February in Florida is a dream for most; sunny skies, warm temps and cool cars – lots of them!  All that and then some came together for Winter AutoFest in Lakeland.  Spanning February 22-24, 2019 at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus, the event proved to be the best Lakeland offering yet for Carlisle Events.  The event success was due in part to a dedicated core of automotive enthusiasts within the Sunshine State and beyond.

 

Winter AutoFest was billed as a Friday through Sunday show, but people showed up Thursday jonesing for an automotive fix.  While some got an early jump on the automotive flea market shopping on set up day, it was the Friday through Sunday morning offerings that really brought show-goers out. 

 

When gates opened Friday at 8 a.m., there were lines of anxious enthusiasts, proving that the demand for an event like this is real.  Once on grounds, the lines snaked past hundreds of cars parked within the FREE cruise-in as well as vendors who set up in the blue field.  Waiting for these same guests past the tree line at SUN ‘n FUN were hundreds more vendors, thousands more pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles, plus nearly 1,500 cars spanning the auction, car corral, free cruise-in, NCRS Winter Regional event, Corvette Fun Field and Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County Mustang showcase.  Of that estimate, the Corvette and Mustang camps were able to boast over 300 cars each.  Of course there was a hearty line of people at the food stands too, enjoying the unique fair-style offerings.

 

Saturday ushered in even more guests and cars for a full day of festivities.  GM Certified Technician Paul Koerner returned for another day of tech sessions and tech talks, former FBI agent and 9/11 first-responder Wes Wong spoke at the auction, while the Fly Adventure team from St. Augustine was up and down all day with their vintage Stearman Bi-Plane offering rides high above the facility.  Speaking of the aforementioned auction, it offered yet another entertainment option with two days of live fun.  The top seller was a 1965 Corvette, going for $72,760, with the top 5 overall garnering $274,455.  All dollar amounts include fees applicable to the sale.

 

Other highlights included seminars from Kevin Mackay of Corvette Repair Inc, Corvette vs. Cobra from Fabulous Restorations and a Resto Mod talk from Extreme Mid-Years LLC.  There was also a special screening of The Quest, a Corvette documentary film directed and produced by Michael Brown.  Brown, Mackay and Lance Miller were also on hand to sign copies of the DVD following the screening with monies benefiting the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.

 

As the show wrapped on Sunday, guests had one last chance to pick up a little something within the automotive flea market, make a deal on a car corral sale or work with the auction team on a Still for Sale consignment. 

 

Another piece of news coming out of the show was Carlisle Auctions announcement of a two-day auction only event in Sarasota, Florida.  Suncoast-Carlisle spans November 8-9, 2019.  More details will be released on this event in the coming weeks, but complete info on Winter AutoFest can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com, while auction news comes via www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  Save the date, because Winter AutoFest 2020 returns to SUN ‘n FUN February 21-23. 

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals hosts some of the best collectible and classic rides in the world.  The annual weekend returns July 12-14 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and for 2019, guests of all ages have a new collectible option.  Carlisle Events and M2 Machines are giving guests a collectible as scarce as their real-life counterparts; a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda with the rare M-Code 440.

M2 Machines is no stranger to collectibles at Carlisle, having partnered with the Chrysler Nationals since 2016 with a die-cast to commemorate 50 years of the iconic Dodge Charger.  True to previous form, the 2019 option is a 1:64 scale die-cast and its ’69 design perfectly complements the overall Summer of ’69 theme at Carlisle in 2019.  In addition to a focus on the rare M-Code 440, the sinister look comes from the X9 Black Velvet paint and the red interior really makes an impact.  The look is capped perfectly with the infamous Recall Wheels from Kelsey Hayes and redline tires to break up all of that black.

