Caption: 1930 Ford Model A owned by Natalie Bolea of Coraopolis, PA

Every year in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a different sort of steel comes together at the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown area.  While the Steelers didn't make it past round one of the NFL post-season this year, the locals still had something to get excited about by way of the annual Pittsburgh World of Wheels car show that happened January 21-23.  This was the 61^st edition of this annual event that brings together not only automotive enthusiasts from the greater Pittsburgh area but also the greater east coast.

We at Carlisle Events attend this event to connect with many of our industry friends, clients, builders, and vehicle owners.  This year was no different with a wide array of vehicles that we hope to see at our events later this year.  Friday at the event allowed us to get a head start on the east coast car show season and see many of these awesome vehicles below.  Check out our coverage below and as always feel free to share this with your peers and friends.

Our friend John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ brought out the Hemi Hearse and the Red Baron.  John brought us the Dragula and Batmobile at last year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.  The Red Baron and Hemi Hearse were huge hits at World of Wheels.  Who remembers these TV Cars?

Caption: The Hemi Hearse owned by John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ

Caption: The Red Baron owned by John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ

Aaron Buck of Pottstown, PA brought out this radical 1936 Ford Pickup that has been transformed into this custom slammed beast! 

Chrysler products did dominate a good portion of this year’s World of Wheels.  Many familiar names brought out a piece or more from their collection.  Friend of the Chrysler Nationals, Bill Woessner, brought out a great collection of Dodge Charger R/T’s. Check them out below!

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Floyd Furr of Nokesville, VA brought out this resto-modded 1967 Plymouth GTX, check it out:

Check out a few more Chrysler products from the show as well:

Caption: Shane Crozier of Pittsburgh, PA and his 2018 Dodge Charger

 

Caption: John Borgen of Gibsonia, PA and his 1970 Plymouth Superbird

Caption: Ralph Patsch of Houston, PA and his 1963 Dodge 330

Hailing from Kewaskum, WI, Michael Beal brought out this killer 1933 Ford using a Factory Five body. Take a look under that hood and some of the subtle touches all around the car:

Awesome Ford’s dotted the show as well, check out these that caught our attention.

 

Caption: Jeffrey Lakes Sr of Bridgeville, PA and his 1972 Ford F-250

 

Caption: Fred Birch of Franklin Park, PA and his 1964 Ford Fairlane

Caption: Bobby Crouch of Pittsburgh, PA and his 2014 Ford F-350 Platinum

Caption: Total Image Autosport’s 2022 of Pittsburgh, PA and their 2022 Ford Bronco

Caption: A good showing of Fords from the PA Hot Rods group.

Caption: Jason Faux of Clinton, PA and his 1995 Ford F-350

Caption: Tyler Davidson of New Brighton, PA and his 1997 Ford F-350

Now this next one was quite a surprise to see out in the wild!  The 1991 Ford F150 PPG Indy Pace Truck Concept was ahead of it’s time.  Designed by McLaren Performance Designs with the powerplant from Jack Roush, PPG spent over $250,000 to build this for the Indy Car Series.  Rumor has it, this truck may make an appearance on the Spring Carlisle Auction Block.

 

Here’s a slightly different Ford that is totally on another level (pun intended).  Check out this 1936 Ford Sedan overlanding build from Jason Rodz by Ludwin of Fort Johnson, NY:

One truck that caught our eye was this 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine dubbed the “Lowcoe”!  Take a look at the 12 Valve Cummins sitting behind the cab!

Speaking of GM products, check out “Lil Sassy” the Cavalier here.  Who wants to go for a pass in this!?!

Caption: Robert Biery of McCandless, PA and his 1974 Pontiac Trans Am

Caption: Josh Hillard’s 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

Caption: Ron Spadafora of Reading, PA and his 1956 Sedan Delivery

Caption: Denny Mascari of Allison Park, PA and his 1957 Chevrolet Nomad

 

Caption: Ian Stowe of Pittsburgh, PA and his 1965 Cadillac Sedan Deville

 

Caption: Marc Hansen of Chester Springs, PA and his 1955 Chevrolet Hardtop

Caption: Pro Comp Customs and their wicked 1969 Pontiac GTO

Caption: Luke Yianlouis of New Kensington, PA and his 1969 Buick Riviera

Caption: John Schiavone of Beecher, IL and his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

One killer 1941 Willy’s Pickup Gasser from Charlie Source of Findley Lake, NY:

Pittsburgh Car Scene also showed up in force with a great showing of Import’s from their group.  Check them out below:

Speaking of Imports, our friends at Super Car Workshop / Super Car Restoration normally bring a selection of Chevy Novas and Camaros to World of Wheels, this year they brought something a little more buggy.  Check out their two VW Beetles they just finished up in time for the show. 

Caption: Colleen Hughes of Latrobe, PA and her 1979 VW Beetle

Caption: Shelly Cooper of Clymer, PA and her 1975 VW Beetle

Check out some of the other Imports that caught our eye as well below!

Caption: Jennifer Mance of McKees Port, PA and her 1991 VW Cabriolet

Caption: Ty Kimmick of Mount Pleasant, PA and his super clean WRX.  Don’t forget we are celebrating the Impreza at the Import and Performance Nationals this year in May.

Caption: Mandy and Kurt Emigh’s awesome 2000 BMW 353 ready for autocross!  Don’t forget BMW is a celebrated marque at the Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals in May.

Caption: Vincenzo Girone of Pittsburgh, PA brought out his 1993 Mazda RX7, check out that bay!

Stop back here on All About Cars next week for an all new article about the Cunningham Corvette formerly owned by Lance Miller.  In the meanwhile, learn all about what we have coming up in 2022 at CarlisleEvents.com.

From buzz words to catchy jingles, eye catching graphics, and stunning automotive styles, there is a lot that goes into an auto maker's marketing and promotional campaign.  In our latest All About Cars offering, David Hakim, writer at DodgeGarage.com takes an in depth look at MOPAR®'s Mad Men!   

Read on to learn more and be sure to see some of the best MOPARS of all-time on display and in motion as part of the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 15-17.

MOPAR®’S MAD MEN: PART I by David Hakim
Additional Dodge Garage Features by David Hakim
Register for the 2022 Chrysler Nationals & Learn More

With only minor changes to appearance packages, including optional 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, three new colors (Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue), and an available Monochromatic Reserve appearance package. The one-year-old second-Gen Lincoln Aviator remains a leader in American mid-size SUV luxury, with a nod to its sibling, the full-size Navigator, but in a smaller, and more maneuverable package.

Aviator was launched from 2003 through 2005 as a rebadged version of the Mercury Mountaineer, and after a 15-year hiatus, returned last year as a mid-size five-door, three row luxury SUV. 

Based on the Ford Explorer, Aviator has its own upscale styling, sculpting, engine, chassis makeup and tech. Aviator focuses on luxury and elegance, and is its own creation, not to be likened to any other in the brand.

The creation of the second-gen Lincoln Aviator was tasked with merging elegance, styling, performance and advanced technology, while advancing an electrified hybrid system. With a gas-powered 400hp /415 lb-ft of torque engine and a plug-in hybrid system that provides 494hp and best-in-class 630 combined lb-ft of torque, Aviator is built for power and capability joining with sleek elegance and intuitive technology.



Aviator provides Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight,” which combined performance with silence. Aviator offers those two powertrains – a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gas engine and the Grand Touring’s hybrid powertrain. Aviator vanguarded Lincoln’s approach to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and advanced electrified hybrid technology capable of delivering smooth performance and quick-acting torque.

Avaiator’s architecture and styling is a direct turn off its name and is marketed with a sky-driven approach. Company literature says, “The boundless allure of flight has long inspired automotive design, and the exterior styling of the all-new Lincoln Aviator takes that inspiration to the next level. The connotations of flight are intrinsic in the strong front and tapering rear of the vehicle, creating a distinct aerofoil analogy,” according to Lincoln’s pitch. Exterior dimensions are 199.3 inches in length, a wind-attracting 69.6 inches in height and 82.3 inches in width on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, for a curb weight of from 4774 to 5673 lbs. depending on trim level and configuration. My Reserve trim weighed about 5020 lbs.

Aviator’s cabin is packed with luxury appointments and comfort, a 14-speaker audio system with voice-activated touch-screen navigation system, three rows of seating, available concert hall sound, intuitive tech and function and a quiet environment of quality. The comfortable cabin provides, 41 inches of front headroom (40.2 with a Vista Roof), 39.7 inches in row two and a tight 36.9 inches in row three. Aviator provides 43 inches of front legroom, with 40.1 in the middle and a child-only 29.2 inches in the rear seats; and 61.5 inches of front shoulder room with 61.3 in row two and 54.0 in row three.
Interior climate control includes a Particulate Air Filter Tri-Zone Climate Control, with second row climate controls (with Audio and Heated/Vented Seat Controls when equipped). You also get a 10.1-inch LCD touch-screen in the center-stack, Ambient interior lighting, delayed Accessory Lighting in the first row, Lincoln Connect™ with 4G embedded modem with WiFi® hot spot capability, that enables Lincoln Way™ App remote features (when activated) and so much more we can’t do justice to listing them here.
Aviator drives quietly, attentively and smoothly in both Front-wheel-drive and Intelligent All-wheel-drive configurations. My test Aviator Reserve in AWD was outfitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Engine with Stop-Start Technology. EPA rated at 27mpg/highway, 20mpg/city and 24mpg/combined, my rides delivered 22.4mpg. With the hybrid option, Aviator Grand Touring’s twin-turbocharged engine and advanced electrified technology shows some hesitation, but increases gas mileage by up to 20 miles when all-electric.

My test ride’s 400hp system, did not delay and the response was seamless, sprinting to a 6.1-second zero-to-60mph dash, and a quarter-mile  of 14.8 seconds. On the open road, Aviator delivers a quiet, powerful, confident ride. Driver and passengers are pampered by its adaptive suspension. Aviator’s Electric Power-Assisted Steering is predictable and while there is some top-wobble during quick maneuvers, Aviator is confident in turns.

Aviator’s safety systems include Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, enhanced by Driver and Front Passenger Dual Stage, Side Impact, and Glove-Box-Door Integrated Knee Airbags. The Safety Canopy/Air Curtain (3-rows) with roll-over sensor adds to security as do Vehicle Inclination Sensor Remote, Keyless Entry SecuriCode™ (Keypad), SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Emergency Brake Assist Four-Way Adjustable Head Restraints.  

