID plan can be found at http://CarlisleExpoCenter.com.  Once indoors, guests will find restrooms and a wide open event that aims to fill the automotive void created by the cold, dark winter months.  As food options go, Marcello's, a Carlisle based eatery will have options available for their stand within the Expo Center.  

Complete details about this ONE-TIME move, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at http://CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Great weather goes a long way when having an outdoor automotive event…a long way.  In a year like no other, Carlisle Events welcomed a passionate group of buyers and sellers to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for Fall Carlisle and “off the charts” weather was on the menu all five days.  From Wednesday, September 30 to Sunday, October 4 mother nature gave everyone something to remember.  The visuals weren’t just spectacular, the event itself was too.  Needless to say, those who were able to be part of Fall Carlisle 2020 went home happy. 

One of the coolest features about an event like Fall Carlisle is that those who come to sell, arrive early…like really early.  A lot of times, vendors and midway partners are coming to Carlisle upwards of one week prior to the event.  This offers ample time to unload, set up and showcase their wares.  It also allows everyone who comes to sell a chance to peruse the grounds and do some pre-event wheeling and dealing to boost inventory from or mix and mingle with their fellow vendors.

An event like Fall Carlisle is all about selling, either within the automotive flea market, midway or as part of the car corral, but for 2020, Fall Carlisle took on some added special features.  At Fall Carlisle 2020, the spotlight shined on “Anymotive vending” and the AACA car club.  Anymotive is a fun phrase coined to call out the vendors and their stuff that might not be car themed but still powered by an engine.  This includes (and was seen/sold at the event) items like lawn mowers, coolers, generators, weed whackers, power washers and more.  These vendors have always been part of the automotive flea market, but for 2020, their stuff meant even more to those who were buying or selling.   

For the AACA car club, 2020 meant a major hurdle to club promotion and participation.  Their Fall Hershey meet was canceled as were many other key events for the club, but with Fall Carlisle happening, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and the main stage made for a perfect spot for them to showcase some cool vintage cars, motorcycles and promote their 2021 event in Chocolate Town, USA!  In addition to their cool cars and recruiting efforts, there were many AACA vendors peppered in and around the automotive flea market too, meaning more pre-war pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles for sale.

Something else that made Fall Carlisle 2020 so special was the fact that people who came to Carlisle to sell were motivated to do so, while those looking to buy were also eager to spend.  This was true within the car corral, the automotive flea market, midway AND the adjacent two-day classic and collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.  Folks were also in a giving mood at this and all events on the Carlisle schedule, as donation tins and bins were set up with offerings benefiting Project SHARE and the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County respectively.  Project SHARE’s vision is ‘Nourishing Our Community…Awakening Hope,’ while United Way’s donations go directly to local non-profit organizations in the Carlisle community that were impacted by COVID-19.

While 2020 is a wrap, 2021 is already in the planning stages.  Fall Carlisle 2021 runs September 29-October 3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  In addition, the two-day auction returns too, spanning September 30-October 1 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Learn more at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

When Carlisle Auctions last offered an event it was in February and things as we knew it then were fairly normal.  Little did anyone know, it would be more than seven months between events with some first-ever cancelations mixed in.  Since knowledge is power, those seven months were used to learn, monitor and strategize ways to best host an in-person auction.  Backed by industry support, a solid set of health/safety guidelines and a hungry core of bidders and sellers, Carlisle Auctions successfully hosted and executed its two-day Fall Carlisle auction (October 1 & 2) at the Carlisle Expo Center. 

Powered by two great partners, the AACA Museum, Inc. and Classic Auto Mall, over 400 lots of all eras or production crossed the block.  More than ever before, dozens of pre-war consignments were available, with many selling.  Also highly sought after were muscle cars both past and present.  Carlisle Auctions even ran a nice mix of modern rides, including the top seller, a 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Midwest Automotive Design Passage Van.

Another great feature of the Fall Carlisle auction was an all-truck hour on October 1 at around 5 p.m.  While the top four don’t include any of the more than two dozen trucks that crossed the block, it was a widely popular feature that will absolutely return to a future event.  The top selling truck of the group ended up being a 1947 Kaiser Street Rod truck at $55,100.  This truck came to Carlisle Auctions via the partnership with the AACA Museum, Inc.

As noted in the headline, the sell through rate and dollars generated were a stunning result for the Carlisle Auctions team given world events and more than anything, a testament to their efforts and the passion of those who participated in the auction.  63% of all consignments sold, with $4.4 million in total sales.  Sales totals do include all buyers and sellers fees. 