Get them while they last, because just 750 will be produced.  Not only did M2 design these gems, but they’ll come with the official logo of the 2019 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals 50th anniversary logo of the M-Code A-Body Darts and Barracudas.  Remember, production is limited and once they are gone…they are gone!  Pre-orders are available now via store.carlisleevents.com and MUST be picked up in-person during event weekend in July.  These amazing collectibles are just $15, but there’s a limit of 3 per customer.  Get yours today before they end up on eBay or within our automotive flea market for three times the price!  

The world’s largest all-Mopar event kicks off with a FREE cruise-in and kick-off party on July 11 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  That party is the appetizer to the main course at the adjacent fairgrounds where 40,000+ guests and nearly 3,000 cars come to park and party!  The size of the automotive flea market is unmatched in the hobby and the showfield is beyond diverse, featuring all eras of production.  From the annual Mopar Survivor’s Tent to the featured vehicle displays to the anniversaries and more, this event has it all.  Speaking of features, 2019 features the aforementioned M-Code A-Body, plus 50 years of the Dodge Charger Daytona & 500, 50 (and ½) Years of the A12 Road Runner & Super Bee, plus a nod to the automotive Summer of ’69.

Getting involved is easy, too.  It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to show, sell or spectate, tickets and details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Let’s make a deal at Carlisle!  Afterall, isn’t that what the picking culture is all about?  Spring and Fall Carlisle offer acres of vendors and millions of items for sale.  There are hidden gems and guests are encouraged to always expect the unexpected.  For 2019, Carlisle Events is bringing guests even closer to the action AND helping make the process a little simpler via the VIP Power Picker Program.

All-new for Spring Carlisle (April 24-28) and returning for Fall Carlisle (October 3-5), this special VIP feature helps you get in, get everything you want and get out with ease.  It’s all just $99 and here’s how it works!

The VIP access pass offers its holder access to the grounds for all five days of the event, plus early access starting Monday of event week.  That means starting April 22 for Spring and September 30 for Fall the grounds are yours – from sun up to sun down.  Shop till you drop!  You’ll get the same access as vendors at Carlisle!  In addition to the ultra-early access, you receive ON GROUNDS parking by Gate 4, though spaces are available on a first come-first served basis. 

While this initial space comes with your $99 purchase, if additional space for trailer parking or a flatbed is required, you will need to buy an additional space for $50 per space.  Also, if you have a passenger who doesn’t want the VIP treatment, they will need to pay either $12 per day or $35 for a five-day pass. 

Now that you’re on-site, Carlisle Events wants to help you shop with ease. As part of your access, you’ll get a FREE canvas shopping tote sponsored by Hemmings Motor News.  In addition, you’ll receive FREE direct taxi service from your parking space to a drop spot of your choosing and FREE parts hauling from pick up to your space, a window decal, a FREE coffee voucher from Shuman’s concessions on the west end of the food court, a FREE pre-qualified bidders badge for the two-day auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions (if pre-qualified 14 days prior to the event), a VIP lanyard and badge identifying you as a VIP Power Picker and of course, the pride in the fact that you’re coming to Carlisle to buy, sell and trade all things automotive. 

Come hungry and leave happy because the VIP pass also affords you two meal tickets, one for Thursday and the other for Friday, at our neighboring auction at the Carlisle Expo Center. Thursday and Friday meals are served between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Much like on-site parking, food is available while supplies last. Again, this cost is just $99 for the entire five-day event but has a retail value of much, much more! Plus, even more goodies will be coming your way before Fall Carlisle starts in October. You may also obtain Power Picker status on a per-day basis of $40, if there is space available. Certain restrictions may apply. 

If you’re a VIP Power Picker, then you’re a privileged enthusiast who knows a good deal when you see it. Register today at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 and don’t miss out on the fun. 

In less than three weeks, Carlisle Auctions will drop the hammer on the first of over 400 consignments slated to cross the auction block as part of Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida.  The two-day auction at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus spans February 22-23 and while many gems will cross the block, going home to the highest bidder, with monies split between the auction house and seller, a few select consignments will see 100% of its money go to charity!  