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator starts at $51,465 for the base Standard trim, followed by the Reserve trim at $57,355, upgrading with 20-inch wheels, quad-zone climate control, optional packages including Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus and more. The Aviator Grand Touring offers the rechargeable electric hybrid powertrain added to the standard Twin-Turbocharged engine, and keeps Reserve’s features, at $68,360. Aviator’s Black Label top trim starts at $79,350 with special themes, interior finishes and exclusive member service items. My Reserve saved me $2390 by going to AWD and removing some Reserve Package.  Burgundy Velvet exterior paint added $695 and running boards added $1065. 

The Premium interior package for the Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Sun Shade, added $1500 and voice-activated touchscreen navigation added $500. With Destination charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, my sticker came to $59,065, but available incentives of up to $925 may be available, so check with your dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I> 

Last year, Cadillac introduced the Crossover Touring 6,  or XT6 to its crossover and SUV lineup. XT6 is the largest vehicle in the XT series, slotted as a mid-size, between Cadillac’s XT5 and the full-size Escalade. Produced in GM’s Spring Hill, TN plant, the XT6 shares its wheelbase with the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5 and Chevrolet Blazer and sits on the same platform as the Buick Enclave.

For 2021, the XT6 enters its second year with a new Luxury model that expands its reach to more customers and completes the brand’s signature Y-trim strategy, which also includes Premium Luxury and Sport models.  

New for 2021 are a Luxury trim model with new standard-for-the-trim 2.0-liter turbo engine rated at 237 hp; Wireless Apple CarPlay7 and Android Auto8 connectivity; new 20-inch wheel design for Sport models and new exterior color options: Dark Moon Blue Metallic, Wilder and Infrared Tintcoat.

The new-for 2021 XT6 Luxury trim kicks off the range with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, powered sunroof, roof rails, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, seating for seven, active noise cancellation, self-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power-adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver, 6-way for passenger.

With Cadillac marketing it as a “mid-size-plus,” the three-row family crossover centers on a luxurious, adaptable and connected cabin complemented by responsive handling and a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.

The 2021 XT6 is loaded Caddy-style, with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver assistance and safety technologies, along with generous cargo capacity. XT6 is outfitted with the latest Cadillac user-experience items featuring intuitive controls including a rotary controller with new jog functionality. Additionally, the vehicle’s 9-speed automatic transmission offers four selectable driving modes, and both the Premium Luxury and Sport models offer customers available customized looks with unique exterior and interior distinction.

Some may call it boxy and others call it simple elegance, but XT6 architecture carries Cadillac’s look and big windows for good visibility. XT6 is large and high and measures 69.9 inches in height, 77.3 inches in width and 198.5 inches in length on a 112.7-inch wheelbase, with a 6.65-inch ground clearance. Curb weight goes from 4362 lbs. to 4690 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration, and XT6 can trailer 4000 lbs.

Inside, XT6 plays on Cadillac’s elegant, upscale demeanor with wide surface lines and simple interfaces. Distinctive trim and interior colors exude the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.

Available comfort features help ensure that all passengers have a luxurious experience in every seating row, including Cadillac’s first Bose® Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering immersive, powerful audio throughout the cabin. Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating; Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer; automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel.

Not as roomy as one would expect, the XT6 cabin provides only 39.8 inches of front headroom, 39.1 in row two and a child-worthy 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom follows at a good 41.2 in row one, 39.1 in the middle seats and only 29.5 inches in the tight third row. Shoulder room stretches out to 58.3, 57.4 and 53.5, but hip room gets really snug in row three with only 39.5 inches, after 56.1 in front and 55.7 in the middle seats.

XT6 power comes from one of two available engines. Premium horses come from a 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection VVT engine with auto stop/start. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the system delivers 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. In Front-Wheel-Drive, the engine is rated at 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and in All-Wheel-Drive, the EPA estimate is 17/24.

New is the 2.0-liter turbo that gets 21mpg/city and 26mpg/highway. The inline-4 engine is good for 237hp an 258 lb-ft, of torque.

The quiet cabin remains hushed even when accelerating with ease while passing, and handling is similar to that of a smaller vehicle. The ride is cushioned well and smoothes out road irregularities, but steering is vague and times, and severe turns result in noticeable body waver.

While passing is powerful, track tests were slow, but steady, with a hand-timed 7.3-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.7-second quarter-mile.

From a safety perspective, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the XT6 a five-star rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, that agency's highest honor. A host of driver-assistance features are available. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and night vision are available as options.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 in AWD Luxury trim starts at $51,790 with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. Premium Luxury and the 3.6-liter engine starts at $56,190 and the Sport trim starts at $59,490 in AWD (only) with the 3.6 and a few cosmetic and other minor additions. My test Premium Luxury XT6 in AWD added Dark Moon Blue Metallic paint for $625. Adding Jet Black Semi-Analine Leather Seating surfaces and real-time damping suspension and Reverse Automatic Braking was part of a huge package add-on included in the Platinum Package ($5000), The Technology Package   the rear camera mirror with washer($2350), the Driver Assist Package ($1300) and the Comfort and Air Quality Package ($750). The Cadillac User Experience with Navigation ($1000) and heated rear outboard seats ($500) were added to the options and packages that put an additional $11,250 onto the price. Destination charges of $1195 put the vehicle price at $66,870, but discounts and cash options are available.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Redesigned in 2020, the Ford Escape, once the top-selling SUV in Ford’s arsenal and second in Blue Oval sales only to F-150, has slipped behind Explorer in sales, but the fourth-generation sports-ute is still the No.24-selling vehicle in the U.S. this year.

Once thought of as a “Baby Explorer” when it debuted in 2001, the Ford Escape made the small SUV segment its own, and soon developed its own following, personality, utility, look and feel.

For 2021, Escape, has increased the fuel economy for Escape 1.5L FWD models to 28 city/34 highway mpg, making for a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The Class II Trailer Tow Package is now optional on Escape models with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Ford Escape is available in trim levels S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Additionally, the available Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package now includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. 

Also new is expanded availability with new hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the SE and SEL models offered for 2021. The 2021 Escape Titanium now has the hybrid powertrain standard. 

Additionally, four new exterior colors have been added this model year, including Antimatter Blue, Bronze Fire, Carbonized Gray, and Iconic Silver. The new options join a handful of paint choices carried over from the previous model year, including Star White Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic, Velocity Blue Metallic, Desert Gold Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, and Oxford White.  

Four colors have been discontinued this year: Blue, Dark Persian Green, Ingot Silver, and Magnetic. 

The 2021 Ford Escape continues its aerodynamic design featuring a sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and efficient underbody. Escape’s architecture embodies sportiness, borrowing its shield-shaped trapezoidal grille from a similar sixth-generation Mustang inspiration, while the lower front end pays homage to Ford GT.

The 2021 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint measuring 66.1 inches in height and 74.1 inches in width on a 106.7-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight range of 3298 lbs. to 3884 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration.

The 2021 edition offers the same four powertrains as were available last year, including a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and iemploys technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.

Performance upgrades help make Escape a fun-to-drive sports-ute, with both its gas engine-powered models and the standard hybrid available with all-wheel drive. EcoBoost-equipped models get a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifting, while every Escape sits on an accommodating suspension providing solid dynamics with an isolated rear subframe.

Available in either Front-Wheel-Drive or Intelligent 4WD, Escape’s engine choices include the direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop returns, rated at 181hp, with 190-lbs-ft of torque and a EPA estimate of 28mpg/city, 34mpg/highway and 30mpg/combined. The turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 engine with Auto Start-Stop also returns this year, supplying 250hp and 280 lbs-ft of torque on premium fuel, with EPA estimates of 23/31/26. There is also a 2.5-liter FHEV iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 165hp and 155 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and the 2.5-liter PHEV gives you 200hp and is rated at (FWD) 44 mpg city/37 mpg highway/41 mpg combined.

My test vehicle was outfitted with the 1.5-liter and averaged 30.6mpg in mixed-use tests. My weeklong test on the highways, around town and some track tests showed good passing power with only slight delay. On the track, a steadily accelerating quarter-mile was accomplished in 16.1 seconds and the sprint from zero to 60 mph was a slow 7.8 seconds. Steering was carlike, the ride was soft for passengers and it handles like a family driver should.

Inside Escape’s sliding second-row seats enable best-in-class second-row legroom and as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. And Ford’s smartest-ever small SUV features selectable drive modes and Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology. Available features include a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display and its driver-assist features Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist.

The cabin is upscale with seating for five. Accommodations continue to be tight for taller drivers, as headroom measures 40.0 inches in front and 39.3 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 42.4 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 40.7 inches. Shoulder room is 57.6 in row one and 56.0 for row two.

The 2021 Ford Escape is available in five trims. The S trim starts at $24,885 with the 1.5-liter I-4 EcoBoost® engine and Sync® with 4.2-inch LCD Screen Display; the SE that I tested, starts at $26,610 with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® and adding SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD Screen Display, 10-Way Power Driver with Heated Front Row, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start and more; the SE Sport Hybrid starts at $28,030 with the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine and more; the SEL trim starts at $29,205 with the 1.5, reverse sensing and a power liftgate; and the Titanium trim started at $33,755 in FWD with the 2.5-liter Hybrid, 10-Speaker Audio System and more.

My Escape SE added Rapid Red exterior paint for $395. Upgrading from FWD to all-wheel-drive added $1500; Ford Co-Pilot Assist™ added $695 for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Splash guards added $210; a Panoramic Vista Roof added $1495 and Destination Charges of $1345 for a price-as-tested of $32,250.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

For more than 40 years, the Chevy Silverado was the No.2-selling vehicle in America. It has since dropped to No.3, but in the second quarter of this year, Silverado edged ahead of F-150 and (for that quarter) back into the No.2 slot, behind Ram.

But at No.2 or No.3, Silverado remains a leader on the American truck scene as it has been since 1918. Silverado launched as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans in 1975, before becoming its own line in 1999.

Two years after a full redesign, Silverado for 2021 offers a truckload of new mechanical and technological updates, including the addition of an available Multi-Flex Tailgate, impressive trailering capacity and enhanced tech.

The Multi-Flex Tailgate offers Silverado customers six unique functions, allowing for easier access to bed cargo, enhanced loading solutions and a standing workstation. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, different configurations for the Multi-Flex Tailgate activate using a key fob or two tailgate-mounted buttons, one for the full gate and another for the second-tier loading and storage options. Combined with the Silverado Durabed – featuring impressive cargo space, LED lighting, a 120-volt outlet and 12 fixed tie-downs – Multi-Flex makes the 2021 model the most functional and capable Silverado ever. The Multi-Flex Tailgate will be available in early 2021 on all new Silverado 1500 models.