Top 4 at Fall Carlisle 2020:

1. 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Midwest Automotive Design Passage Van - $91,000
2. 1970 Buick GSX - $80,250
3. 1967 Nova SS - $65,000
4. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying S - $63,600

While those are the top four selling lots, there are many more vehicles still available via the Classic Auto Mall still for sale showroom.  Full results for the auction are available at http://CarlisleAuctions.com.  In addition, vehicles that are still for sale will be available online for a few weeks following the event and noted by a special graphic within the listing.  Finally, while the Fall 2020 auction has concluded, the Carlisle Auctions team is already prepping for 2021.  At this time, the first scheduled auction is February 19-20 in Lakeland, Florida as part of Winter AutoFest.  Following that event, the auction team returns to action in Pennsylvania as part of Spring Carlisle 2021.  The spring auction is April 22-23.

How about we all just forget 2020 ever happened, ok?  Seriously, things were less than ideal.  With Fall Carlisle 2020 wrapping the season for the Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions teams, now is a great time to share what’s on tap for the future, specifically we’re excited to announce our car show and auction schedules for 2021. 

It all starts January 15-17 with Auto Mania within the Agri-Plex building of the Allentown Fairgrounds.  This eastern Pennsylvania event is perfectly located within a 200 mile driving radius of nearly 10,000,000 people.  Some of them even have interest in cars, making Auto Mania Pennsylvania’s LARGEST indoor and heated automotive flea market.

One month later, the heat comes from Mother Nature and the sun and fun of Florida.  Winter AutoFest runs February 19-21 and is held at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland.  This event is another where an automotive flea market is part of the fun, but it also offers an auction (more on that soon), a car corral PLUS multiple car show options, including a general cruise-in, Mopar and Corvette Fun Fields, the NCRS and Mustang car show.  Mix in the car fun with an active runway/airport and there’s always something unique to see.

The fun in Carlisle starts with Spring Carlisle, April 21-25.  For five days in late spring, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds come to life as throngs of car lovers converge to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.  After all, some of the best deals are found at the event and by dealing direct vs. a sight unseen online purchase from a faceless seller.  Spring Carlisle also hosts a car corral where person to person car sales are a popular aspect.  For auction enthusiasts, Carlisle Auctions presents a two-day offering, April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Here, attendees have a chance to find their first or next classic and ultimately, an investment that truly accelerates.

Less than a month after the spring event, specialty car show season commences with the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.  This international showcase of cars and trucks from around the world runs May 14-15.  Drifting, autocross and automotive competitions historically anchor this event and cars showcased from no less than eight different countries of production, with over 100 years of history available in one place.  All-new in 2021, Friday evening of the event will feature extended hours with more show specific fun, including track time and competitions.

In the final weeks of the spring season, Carlisle Events “Summer of Muscle” commences with the Carlisle Ford Nationals, Carlisle GM Nationals and Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.   Ford weekend, presented by Meguiar’s, runs June 4-6, the freshly re-branded Carlisle GM Nationals are June 25-26 and the Chrysler Nationals span July 9-11. 

Each event has its own unique personality and highlights a diverse array of cars/trucks, guests and more, especially as part of the National Parts Depot Showfield during the Ford and GM.  For Ford, guests can enjoy brands like Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Merkur, Ford Tractors and more, while GM hosts Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, etc.  Further, Chrysler weekend sees decades of classics front and center like the Dart, Road Runner, Charger, Challenger, ‘Cuda, GTX, Duster and more, with some of the best new rides positioned all around.  Guests, competitions and anniversary displays are also a big part of all three events.

Positioned between Ford and Chrysler weekend and running in conjunction with the GM Nationals, Carlisle Auctions offers its third event of the year, the Summer Sale.  This one day classic and collector car auction takes place at the Carlisle Expo Center on June 26.

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After a few weeks “off,” the Carlisle Events team welcomes truck lovers to town as part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores.  This event, August 6-8, is the MOST family friendly offering of the season, combining fun exhibitions with monster truck shows, displays and more.  Kids and adults alike can enjoy in real life the trucks they play with as toys and it doesn’t matter if it’s a fire truck, big rig, cool custom van, SUV, light duty truck, etc., if it’s part of the truck family, it’s on display at Carlisle.