For the first-time ever at Winter AutoFest, Carlisle Auctions is partnering with Wheels From The Heart to help raise money for those in need.  On Friday, February 22, a 1988 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2007 Precision Cycle Works Chopper will cross the block.  These vehicles come from generous donors and once sold, all dollars associated with the sale will go directly to Wheels From the Heart.  The Camaro will run early on day one of the auction, while the motorcycle will run mid-afternoon at approximately 2 p.m.

The chopper comes from Anthony Caliendo & Luigi Damasceno, CEO of Brooks International.  These two local businessmen are dedicated to making Palm Beach a better place and Caliendo is the catalyst for the bike donation with an interesting tie-in from Damasceno.  As the story goes, Caliendo was hosting an event with this particular bike tapped as the giveaway, while Damasceno donated in support of the event.  That support and a little bit of luck gave way to Damasceno winning the bike..oops!  Never fear though, as Damasceno is all about helping those in need, hence the decision to donate the bike for auction with the proceeds benefitting Wheels From The Heart.  

“Owning a car is often the first step to financial independence for single mothers and their families,” noted Steven Muschlitz, founder of the charity organization.  “The Wheels From The Heart Foundation works to help make this happen by collaborating with local charities who have a mom in need. We supply reliable mom-kid friendly autos to moms, giving them an automatic upgrade in life. This helps them, helps their children and helps the community. We have donated 100 cars since 2014, continued Muschlitz.”  “The best part is, the ability to donate is open to anyone and details on how can be found online at http://wheelsfromtheheart.org/.”

The auction fun runs in conjunction with Winter AutoFest.  The three-day happenings also start on February 22 and include a massive automotive flea market, a car corral where cars and trucks are for sale by owner plus some amazing car show action.  The car show thrills come from a 300+ car Mustang show via the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County, a FREE collector car cruise-in AND for the first-time ever, the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) is hosting its Winter Regional Meet at the event.  In all, thousands of classics are coming to Lakeland and tickets start at just $10, with kids 12 and under admitted free.  Complete auction information is available at www.CarlisleAuctions.com while event information can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

It’s showtime in Lakeland, Florida for Carlisle Auctions and car lovers throughout the Sunshine State and southeast region will converge on the SUN ‘n FUN Campus for two amazing days of classic and collector car excitement.  Auction wise, it all starts on February 22 at 10:30 a.m. when the first of some 400+ consignments cross the block, consignments that will offer a little something for everyone’s automotive tastes.

While each consignment could easily have its own dedicated write-up, the best way to sum up the available lots are to say that decades of history will be up for grabs.  Consignments span nearly 100 years and much of that rich production history will be available.  Those looking to bid and buy can attend and do so with the confidence that many years, many makes and many models specific to their tastes could be theirs for the right price.  There literally is something for everyone as part of this automotive history lesson.

But why this auction?  First of all, it’s in Florida and unless a Polar Vortex and bone-chilling cold is your kind of fun, the sun of the Sunshine State is draw in and of itself.  Add that in to an automotive flea market, car corral, car show, air plane rides and more, and Winter AutoFest is one of many great entertainment venues to consider too! 

As noted above, Carlisle Auctions will feature a wide array of consignments, but this year is extra special due to a heavy Corvette presence at the show.  For the first-time ever, the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) brings its Winter Regional Meet to Winter AutoFest.  As such, Carlisle Auctions will feature an all-Corvette power hour on Saturday, February 23 at approximately 12:30 p.m..  Consignments are expected to span all seven generations, from the solid axel C1 of the early ‘50s to the modern-day powerhouse C7.

“The Carlisle Auction team is thrilled to be returning to Lakeland, Florida for Winter AutoFest,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline.  “With well over 400 consignments, we are looking forward to the biggest and best auction that we have ever presented in Lakeland.”

Complete details about this and every other auction produced by Carlisle Auctions is available online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.  Register to bid, consign to sell or simply inquire about our FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, Carlisle Auctions is looking forward to working with you!