The 2021 Silverado features increased conventional trailering capability for two of its most efficient engines, compared to the 2020 model year. The 2.7L Turbo adds thousands of pounds of trailering capacity to every configuration. The popular Crew Cab Short Box model increases its rating by 2,500 pounds to a max capacity of 9,300 pounds in two-wheel drive. A newly available Regular Cab Long Box model provides the maximum 2.7L tow rating of 9,600 pounds and ups Silverado’s overall max payload to 2,280 pounds in 2WD.

The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel adds an additional 1,900 pounds of trailering capacity to nearly every configuration and provides the maximum capacity of 9,500 pounds to 2WD models

Enhanced Trailering Technology for 2021 adds up to 15 unique camera views – the most of any competitor – to help make trailering simpler. 2021 models also offer new or enhanced trailering technology, including Trailer Length for lane changing maneuvers; Jack-Knife Alert tracking the position of the compatible trailer in relation to the vehicle and provides an alert if a potential jack-knife situation is imminent; Cargo Bed View enhancement; Rear Trailer View now features guidelines and Trailer-Angle Indicator; Rear Side View enhancement with a split view and multiple trim and package upgrades.

Rugged, bold and not afraid to be boxy, my 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab was outfitted with a short bed. The 5-foot-8-inch box, brought exterior measurements to 231.7 inches in length (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.5 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab). Silverado’s wide body is 81.2 inches wide and a tall 75.5 inches high (for the 4x4), and some trims are as much as 78.4 inches high. My test truck has a 147.4-inch wheelbase – some trims go 157.4. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight ranges from 4940 to 5090 with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration that were set up on my truck.

Silverado provides six power options, varying from 6-speed to 8-speed to 10-speed transmission: a 4.3-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, 285hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, rated at 16mpg/city and 21mpg/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 15/city, 21/highway; 2.7-liter Turbo and an eight-speed automatic, 310hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, 20/city, 23/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 16/city and 22/highway; 6.2-liter V-8 with a 10-speed automatic, 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque 16/city, 20/highway; and a 3.0-liter I-6 turbo-diesel with a 10-speed automatic, 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, and rated at 23 and 33mpg.

My test Silverado LTZ came with the eight-speed 5.3 and it was responsive and powerful. Handling trucklike, but smaller than it appears, the Silverado attacks hills and gently moves in and out of traffic. From a speed perspective, we completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.1 (hand-timed). Parking takes strategy due to true size and blind spots, but on the road and soft road, Silverado’s independent coil-over-shock front suspension with twin-tube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate two-stage multileaf springs and splayed twin-tube shocks give driver’s road feel

EPA-rated at 16mpg/city and 22mpg/hwy with my AWD set-up my quick-accelerating tests complied an average of 19.9 mpg.

Silverado’s well-appointed, comfortable, safety-focused and tech-filled cabin is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. It is not left wanting for much infotainment. Its Crew Cab provides 43.0 inches of front headroom with 40.1 in the rear. Legroom is spacious, at 44.5 inches up front and 40.1 in the rear, while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.2 inches.

Silverado 1500 for 2021 is priced for and decked out for varied tastes and wallets. In long, standard and short beds with regular, double and crew cabs, with six power options, and in 2WD and 4WD, Silverado starts at $30,995. In eight trims, topping off with the High Country starting at $59,095, my LTZ was seventh up with a 5.3-liter V-8 staring at $53,095 with a short bed and 4WD.

Cherry Tintcoat exterior paint mated to a Jet Black perforated leather interior added $495.  The LTZ Premium package, discounted to $2660, for power sliding rear window with rear defogger, front buckets, power sunroof front center console, polished 20-inch wheels, 275/60R20 all-season, black wall tires Iand more. The Technology Package added $2070 for a rear camera mirror, 8-inch diagonal digital driver information center, HD Surround Vision and head-Up display. Four-inch chrome round assist steps added $1395. Destination and Freight charges of $1695 put the sticker at $59,370, but there are total cash allowance discounts of up to $1500, available, and my test truck came to $58,370, so check with your local dealer about incentives.

You can expect to see 100 years of Chevrolet trucks and all-things GM, stretching more than a century, from antique to classic to present and future, at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.  Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Jeep has been considered a rugged, go anywhere, and do anything utility vehicle, since it began as a US Army general purpose 4-wheel-drive light military carrier in 1941. Moving on to its CJ Civilian Jeep production in 1945, the marquee has evolved into a  rugged, sports-utility vehicle that now embraces luxury and high tech connectivity while continuing its legacy as a tough, dependable and sporty conveyance for in-town and off-road function.

Last year, an all-new Jeep Gladiator was launched, combining Jeep’s iconic styling with the features of a pick-up truck to become a true sports-utility vehicle … a Jeep truck.

The Jeep Gladiator plays on Jeep’s iconic look and in Willys trim, brings the legend to life in modern terms.

Because the Jeep Gladiator was first released in 2020, there are not a whole lot of updates for the 2021 model year. The Gladiator Sport offers optional LED head and fog lamps and the Gladiator Overland now offers a TrailCam® off-road camera that provides front-facing footage to help enhance off-road performance. And what’s really new is the newly available turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 260 hp and 442 pounds-feet of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, 5 mpg more than the gas V-6. Full-time four-wheel drive is available, and the Overland trim level can now have a forward-facing off-road camera.

Also, a Gladiator 80th Anniversary Edition and Willys models join the lineup.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever, builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable trucks with rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility. Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with engine stop-start (ESS) and, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with ESS. Equipped with a versatile box, a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic lockers, Gladiator is one of the few midsize trucks to offer a six-speed manual transmission in addition to its available eight-speed automatic.

Based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV, Gladiator carries the Jeep look and personality, from the seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler, but with widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics. A full-sized spare tire, normally mounted on the Wrangler's rear tailgate, is mounted underneath the cargo bed of the Gladiator. The truck has front and rear doors that can be fully removed, as well as a windshield that can be lowered (like the Wrangler JL, Jeep includes a tool kit with the tools necessary to remove the doors and lower the windshield). Gladiator models equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.

From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate. And the truck bed isn’t just for looks. It is fully functional and work worthy. The 5-foot high-strength steel bed utilizes four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor while the aluminum tailgate is damped. Utility and versatility are maximized with strong integrated tie-downs and under-rail bed lighting.

Built at Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio the mid-size pick-up measures 218.0 inches long, 74.1 inches high with the hard top, and 73.8 inches wide on a 137.3-inch wheelbase, for a ground clearance of 11.1 inches. The Rubicon with an automatic transmission weighs in at a robust 5072 lbs.

Inside, the Gladiator combines Jeep style, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin. The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. Soft-touch surfaces enhance tech items such as intuitive placement of climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports, and Engine Stop. A U-Connect 4C Navigation system with 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard as is a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround.

The cabin is niche-roomy, and provides 40.8 inches of front and rear row headroom in the hardtop, 41.2 inches of front legroom with 38.3 inches in row two, and 55.7 inches of front and rear shoulder room.

My Gladiator was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the setup focuses on low-end torque – good for off-roading and hauling heavy loads – the automatic has a trailer tow rating of 7000 lbs. The system is rated at 17mpg/city, 22mpg/highway and 19 mpg/combined for the automatic. My 3.6 accelerated smoothly and predictably and finished off a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.1 seconds during a 16.1-second quarter-mile. A week of mixed-use tests and some off-road trails ended with an average consumption of 18.0mpg. I found Gladiator off-road capable, highway adequate and in-town cool and fun to drive.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is available in 10 trims, from the base Sport at $34,645 to the top-of-the-line High Altitude at $52,455. My fully Willys – fourth up in the line --  started at $40,550. Sting Gray paint added $245.  Windshield with Corning Gorilla Glass adder $195; Black tubular side steps by Mopar added $6235; a Mopar spray-in bedliner added $495; an Alpine Premium Audio System and Wireless Bluetooth speaker added $295; an 8.4-inch radio and premium audio group  (with automatic temperature control and a/c) added $2095; Jeep Active Safety group with blind-spot and cross-path detection and rear park assist, added $995; and an 8-speed automatic transmission was $2000. The net price on my test ride was $46,455.

You can see Jeeps through the eras, and all things Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 15-17, 2022.

The largest Mopar event in the world, the show features more than 2,800 vehicles from all decades of the Chrysler brand, along with parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more.In

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The 17th best-selling vehicle in America this year, and third in the GM arsenal behind only Chevrolet Silverado (3rd) and GMC Sierra (12th), the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a favorite for its smooth ride, solid handling and user-friendly infotainment system. It remains a top-seller even though it carries over from 2020 with no significant changes and receives a freshening for the 2022 model-year.

Launched as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2004 for model-year 2005 along with its twin, the Pontiac Torrent, the third-gen Equinox is now a compact sports-ute that was last redesigned in 2018. The Torrent is long gone, but the Equinox marches on. A refreshed model for the 2022 model year gets a new front grille, which extends into the redesigned headlamps, along with a restyled lower fascia with different foglamps. The rear also sees small changes in the way of redesigned taillamps and a different bumper. 

But for 2021, Equinox deletes  its powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine option, adds an available leather package on the LT trim and included Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seating  surfaces, memory settings, inside rearview mirror and outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming mirrors.

The top-seller of seven Chevy SUV/Crossovers, Equinox is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier models, a Midnight Edition and Sports Edition  are available on Lt and a Redline Edition is offered on Premier trim.

The 2021 Equinox plays on its only remaining-offered power source, a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo DOHC DI that is rated at 170hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, and was EPA-rated at 25mpg in the city for AWD, and 29/highway for FWD and 30mpg/highway for AWD. My week of mixed-use driving averaged 26.7mpg in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The turbo was attentive with minimal lag in acceleration on the highway and in track tests, where I completed a zero-to-60mph dash in 6.6 seconds during a 15.-second-flat hand-timed quarter-mile. Handling is average for the class. During quick and slick maneuvers, the Equinox electric power rack-and-pinion steering was a bit slow to react, but true when given a moment. Interior sightlines are neck-craning but the ride is soft and passenger-friendly, though road feel suffers a bit for the driver. The independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear smoothed all but the most extreme pavement irregularities, and Equinox’s switchable All-Wheel Drive – available on most trims -- enhances traction and control on slippery or snow-covered roads. Conveniently, you can leave switchable AWD on year-round, since the rear wheels only engage when the system senses reduced traction. In FWD mode, AWD components completely disengage for greater fuel efficiency.