The last specialty, or car specific show, is Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive.  The 2021 event runs August 26-28 and aims once more to spotlight every generation of the Corvette, from 1953’s C1 to today’s modern marvel, the mid-engine C8.  Planned to return in 2021 will be the Corvette Engineers from Team Chevrolet, seminars from Paul Koerner, a 50-year display of 1971 Corvettes, Chip’s Choice with a salute to law enforcement theme, on-site installations, parts shopping within the automotive flea market, midway and more.  Also planning a return to the 2021 docket is the downtown Corvette parade and street party and NEW, a “thin blue line” flag, showing support for those who keep us safe and put their lives on the line daily.

2021 wraps with a pair of auctions and Fall Carlisle, the flagship automotive flea market event powered by Carlisle Events.  Fall Carlisle 2021 spans five days, September 29-October 3 and includes a large-scale vending field, car corral and an unrivaled Manufacture’s Midway.  Much like Spring Carlisle, the fall event is a place where car lovers from all walks of life come together to buy, sell and trade all things automotive, all while catching up with old friends or making some new ones along the way.

Fall Carlisle (like Lakeland and Spring) also hosts a two-day, 400+ lot, classic and collector car auction.  The fall auction at the Carlisle Expo Center, just blocks from the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, takes place September 30-October 1.  Lots that cross the block range from early 1900’s era production to modern rides that will no doubt be future classics.  A best-of-show classic or show worthy daily driver can be had starting in the four-figure price range and up and auctions historically include a theme specific to a brand or style, like an all-Ford hour or all-truck hour.

The final auction of the season takes the Carlisle Auctions team back to Florida, this time Sarasota.  Sunset-Carlisle takes place November 12-13 at the Sunset Automotive Group facility on Sawyer Loop Rd., not far from I-75.  Though a slightly smaller version of the auction events in Lakeland and Carlisle, hundreds of “Florida cars” cross the block, including sports cars, exotics, well kept muscle and more. 

Involvement in all auctions yields the ability to buy, sell or simply watch as a spectator.  Bidding is offered in person, online or over the phone, making the process simple and convenient.  Auction consignments are also taken under Carlisle Auctions’ FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, meaning any consignment 25 years or older that doesn’t sell will see applicable fees refunded.  Finally, consigning early means more time for the Carlisle Auctions team to expertly market and promote to a hungry audience of car enthusiasts.  Full auction details are available at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

As the car shows go, many display themes and guests that will support them will be announced in the coming weeks and months through www.CarlisleEvents.com or on the show’s respective social media pages.  Those interested in becoming a vendor or learning more can call 717-243-7855.

Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions are committed to the health and safety of guests who attend our events.  As such, we remain COVID-19 compliant heading into the 2021 season.  Current health safety measures are available for review online at either of the aforementioned web pages.  Call or check CarlisleEvents.com and CarlisleAuctions.com to confirm dates, prices and activities.

The Carlisle Auctions team is meticulously preparing for its second auction of the year as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  The Fall Carlisle event itself spans September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, while Carlisle Auctions takes center stage at the COVID-19 compliant Carlisle Expo Center on October 1 & 2.  The fall auction and at least one other in 2021, will see special support from the AACA Museum, Inc. of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Beginning with the Fall Collector Car Auction, the AACA Museum, Inc. is on board as the Preferred Auction Sponsor of Carlisle Auctions.  This partnership and title will also be in place for Carlisle Auctions first event of 2021, February 19-20, as part of Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida.  For these two auctions, the AACA Museum, Inc. team will have a prominent position within the main expo halls of the Carlisle Expo Center and SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus, respectively. 

For the fall Pennsylvania event, the café/hospitality area will be recognized as the AACA Museum, Inc. Lounge.  In addition, each auction day will see the world champion auction team for Carlisle Auctions offer multiple promotional announcements about the museum and their special displays, programs and collections.  AACA Museum, Inc. branding will also be visible at the venue, online, in marketing pieces and more.

Finally, and possibly most important, the AACA Museum, Inc. has connected Carlisle Auctions with seven (possibly eight) jaw-dropping consignments for the fall auction and aims to do something similar going forward.  Fall consignments include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS.  These fine examples of automotive history will be offered over the course of the two-day auction.

“On behalf of myself and the Carlisle Auctions team, we are thrilled to welcome the AACA Museum, Inc. as our Preferred Auction Sponsor,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We have enjoyed a great relationship over the years and look forward to working together going forward.”

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page.