Equinox may refreshen its front next year, but the current architecture is expressive, bold and sculptured. A mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s lean curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The rounded and clean Equinox architecture measures 183.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase, for an 8.0-inch ground clearance with 19-inch wheels. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested in the Premier trim had a curbweight of 3665 lbs.

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior highlights include projector-beam headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, LED taillamps on uplevel models, a hands-free power liftgate, outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming body-color manual-folding mirrors with turn signal indicators and chrome mirror caps, 19-inch ultra-bright aluminum wheels and a chromed dual-outlet exhaust.

 

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior provides 40 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches in the row one and 39.9 row two, while shoulder room is 57.2 and 55.5.

Inside, the cabin has a “kneeling” rear seat that features tilting bottom cushions that enable a flat load floor for easier loading. Connectivity technologies include 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink® infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver allows parents to set controls and review their teen’s driving habits and available Surround Vision offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview auto-dimming mirror and standard active noise cancellation. In addition, my test Equinox Premium came with heated leather seats with driver memory, a heated steering wheel and wireless charging.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in FWD, AWD and four trims. Equinox pricing starts at $24,995 for the base L-trim model; the LS bases at $27,595; the LT trim starts at $28,795 and the Premier starts at $32,695, all in FWD. My test Premier upgraded to AWD at $34,295.

My Equinox Premier added Cajun Red Tintcoat exterior paint for $495 and was mated to a Jet Black, perforated leather interior. The Infotainment II Package (Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System, Navigation and 8-inch diagonal touch screen, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system, added $1125. Also added, for $1650, was the Confidence and Convenience II Package: Safety Alert Seat, HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam® headlamps, heated steering wheel, 8-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar, Ventilated driver and front passenger seats and Heated rear outboard seats. With Destination Freight charges of $1195, my test 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Premium stickered at $37,565, but cash allowances and regional incentives cut my test ride by $2500, to a net price of $35,065,, so check with your local dealer.

You can expect to see three generations of Equinox and all-things GM, stretching more than 100 years, from antique to classic to present and future at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Ford’s top-selling non-F150 is the Explorer, 15th-best selling 2021 vehicle sold this year and 7th top-selling SUV on the market and sits as America’s all-time best-selling SUV.

Explorer was all-new in 2020, after a nine-year run with its fifth generation, redesigning the sixth-gen as a lighter, longer and more powerful vehicle.

The vehicle that is credited with mainstreaming sports utility vehicles, Explorer began as a trim package offered on Ford F-Series trucks from 1968 to 1986. It became its own model line and replaced the Bronco II in 1991 and the mid-size remained the best-selling SUV for two decades and four generations. The 2021 Explorer continues the adventure with new style, power, performance, safety and capabilities, while retaining Explorer ruggedness, toughness and a pampering environment.

Now, for 2022, Explorer will add a new ST-Line trim with a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, and it will be available in rear-wheel drive. High-end King Ranch and Platinum models will increase horsepower to 400hp, and can be equipped with either a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs.

For 2021, Explorer upgraded from the 2020 redesign with reduced prices on all trims with lower-priced, RWD Enthusiast ST trim added to lineup;  King Ranch and Timberline trims added to line-up; uptweaked interiors for Limited, ST, and Platinum trims with power-adjustable front passenger seat; increased wheel choice ranging from 18 to 21 inches; standard heated front seats and optional Sport Appearance package on the XLT trim; enhanced performance packs; and a hybrid now offered for the Platinum trim with RWD powertrain. New exterior colors include Carbonized Gray, Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Stone Gray.

Built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, Explorer’s look changes subtly with each trim level, and remains Explorer confident, with a rear-wheel-drive architecture, athletic roundness and increased aerodynamics. Explorer measures 198.8 inches long (the ST trim is 199.3 inches long), 89.3 inches wide (including mirrors), and 70.2 inches high on a huge 119.1-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.2 inches, and curbweight for the 4WD Platinum version is 4727 lbs. -- the base trim is 382 lbs. lighter.

My test Explorer Platinum exterior was enhanced by body-color door handles with satin aluminum insert, a body-color liftgate spoiler, Satin Aluminum Lower bodyside cladding accent, Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips, a unique grille with satin-aluminum finish, a Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Liftgate, LED Signature Lighting, power folding mirrors with autofold and heated glass, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Rear Bumper Step ,Acoustic-laminate window glass in front and Privacy Glass in the Second and Third Rows.

The 2021 Explorer offers three engine choices (with four set-ups): The 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 produces 300hp and 310 lbs-ft of torque (same as last year); the 3.3-liter hybrid is good for a combined horsepower of 318 and torque of 322 lb-ft; and the new 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that powered my test ride, provided 365 hp and 380 lbs-ft of torque, while another version of the 3.0 stampedes 400 horses and 415 lb-ft for the ST.

The hybrid is EPA rated at 27mpg/city and 29/highway; the 2.3 gets 21/city and 28/highway and the 3.0 version gets 18 and 24. My test Explorer Platinum 3.0 averaged 20.0mpg on the highway, around town and on soft-road excursions.

The 400hp ST can complete a zero-to-60mph sprint in 5.2 and beat 14 seconds in the quarter-mile, but my 365-horse Platinum accelerated well and finished off the sprint in 6.1 seconds (hand-timed) during a 14.6 quarter-mile.

Inside, the Explorer is spacious, well-appointed, tech-savvy, luxurious, functional and comfortable with good sightlines. With seating for six or seven, front headroom is 40.7 inches with 40.5 inches in row two (and 38.9 when there is a third row); legroom is 43.0 inches up front and 39.0 in the second seats (and a tight 32.0 inches in a third row), and shoulder room is 61.8 (row one), 61.9 (row two) and 54.6 (row three).

Explore had been awarded a 5-star safety rating and features dual-stage front airbag, front-passenger knee airbag; Safety Canopy® System; SOS Post-Crash Alert System™; Traction control; AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and Curve Control; Anti-Lock Brake System; battery saver with headlamps-off delay; four-wheel disc with Illuminated Entry System; rearview camera; SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System; perimeter alarm; and individual tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare).

The 2021 Explorer drops in price from the 2020s by from $540 to more than $5000 depending on trim level. The base Explorer is priced at $33,470 (RWD) and 4WD adds $2000. The XLT trim raises the RWD price to $35,245 and the Limited trim hybrid goes $44,167. My top-of-the-line 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum started at $55,725, a drop of $3000 from the same crossover I tested last year. It was decked out with Intelligent 4WD, Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces with Accent Stitching, Twin Panel Moonroof, Active Park Assist 2.0, Evasive Steering Assist, Remote Start, Heated Steering Wheel, Voice-activated touchscreen navigation and 12.3-inch Digital Cluster. The Premium Technology Package added $1195 for Multicontour front Seats with Active Motion®, a 10.1-inch LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen with Swipe and Pinch-to-Zoom Capability and 14-speaker, 980-watt Bang & Olufsen B&O sound system. Splash Guards added $205 and the sticker added Destination Charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, but regional incentives of $1750 were applied (and may be available, so check with your dealer), making the price-as-tested $57,220.

You can see the 2021 and 2022 Ford Explorer as well as vintage Explorers and more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Fords that span decades, including just about everything Ford has offered since 1903, at the 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 3-5, 2022 at the Carlisle(PA) Fairgrounds.

Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. 

The Nissan Z debuted in 1969 and has been Datsun/Nissan’s super car for seven generations. The Nissan 370Z is about to be replaced by the 2023 Nissan Z. Developed to represent an approachable sports car for the modern age, Nissan execs say "Z is the pure expression of thrill. It is Nissan's passion wrapped up on four wheels.” The all-new, 2023 Z, which drops its numerical prefix in the U.S. for the first time, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in spring 2022.

However, as the 370Z is still out there, Nissan already has a super car, a high-performance street beast that has been an excitement provider since 2007, the Nissan GT-R.

Happy with what they have, the 2021 GT-R adds only one new exterior color, Bayside Blue, an homage to a 1990s color that was not offered in America, and a higher-performance GT-R NISMO model was added to the lineup. Last year’s 50^th Anniversary Edition has been shelved for a limited-edition T-Spec trim with wider fenders, gold-painted wheels, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and either Millennium Jade or Midnight Purple paint.

I tested the Premium trim GT-R that just about matches the NISMO’s 600 horsepower with 565 horses of its own.

With performance bred on the racetracks, GT-R boasts of a 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine – each handcrafted by its own takumi (“artisan”) technician and supercharged for max output. In addition, the exhaust manifolds, inspired by racing technology, feature optimized turbo flange attachment points, which allow for easier servicing and potential tuning, without touching the exhaust manifold. The engine is rated at 565 horsepower with torque rated at 467 lb-ft.

The 2021 GT-R also features a standard titanium exhaust system, which better manages the high temperatures of the exhaust gases from the engine (versus non-titanium). The system includes a duct on the vehicle's undertray just forward of the muffler, which guides air into the rear diffuser section to help cool the muffler and evacuate hot air.

The base engine is the longitudinal electronic fuel-injected V-6 VR38DETT that is rated at 16/22/18. I averaged about 16.6 mpg, but I wasn’t driving it for fuel economy. I pedal-mashed and drove it for fun and for performance.

Some reports have the 2021 Nissan GT-R Premium blazing the zero-60mph sprint in 2.9 seconds (and the 600-hp NISMO version in 2.5) with an 11.2-second quarter-mile. My test drive was not done in ideal conditions and my vehicle was not light nor was it specially tuned for the tests, so I never got under 3-seconds, and my quarter-mile was closer to 11.5, but fast is fast, and this beast was fast. Acceleration is without a beat, though the shift points were not completely on target.

Vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion, aluminum steering rack, four-point mounting, with stiff insulators was auto-cross responsive, and the independent double wishbone aluminum, integral tube-frame structure front suspension and Independent and multi-link aluminum rear soften any road irregularities and maintain a balance between driver’s road feel and passenger comfort.

With seating for four, the front is roomy -- the rear, not so much. Head room measures 38.1 inches in front and a duck-your-head 33.5 in the rear seats. Legroom is an ample 44.6 inches in front and pull-your-knees-up 26.4 inches in the back. Shoulder room is 54.3 and 50.0. The Premium cabin’s front bucket seats are a leather/synthetic suede combination, with 8-way power heated driver’s seat and heated 4-way front passenger seat.

Infotainment includes a Bose® audio system with 11 speakers (9 speakers with 2 subwoofers in rear center armrest area) with AM/FM/CD, MP3/WMA playback and Bose active noise cancellation. Included is NissanConnect® with 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and voice recognition for Nissan navigation and audio, HD Radio, SiriusXM ® Travel Link and Bluetooth hands-free phone system all with steering wheel audio controls.

Safety is attended to with an advanced air bag system of driver and front passenger air bags with dual-stage inflation, seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor. On board are driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection. Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases, knee bolsters, and high-strength side door guard beams were engineered for safety and support when needed.

The 2021 Nissan GT-R starts at $113,549 for the GT-R premium and $210,740 for the NISMO version. In Solid Red with a Black interior, Premium carbon-fiber all weather floor mats were added for $1085, and that was it. With $1795 included for shipping and handling, my 2021 test Nissan GT-R was priced at $116,420.

You can expect to see Zs and GTs, classic imports of luxury and racing lore and the newest a glitziest in an international vehicle wonderland showcasing more than 2300 unique and impressive imported vehicles from around the world at the 2022 Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals, May 13-14, 2022 Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

Also on display will be domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high-end performance vehicles. See the top builds, restorations, clubs and brands representing the world of automobiles and performance. Get your high-octane adrenaline fix on with autocross, drifting, rolling exhaust competition, and more at the 2022 Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

Ford launched its F-150 truck line in 1948 and it soon became “America’s Truck”, the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 44 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 39 years. This year, the 14th generation has begun and while it may look much as its predecessor did, Ford focused on capability rather than looks as the 2021 F-150 underwent a redesign of 92% of its parts, carrying over only its cab and pickup box structure. So far, the new-gen has only built on F-150’s legacy of success and sales.

Last redesigned in 2015, the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 was introduced for the 2021 model year through a live presentation streamed over the Internet on June 25, 2020. The all-new F-150 is purpose-built from the ground up — and according to Ford, it was redesigned to be “the toughest, most productive F-150 ever.”

Most productive or not, the 2021 F-150 is a street and work beast with options. There are six powertrains including a hybrid, three cab configurations, both long and short bed lengths and myriad options for luxury, tech, infotainment and toughness to fit any budget of lifestyle. Styling may not have been outwardly addressed, but the new Ford F-150 is new from grille to tailgate.

With a 6.5-foot styleside configuration 4x4, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat I tested measures 209.1 inches long, 77 inches high and 79.9 inches wide on a 122.8-inch wheelbase with ground clearance of 8.3 inches and ground to open tailgate height of 33.9 inches. With a SuperCrew Cab, those measurements increase to a 157.2-inch wheelbase and length of 243.5 inches. Curbweight with a Super Crew and 5.0-liter 4x4 was 5014 pounds.

Inside, the Super Crew gets you 40.8 inches of front headroom and 40.3 in the rear; shoulder room of 66.7 and 66.0 inches; and legroom of 43.9 and 43.6.

My test Lariat had a 12-inch digital productivity screen for driving information in such modes as Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slipper, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rots. Rock Crawl and 4x4. It also has a 12-inch center stack touch screen with enhanced voice recognition that runs from playlist to directions. Also inside you get dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, cruise control, delayed accessory power

dome light, fade-to-off interior lighting, grab handles, dual note horn, intelligent access with push-button start, intermittent windshield wipers, outside temperature display, power door locks with flip key, power-adjustable pedals with memory, rearview mirror, color-coordinated carpet with carpeted floor mats, black leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM® with 360L, SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition, FordPass™ Connect with Wi-Fi Hotspot, leather-trimmed seating, 10-way power front seats with lumbar, and more.

Safety items include six airbags, safety canopy and side curtains, Post-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System  Reverse Sensing System, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Coverage, Curve Control, Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes and more.

Outside you get optional running boards, autodimming and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals with memory and power folding, LED box lighting, cargo hooks, power lock and release tailgate and more.

The F-150 has direct and quick steering making it carlike in several ways. Sightlines were good and maneuverability in tight spots made the vehicle seem than expected. The ride was a bit bouncy over rougher terrain, but smooth on the highways. My 400 hp/410-lb-ft of torque  5.0-liter Lariat accelerated smoothly and powerfully and went from zero to 60 in 5,9 seconds during a 14.5-second quarter mile (hand-timed). Fuel mileage was 20.2 mpg.

The 2022 Ford F-150 starts at $29,290, and through three cab styles, 4x2 or 4x4, six powertrains and eight trim models, can start you off as high as $73,105 before options. My Lariat trim is third on the list and started at $45,045 with a 2.7-liter Ecoboost engine. The SuperCrew cab and 6.5-foot bed moved that to $47,660. Adding 4x4 (I always make sure my trucks are 4x4) added $3835. Tough Bed spray-in bedliner added $595. Molded splash guards were $220; 6-inch extended running boards added $1005; floor liners added $200. Destination charges of $1695 and Acquisition fees of $645 put the price-as-tested at $56,655.

You can see the 2021 and 2022 Ford F-150 and more than 2,000 trucks that span decades, from lowered mini trucks, lifted 4x4s, chromed out big rigs, SUV’s, custom vans, new trucks and the perfectly restored at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 5-7 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The Dodge Challenger has been a Dodge excitement-provider (albeit with a few stoppages) since 1958, when it debuted for two years as a limited-edition member of the Dodge Coronet line -- the Dodge Silver Challenger. Challenger made a lasting impression a decade later when it galloped onto the Pony car scene in 1969 as a sister to the Plymouth Barracuda. Entering the American “Muscle Car” Wars,” Challenger began with the Chrysler “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform it shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. With powertrain choices that ranged from a 145-hp 225-cubic-inch I-6, to a 426-ci HEMI V-8 that thundered out 425 horses (there was also a larger 440-ci V-8 that produced 390 horsepower), Challenger’s first run ended in 1974.

The next generation lived from 1978 to 1983, when it was shelved until its renaissance in 2008. Back as a retro-luxury-muscle car in 2008, a re-design in 2015 built on the 1970s architecture and power has increased ever since, to promote Challenger as “the most powerful muscle car ever,” and  “The Strongest Muscle in America.” That boast is backed up by Challenger’s available supercharged SRT Super Stock model that explodes out 807 horsepower.

We won’t see the next generation of Challenger until 2023, and the 2021 version sits on the same platform it debuted on in 2008. Its last major facelift was in 2015, yet with iconic looks and power to attract, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is in a dogfight, or Pony race with Mustang for the top-selling muscle car spot this year. With few changes except conveniences in store for 2022, the 2021 beast adds a widebody package available on R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392; memory feature for driver's seat, steering column, side mirrors, and radio presets available on all trim levels; 20-inch wheels now standard on GT AWD, available on SXT AWD trims; additional SRT branding on SRT trims and Black chrome finish on the grille, spoiler, and fender badges on some SRT trims

In classic muscle car front-wheel, rear-drive configuration, the SRT Super Stock’s revised powertrain rating, combined with its larger, stickier standard Nitto drag radials, help propel the 807-hp model to a 3.25-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 10.5-second quarter. 

Other model power numbers start at 303hp and there is a power setting for every taste, as long as you like muscle. The 2021 Dodge Challenger offers a full range of engine options, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on SXT, SXT AWD, GT and GT AWD models; the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 on R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models; the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 on SRT Hellcat and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 on SRT Hellcat Redeye and new SRT Super Stock.

Available in 13 exterior and five interior colors, the 2021 Challenger is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Its unitized steel body construction measures 197.9 inches long, 78.3 inches (widebody) wide and 57.7 inches high, with 5.2 inches of ground clearance on a 116-inch wheelbase. My manual shift model weighed 4308 lbs. (curbweight)

I went with a manual shift 5.7-liter HEMI that was good for 375 hp and 410 lbs-ft of torque set up that is EPA rated at 15mpg/city and 23mpg/highway. My test driving averaged 16.8 mpg, and I did a lot of pedal mashing. My sprint speed was 5.1 seconds during a 13.8-second quarter-mile.

Inside, you get 21st century infotainment and headroom of 39.3 inches in front, 37.1 rear knee clearance of 4.4 inches;  legroom of 42 in front and 33.1 in row two; and shoulder room of 58.5 and 53.9. 

Acceleration is as quick as I can shift and stomp, and the electric steering is mildly into understeer. The indy short- and long-arm front suspension and five-link rear floats a bit for a driver, but is smooth for passengers.

With nine models in the line-up the 2021 Dodge Challenger starts at $29,065 for the 303-hp SXT and ranges on up to $82,465 for the 807-hp SRT Super Stock. Most buyers will go somewhere in the middle and my test R/T model was third up on the list and started at $35,575 with a 5.7-liter HEMI and 6-speed manual shift. In classic Go Mango (orange) paint, classic black R/T side stripes and hood cowl added $395. In the cockpit, Alcantara/Nappa leather seats were standard, along with a UConnect 4C system with 8.4-inch display. An Alpine Audi Group option with subwoofer added $995 and a power sunroof added $1295. The $3095 Plus Package added machined granite 20-inch wheels, 276-watt amp, 6 premium Alpine speakers, HD radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescope column and much more.

Adding destination charges of $1595 and discounting a $1500 National Retail Consumer Cash deletion, my 2021 Dodge Challenger was priced at $42,540.

You can see 50 years of Challengers and all things Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 15-17, 2022.

The largest Mopar event in the world, the show features more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, along with parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The Chevrolet Camaro is the No.3-selling muscle car in America for 2021, and there is talk of an all-electric reboot in Camaro’s future. It may be third in sales, but it is a king beast on the asphalt.

When Americans clamored for a muscular, powerful, sporty car for the street and for tire-smoking bragging rights in the early 1960s, GM answered the call, attacked the genre, and put out a vehicle to compete for the 1967 model year … the Camaro. When Chevrolet product managers were asked what “Camaro” means, they responded with “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” And The Pony Wars of American muscle was born.

Through six generations, 5.5 million Camaros have been sold, with its first four generations produced from 1967 through 2002, and it’s most recent two generations built from 2010 through the present.

For 2021, There are only a couple of changes to the Camaro ZL1 lineup for 2021. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are now on its roster of features, and Chevy offers a new extra-cost paint color: Wild Cherry. And for 2022, expect only some color palette changes, and a loss of some wheel and cosmetic options.

In the front-engine, rear-drive formula that drove iconic muscle cars back in the day, the 2021 Camaro is available in eight trims and convertible and coupe configurations. The top-of-the line 2021 ZL1 is powered by a 650-hp/650 lb-ft of torque, 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V-8 engine with direct injection. EPA rated at 21mpg/highway and 14 mpg city in manual … the “only” way to drive a muscle car for some of us … this power-packed street beast can fly from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and finish off a quarter-mile in 11.5.

Built to hug the road, Camaro is 52.4 inches high, 74.7 inches wide and 190.2 inches long, on a 110.7-inch wheelbase. That translates to a close-to-the-pavement sticky ride, and a cozy interior with only 36.6 inches of front headroom and a hunched over 33.4 inches in the rear – a convertible is much more comfortable with better sightlines. The coupe weighs in at 3853 lbs for the stick shift version, and the manual shift convertible weighs 4120. On the road, the wide ride is giving to passengers and secure  for the driver, with quick, powerful acceleration, responsive handling and cornering and strength, grace and style in every situation. ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering with 20-inch rear tires and 19-inch front Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R rubber make for a ride-on-rails performance.

Inside the well-appointed high-tech cabin, legroom is an ample 42.7 inches in front and a crunched 29.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is comfortable with 55.5 in front and 50.3 in row two.

Infotainment includes an 8-inch diagonal color touch screen and available Navigation system. Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is onboard with available 4G LTE data.

Safety is attended to with an airbag system consisting of dual- stage frontal, thorax side-impact and knee, driver and front passenger, and head curtain side-impact (head curtain airbags on coupe only). Standard items include Passenger Sensing System. There is a standard tire pressure monitor system, HD rear-vision camera, Head-Up Display, Forward Collision Alert in the coupe only, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.

Available in coupe and convertible configuration in eight trims, starting at $26,195. My test ZL1 was top of the line and started at $64,195 for the manual coupe and $65,790 for the automatic. In Summit White (though I would have preferred Red Hot, and Premium paints are available), the exterior was mated to a Jet black set trim with red accents.  The ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package with rear bench seat, visible carbon fiber weave hood insert, Satin Black hood wrap and performance suspension with DSSV dampers added an additional $7500.  Premium carpeted floor mats with ZL1 logo added $185. With gas guzzler tax of $1700 and destination freight charges of $1195, my test 20231 Camaro ZL1 was priced at $73,580.

You can expect to see six generations of Camaros and all things GM, from antique to classic to present and future at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-24 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

Originally envisioned as a second-gen Falcon, Ford’s Mustang immediately became its own legendary self when it was introduced April 17, 1964 and became the most successful Ford launch since the Model-A.

Ford’s original Pony Car, the Mustang, has been the top-selling muscle car of all-time, with nearly 10 million vehicles sold, and it has occupied the No.1 yearly slot in muscle car sales since 2015, when it supplanted Chevy Camaro in total yearly sales. This year, the 2021 Mustang is in a horserace for the top spot with Dodge Challenger …  but with an expected new design in the works for the 60th anniversary in 2024, the new 2022 Mustang receives a few cosmetic changes. Last fully revamped in 2015, and refreshed in 2018, Mustang adds the return of the limited-edition Mustang Mach 1 fastback coupe, first seen in 1969.  

With the addition of Mach 1, the 2021 Pony car stable includes Mustang EcoBoost® and Mustang GT, both available in fastback and convertible models, as well as the track-ready Mustang Shelby® GT500®  the most powerful street-legal Ford in history and the most advanced Mustang ever on the street, track or drag strip. The new Mach 1's heritage-inspired appearance plays off an aerodynamic design, cosmetic-yet-functional front end, stylish black stripes on the hood and bodysides and a blade spoiler. From a performance perspective, Mach 1 gains power enhancements and handling elements also available on Shelby GT350 and GT500 offerings. The Mach 1 comes with a 480hp 5.0-liter V8 engine and .an available Rallye Suspension Package and improved Brembo brakes. The system is EPA rated at 15/23 mpg, and has been clocked at 4.2 seconds for a zero-to-60mph sprint and a 12.6-second quarter-mile.

For Mustang EcoBoost and GT models, 2021 introduces standard Ford Co-Pilot360™. The suite of driver-assist technologies includes auto high-beam headlamps, rearview camera, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support. A front and rear Belt Minder® safety belt reminder system and rain-sensing wipers are also standard.

In Oxford White with a Ceramic (white) interior, and a 6-speed manual transmission – I love a muscle car with a stick … so much more tire-smoking, power when I ask for it fun than in an automatic, my test ride added an EcoBoost handling package and a Pony package. It came with Recaro cloth seats, Mach 1 instrument panel bade with a unique chassis number and the Mach 1 Handling Package: 19-inch by 10.5-inch (front) and 19-inch by 11-inch (rear) Dark Tarnished-painted aluminum wheels; 305/30R19 (front) 315/30R19 (rear) tires; adjustable strut top mounts; front bumper sport; blade decklid spoiler and a Magnetic Rear seat with a folding split bench.

Standard exterior features include Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert,  Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler, hood vents, LED sequential taillights, Pony Projection Lights, rear diffuser, performance rear spoiler, bright 4.5-inch exhaust tip finish, manual fold and pony puddle lamp, unique lower and outboard grilles, unique front upper grille with Pony badge, silver painted strut-tower brace with Mach 1 badge, unique front and rear lower fascia and rear-window defroster.

Standard Power and Handling items include Brembo™ six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, electronic line-lock (track use only), independent rear suspension, launch control, selectable drive modes, Selectable Power-Assisted Steering, MagneRide® damping system, heavy-duty front springs, larger radiator, Open Air Induction System, Performance Enhanced Powertrain Calibration, unique intake manifold, black painted brake calipers, Unique Chassis Tuning, Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Revised Tuning and more.

Interior Features include cabin particulate air filter dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, aluminum foot pedals, ambient lighting with MyColor® and 4.2-inch cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror autolights (automatic on/off headlamps) with wiper activation, bright chrome door speaker surround, premium carpeted floor mats with accent stitch, illuminated door-sill scuff plates, intelligent access with push-button start, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and tilt/telescoping steering column, MyKey®, power windows, rear view camera, heated steering wheel, 9-speaker sound system with amplifier, AM/FM Stereo MP3 capable, SiriusXM®, SYNC® 3, FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and more.

Safetywise, the Mustang includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, 4-way adjustable front head restraints, 3-point safety belt restraint system for all seating positions, glove box door-integrated knee airbag,

AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control, driver's knee airbag, dual front airbags

front-seat side-impact airbags, LATCH Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children, Personal Safety System™ for driver and front passenger, Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, Ford Co-Pilot360™  and more.

The 2021 EcoBoost Fastback starts at $27,205, EcoBoost Premium Fastback $32,225, EcoBoost Convertible $32,705, GT Fastback $36,285, other Premium models run from $37,725 to $45,785, and the Mach 1 starts at $53,400, with the Mach 1 Premium at $53,300 and the Shelby GT500 at $72,900.

My tested 2021 Mustang Mach 1 with the $1250 Mach 1 appearance package was priced at $57,745.

You can expect to see 2021 and 2022 Mustangs as well as 58 years of Ponies and just about everything Ford has offered since 1903, at the 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 3-5, 2022 at the Carlisle(PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

This weekend, Fall Carlisle, or more accurately, the 47th annual Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral will close the season at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This car-lover’s experience includes a massive automotive flea market that is one of the best opportunities to get your hands on all things automotive. With 8,100 spaces of vendors selling a vast array of automotive parts, accessories, cars, collectibles and memorabilia, there is something automotive for everyone. Accompanying the automotive flea market and car corral is the Manufacturers Midway featuring the latest and greatest products and services, and a two-day auction across the street, presented by Carlisle Auctions.

One of the highlights of the event is the attendance and display of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). The AACA’s mission statement is to be “America's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community.” Since 1935, AACA has had one goal: The preservation and enjoyment of automotive history of all types. From Nationals (Meets) and Tours to Regional events, AACA was established to bring enthusiasts together through exciting National activities, friendship, and Antique Automobile … an award winning 100-page full color magazine.

AACA first displayed at Fall Carlisle in 2020, and Ed Buczeskie, Fall Carlisle Event Manager said, it is important for AACA to display at Carlisle. He said, “Their involvement began out of (Carlisle Events co-owner) Bill Miller’s desire to help our friends at the AACA after it was announced that they would not be able to hold their Fall Meet in 2020. It was very important to Bill that we reach out and offer them space at Fall Carlisle. He wanted to give them space (totally free of charge) to promote the AACA, sell memberships to Carlisle guests, get membership renewals from current members and to display some of their cars. As Bill put it, ‘for about one-and-a-half weeks in September/October, Central PA becomes a car-lovers paradise with Fall Carlisle and Hershey being back to back. We are all in this together and we need to support each other.’”

Buczeskie  said, “We also worked with the AACA to offer their vendors space at Fall Carlisle because we knew it was going to be a financial hit to many of them if they didn’t have a venue to sell their products. We made an effort to reach out to them and let them know that they could vend at Carlisle. We also did a lot of marketing to let people know that there would be a lot of ‘Hershey vendors’ at Fall Carlisle. It was all done in a way that was VERY CLEAR that we were NOT out to ‘steal’ the AACA’s vendors. Rather, we just wanted to offer them a one-time opportunity to vend in lieu of Hershey.”

Wayne Tuck, AACA Executive Vice President, said, being at Fall Carlisle benefits his group. “A display at Carlisle provides AACA the opportunity to recruit new members and renew memberships of existing members. It also allows us to tell our story about what AACA does to benefit the entire hobby, members and non-members alike. We find a great source of old car fans at Fall Carlisle.”

Tuck said the AACA display includes a wide variety of his members’ cars. He said, “Last year we had cars on display representing nearly every decade of automobile production. A table is set up with membership benefit brochures, sample magazines and membership applications. Recruitment personnel are available to answer questions, and for visitors, ours is a car-lovers’ showcase.”

Tuck said the AACA display is dictated by the space available. “We have had as many as 15 cars displayed when enough space is available. This year, more emphasis is placed on recruiting members than in the past.”

Buczeskie added, “There is a strong social aspect to Fall Carlisle (and Spring) that cannot be had via online sales. Even though Fall Carlisle is all about buying and selling, there is a social aspect that online commerce will never have. For many shoppers, it’s about walking around with friends and/or family while you shop for deals. For many vendors, it’s as much about spending the weekend with friends as it is about making sales. You can see this in the interactions that occur during the event. It can be in the swap area or you can see it in the AACA display as the current members relate to each other as well as the new members getting acquainted with the AACA for the first time.”

Tuck is appreciative of the support and said, “We are grateful to Carlisle Events for providing this opportunity to promote our shared interest in the old car hobby.”

Buczeskie said, “Spring and Fall Carlisle are swap meets. They aren’t intended to be entertainment like our specialty shows. Displays and attractions are different from entertainment because entertainment is typically scheduled for a certain time(s) while displays and attractions can be enjoyed at any time without a specific schedule. So we classify the AACA display as a ‘highlight’ of Fall Carlisle 2021, as are the Bill Miller Collection auction, all of the deals from the swap meet and car corral and the Carlisle Auction at the Expo Center. One other highlight is local author, antique collector, owner of “The Old Sled Works” and historian, Jimmy Rosen, who will be in Building T selling copies of his book “Got Gas?” It’s a book all about service stations from Central Pennsylvania in the 20th century. But AACA is an important aspect of the event.”

Car lovers and parts-hunters can visit the automotive paradise called Fall Carlisle, this weekend at Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

Two “car guys: struck up a friendship that centered around their love for cars … all cars. At the time, car shows focused on pre-WWII vehicles that were called “classics,” and these two car guys wanted to celebrate all cars as their friendship developed into a lifelong partnership.

With that determination in mind, Bill and Chip Miller (no relation), founded Carlisle Events in 1974 for "car guys and girls just like them." Prior to Carlisle Events' emergence, anyone interested in restoring or showing 1950s‐ or 1960s‐era cars had few options. That all changed when Chip Miller and Bill Miller Jr., became friends through a mutual interest in cars of the 1950s.

Together they began going to car shows and automotive flea markets, where like‐minded individuals would hunt for parts and accessories to restore their vehicles. A need for these events became obvious to these two men in 1973. Until that time, the only cars deemed worthy to collect were pre‐WWII automobiles.

On September 26, 1974, on the rented Carlisle Fairgrounds, "Post War '74" took place. It was the very first car event promoted by the company. In a year still remembered for gas lines and inflation, nearly 600 vendors set up in more than 800 spaces, and 13,000 spectators paid the $1 admission to sample their wares.

Bill Miller Jr. was asked what made him and Chip decide to put on a show at all. Miller said, “In 1973, the president of a new car club, The Milestone Car Society, asked me if I could bring a special car to their booth at the AACA Fall Swap Meet in Hershey. Chip had a 1954 Corvette that he wanted to sell, so we brought that and put it in the booth. Of course, at that time there were no cell phones, so Chip put his business card on the windshield with the price, and that he would be back every hour on the hour if someone was interested.”

Miller continued, “When we returned to the booth, the business card was on the floor of the car instead of the windshield, so Chip thought someone was interested in the car and didn't want anyone else to see the card and just threw it on the floor. That wasn’t the case. A few minutes later, someone in a golf cart pulled up and asked who owned the car. Chip thought that this was the person interested in the purchase. When Chip approached him, the man said that Chip was not allowed to sell the car in the swap meet because it was not an antique car.”

Miller added, “Being in our 20s, and the car being 20 years old, we thought it was an old car. AACA rules at that time were that the car had to be 35 years old or older. They got a little testy with us and we snapped back, so they made us remove the car from the show. After we took the car to the parking lot and returned to the show Chip said, ‘Isn't it a shame that we can't show cars that we like at a car show.’ I said that we should start a car show for cars that we liked. We each put up $500, drew up a partnership and the next season started a car show for cars after the Second World War. Postwar '74 was born.”

Miller said they chose Fall for the inaugural event because it was the week before the Fall Hershey Swap meet and the new partners thought people coming to Hershey could just spend another few days and attend both events.

However, they encountered several obstacles before the event could be run. Miller said, “The biggest obstacle was finding a location that we could afford, We looked at three locations and picked the Carlisle Fairgrounds because it was the least expensive.” He remarked, “Better dumb luck than good management. Carlisle is the Keystone of the Keystone state as Route 11, Route 81 and the Turnpike intersect here and it is the perfect location for people traveling any distance North, South, East or West.”

The first year the show was a huge success, with 600 vendors and 13,000 spectators, but Miller said the elements were against them soon thereafter. “During the show years two and three, it rained every day and almost wiped us out. The town was mad as cars and trucks leaving the event dragged mud all over town and for the vendors, business was not good. It rebounded after that and we were off to gangbuster events from then on.”

According to Miller, they began the event strictly as a hobby event and didn't look for it to flourish as it did and turn into a business. Miller said, “We were happy that it did become a successful business, because there is no better business that working in the hobby that you love.”

After 47 Fall Carlisle shows Miller has enjoyed many event high points, including celebrity guests and the growth of additional automotive events.  Miller said, “We have had so many big names from the hobby at our events including Carroll Shelby, Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Linda Vaughn ("The First Lady of Motorsports". and “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”), Bruce Larson, The Teutuls of Orange County Choppers fame, all of the Dukes of Hazzard stars, Bill Goldberg, Chip Foose, Hailie Deegan (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver),Gallagher (the comedian), Bobby Allison and Cindy Williams (of Laverne and Shirley fame), just to name a few.”

He is proud of the growth of other events across the years. Miller said, “As our flea market-only shows grew, we started single-marque shows including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Truck Import, Corvette, and of course our auctions, which are a huge success. Even now, our Florida auctions draw thousands of people and hundreds of cars to Lakeland, Florida  twice a year. Our single-marque shows grew every year as we set record attendance of show cars. People love to interact with like-minded car owners so they can learn more about the hobby.”

Miller praises those loyal fans who attend the shows. “We have seen every kind of weather over the years that you can imagine. The car people are tough. The shows go on rain storms, snow and sunshine. And our vendors can handle any type of weather too. We are all certainly much happier when the sun is out.”

Miller has also seen challenges that have been met. “The pandemic was certainly a challenge,” he said. “We did all the CDC requirements, as did every other business, and made it through, and this year has been strong and we look to end the season with Fall Carlisle and huge turnouts of vendors and visitors.”

Miller sees a bright future ahead for all the shows. He said, “Our future is bright  because we try and stay on top of the market. We want the shows to appeal to all ages and genders. We do something for the young, the older men and women, the younger enthusiasts, and especially for the kids, as they are the future of the hobby.”

Above all, Miller applauds fans and visitors. He said, “The car people are the greatest people in the world. We raise thousands of dollars for charities every year. When you realize that about half-a-million people pass through these grounds every year and we don't have any problems, what better testament could you have to the quality people of the car hobby?”

You can attend the 47th annual Fall Carlisle, now known as Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral, September 29 - October 3 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This massive automotive flea market is one of the best opportunities to get your hands on all things automotive before the winter non-picking blues kicks in. With 8,100 spaces of vendors selling a vast array of automotive parts, accessories, cars, collectibles and memorabilia, it's almost certain that you won't go home empty-handed. Accompanying the automotive flea market and car corral is the Manufacturers Midway featuring the latest and greatest products and services, and a two-day auction presented by Carlisle Auctions across the street.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Carlisle Events 2021 event season is winding down, with the checkered flag set to waive following a trio of events, Fall Carlisle presented be eBay Motors (September 29-October 3), the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction (September 30-October 1) and the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction (November 12-13). This year has been an exciting return to all things car-related at Carlisle, following the challenge of 2020, with what Mike Garland, Public Relations Manager for Carlisle Events called “an incredible ride.”  The Carlisle Events season schedule broke records in attendance, vendor interest and car participation, with the highest turnouts in more than a decade.

Now, Carlisle Events turns its attention to 2022. What is in store for automotive enthusiasts for next year, the 48th Carlisle Events season? While the shows are still being fine-tuned and added to, and will continue to do so until each event is on stage, Garland said, “We are excited to build on the momentum that 2021 offered us.  We expect the demand and interest in our car shows to equal, if not out shine what we experienced this year.”

Garland described an overview of the schedule, saying, “Each event offers an amazing gallery of cars, including ‘Featured Vehicle Displays’ that offer an all-star snap shot of certain themes, designs, or milestone eras of production.  When you visit our web page,  you’ll learn about each event for 2022, and when you attend your show (or shows) of choice, you’ll see these amazing pieces of art in person.” Garland suggests that visitors check the web page often, as show enhancements are added as they are confirmed.

Garland said that the fun at the events comes in many forms.  “Coming to a car show at Carlisle is more than just enjoying cars in a field, it’s an automotive history lesson.  I promise that no matter which show or shows you come to, you’ll see something you either have never seen before, or something rarely seen. Not only do these great machines sit on display at Carlisle, they’ll also be in motion. Each event offers competitions such as autocross, a rolling exhaust contest, parades, and more. Plus, with kids 12 and under admitted FREE and amazing food available within the food court, it’s an affordable fun family outing.”

Some of the anticipated highlights for 2022 include the following:


AUTO MANIA – January 14 - 16, 2022. Carlisle’s first show of the year is always a big draw for East Coast car lovers.  This event held at the Allentown Fairgrounds, offers

The THRILL of the HUNT.  For more than 30 years Auto Mania has been Pennsylvania’s largest indoor heated automotive Flea Market. With continued support from Carlisle Events, old-school collectors turn their collections into cash.


WINTER CARLISLE AUTO EXPO – January 28 - 29, 2022. ALL-NEW, the Winter Carlisle Auto Expo offers indoor and outdoor options for those looking to buy, sell and trade all things automotive. It is a two-day flea market sale of collector car automotive parts, collectibles, and car corral at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Garland said, “Our two January events are a great way to beat the winter blues and re connect with car lovers from around the region.”


SPRING CARLISLE and SPRING AUCTION – April 20 - 24, 2022. Hope springs eternal with Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors. It is a two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions. The final days of April come to life with car enthusiasts from around the world, as the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds become one of largest cities in the state for five straight days.  Garland said, “Mix in an auction where past, present and future classics are available to the highest bidder, and Spring Carlisle offers an unmatched automotive utopia.”


CARLISLE IMPORT and PERFORMANCE NATIONALS – May 13 - 14, 2022. An international vehicle wonderland where 2,300+ unique and stunning imported vehicles from around the world are on display, as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high-end performance vehicles. See the top builds, restorations, clubs and brands representing the world of automobiles and performance. Garland added, “Get your high-octane adrenaline fix on with autocross, drifting, rolling exhaust competition, and more.”


CARLISLE FORD NATIONALS -- June 3 - 5, 2022. The world’s largest all-Ford themed weekend, the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s brings in more than 3,000 show cars spanning the history of the Blue Oval badge, and also hosts a massive automotive flea market, special guests, displays, and an annual visit from Ford corporate. Garland said that already on the agenda are: The 60th Anniversary of Shelby, a Lightweight Reunion, and an SSP 40th Anniversary (Fox Mustang Cop Cars).


CARLISLE GM NATIONALS – June 24-25, 2022. A showcase of the best vehicles that are part of the GM family.  This includes Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac, Chevrolet, and more.  Garland said, “This is a great event for checking out the past, present and future of the brand, with all generations of the Camaro represented, plus Featured Displays within Building T, Y and on the National Parts Depot Showfield.” All General Motors vehicles are welcome from vintage & classics to the modern 6th- Generation Camaro. Planned items include: The 60th anniversary of Chevy II / Nova, the 40th Anniversary of the Third-Gen Camaro, S10 Anniversary truck, and more.


CARLISLE CHRYSLER NATIONALS – July 15-17, 2022. The Chrysler Nationals is the largest Mopar event in the world featuring more nearly 3,000 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand. Classic, muscle cars and high-performance new models are all showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise. Garland said, “This show is destined to cross the 3,000 show car mark very soon.  Could 2022 be the year? “ The world’s biggest Mopar themed event is filled with amazing displays and the unparalleled automotive flea market with collectibles, parts, and merchandise associated with the Mopar hobby.

Already on the board are such showcases as: 1970 Charger 50th Anniversary Redux, Mopars in the Family, 1972 Mopars and a Prowler 25th Anniversary display. Garland added, “’Mopars in the Family’ is going to be a display of Mopars with some sort of family connection. This is an organic display, there are thousands of ways a car can have a family connection so we plan to keep it vague and let the potential participants tell us what they think is a family connection. The obvious scenarios are things like a father-son project, a car that was inherited, etc. But we sure there are some really cool scenarios that we couldn’t possibly even think of, that will construct the event.”


CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS – August 5-7, 2022.  Trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles, and eras haul in for a three-day tailgate that doubles as the most family friendly event on the Carlisle Events schedule.  Presented by A&A Auto Stores, guests can enjoy big rigs, monster trucks, cool custom vans and family entertainment.  This is a must-attend for truck lovers of all ages.


CORVETTES AT CARLISLE – August 25-27, 2022. Corvettes at Carlisle is the largest and most fun-filled Corvette event in the world. The annual Corvettes at Carlisle event features thousands of Corvettes representing all generations of America’s classic sports car. Garland calls upon Corvette enthusiasts to, “Celebrate America’s Sports Car in 2022, with special displays created for YOU. Every generation of Corvette is represented, with industry guests and more.  The 2022 Corvettes at Carlisle features a 50-year reunion of 1972 Corvettes, and “Chip’s Choice” spotlights the Pratt & Miller/Factory Corvette Race cars, plus a visit from Team Chevrolet, the downtown Carlisle Corvette Parade and Street Party and more, including the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Corvettes at Carlisle Event Leader, Lance Miller. 


FALL CARLISLE and FALL AUCTION --  Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2022. It is difficult to think about wrapping up the 2022 Carlisle Events season before it even starts, and before the 2021 Fall Carlisle is in the books, but, as Garland said, “Once the end of September rolls around, we’ll once again be coming together to say goodbye. The flagship event for Carlisle Events, Fall Carlisle presented by eBay Motors, brings car lovers together from around the world to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.  If ‘X’ truly does mark the spot, then Fall Carlisle offers a treasure at every turn.”

Make your plans to visit Carlisle Events in 2022. Complete event details for every Carlisle Events car show or Carlisle Auction’s event can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or CarlisleAuctions.com

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Fall Carlisle, or more specifically, Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral is set for its 47th annual show Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. It all started as “Post War '74”, an event for enthusiasts of more-recent vehicles than the Pre-War car shows that dotted America at the time. 

Car buddies, Bill Miller and Chip Miller (no relation), founded Carlisle Events in 1974 for "car guys and girls just like them." Before their enterprise, there were few options nationwide for those car people interested in restoring or showing 1950s‐ or 1960s‐era cars. That all changed when Chip Miller and Bill Miller Jr., became friends through a mutual interest in cars of the 1950s. Together, they began going to car shows and automotive flea markets, where like‐minded individuals would hunt for parts and accessories to restore their vehicles. A need for these events became obvious to these two men in 1973. Until that time, the only cars that were considered worthy of collecting were pre‐WWII automobiles. That was until “Post War ’74”.

Co-founder and co-owner of Carlisle Events, Bill Miller, Jr. said the notion of this event began in 1973. “The president of the new car club, The Milestone Car Society, asked me if I could bring a special car to their booth at the AACA Fall Swap Meet in Hershey, PA,” he said. “My friend Chip Miller had a 1954 Corvette that he wanted to sell, so we brought that and put it in the booth. Of course, at that time, there were no cell phones, so Chip put his business card on the windshield with the price and a note saying he would be back every hour on the hour if someone was interested.”

Miller continued, “ When we returned to the booth, the business card was on the floor of the car instead of the windshield so Chip thought someone was interested in the car and didn't want anyone else to see the card and just threw it on the floor. A few minutes later someone in a golf cart pulled up and asked who owned the car. Chip thought that this was the person interested in the purchase. When Chip approached him, he said that Chip was not allowed to sell the car in the swap meet because it was not an antique car.”

Miller said that being in their 20s, and with the car being 20 years old, they thought it was an old car, but AACA rules at that time stated that the car had to be 35 years old or older. Miller remarked, “They got a little testy with us and we snapped back and they made us remove the car from the show. After we took the car to the parking lot and returned to the show Chip said, ‘Isn't it a shame that we can't show cars that we like at a car show?’  I said that we should start a car show for cars that we liked, so we each put up $500, drew up a partnership and the next season started a car show for cars after the second World War, and ‘Postwar '74’ was born.”

Miller said they chose the week before the Fall Hershey Swap Meet because they thought that people coming to Hershey could just spend another few days and attend both events.

He added, “The biggest obstacle was finding a location that we could afford, we looked at three locations and picked the Carlisle Fairgrounds because it was the least expensive. It was better dumb luck than good management. Carlisle is the Keystone of the Keystone state as Route 11, Route 81 and the Turnpike intersects here and it is the perfect location for people traveling any distance North, South, East or West .”

On September 26, 1974, on the rented Carlisle Fairgrounds, "Post War '74" took place. It was the very first car event promoted by the company. In a year still remembered for gas lines and inflation, nearly 600 vendors set up in more than 800 spaces, and 13,000 spectators paid the $1 admission to sample their wares.



Within a few years, the Carlisle Fairgrounds had become a Mecca for collector car enthusiasts all over the world. The runaway success of what became known as Fall Carlisle led to a similar spring event in 1977. In short order, they became complete sellouts for vendor and car corral.
 
Miller did not expect the success and the 47-year growth. “We did it strictly as a hobby event,” he said,  “and didn't look for it to flourish like it did and turn into a business. We were happy that it did because there is no better business that working in the hobby that you love.”



Regarding event growth, Miller said, “We grew so fast each year that we ran by the seat of our pants. We made changes on the fly, often when the show was in progress. Everyone rolled with the punches because the vendors were doing a huge business and the spectators were having fun. The biggest problem came from the owners of the Fairgrounds as they would build a building right in the middle of our swap area and not consult us before they did it. We would arrive at the grounds weeks before the show only to find the grounds changed. Back to the drawing board and make quick changes. So we bought the Fairgrounds.”

The show has changed over the years, of course, and Miller said much has to do with merchandize. “New old stock (NOS) merchandise has given way to reproduction merchandise. Now NOS merchandise is harder to find and has become quite valuable. Being a vendor is very hard work and many new generations of the vendors’ families don't want to pursue the same tasks that their parents did. But the hobby is still alive and well and the shows are booming this year after everyone has gotten out again.”

After 47 Fall Carlisle shows Miller sees some very real high points, including celebrity guest stars.  Miller said, “We have had so many big names from the hobby at our events. Carroll Shelby, Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Linda Vaughn – ‘Miss Hurst’, Bruce Larson, The Tuetels of Orange County Choppers fame, all of the Dukes of Hazzard stars, Bill Goldberg, Chip Foose, Hailie Deegan (NASCAR driver), Gallagher -- the comedian, Bobby Allison and Cindy Williams (of Laverne and Shirley), just to name a few.”



The success of Fall Carlisle led to other shows and Miller recalled, “As our flea market-only shows grew we started single-marque shows, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Truck Import, Corvette, and of course our auctions, which are a huge success. Even now, our Florida auctions draw thousands of people and hundreds of cars to Lakeland, Florida  twice a year. Our single-marque shows grew every year as we set record attendance of show cars. People love to interact with like minded car owners so they can learn more about the hobby.”

Last year was tough, but he sees a rebound in sight. “The pandemic was certainly a challenge,” he said. “We did all the CDC requirements, as did every other business, and made it through. Our future is bright because we try to stay on top of the market. We want the shows to appeal to all ages and genders. We do something for the young, the older men and women, and especially for the kids, as they are the future of the hobby.
Miller loves the events and the people who come to them. “The car people are the greatest people in the world,” he said. “We raise thousands of dollars for charities every year. When you realize that about one half a million people pass through these grounds every year and we don't have any problems what better testament could you have to the quality people of the car hobby.”



Fall Carlisle is the last event of the calendar year for Carlisle Events and marks the end of the Carlisle based show and automotive flea market season. This massive automotive flea market is one of the best opportunities to get your hands on all things automotive before the winter non-picking blues kicks in. With 8,100 spaces of vendors selling a vast array of automotive parts, accessories, cars, collectibles and memorabilia, it's almost certain that you won't go home empty handed. Accompanying the automotive flea market and car corral is the Manufacturers Midway featuring the latest and greatest products and services, and a two-day auction presented by Carlisle Auctions across the street.
 
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Car auctions are exciting and full of energy. The shiny, detailed car rolls under the spotlights onto the stage. The auctioneer/announcer gives a background on the vehicle and starts the bidding in a mellifluous, musical cacophony. The excitement builds and the bids start coming in until you hear the auctioneer bring down the gavel and say, “sold.” Some deals are great deals favoring the buyer, and other bids are funneled by excitement, competition and the desire of the bidder to add this precise vehicle to their collection, and end up favoring the seller.

That excitement is on the bidder/buyer’s end, but what does the seller do to consign and sell their vehicles? Sellers can consign their vehicles at this year’s Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, Sept. 30-Oct.1 at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street in Carlisle, PA, across from the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The Auction is an accompaniment of the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral, but it is also a stand-alone event of its own merits.

Carlisle Events held its first Collector Car Auction in 2006, but the modern-day incarnation of Carlisle Auctions began in 2013 in Zephyrhills, Florida, and has seen unprecedented success from the opening gavel. Carlisle Auctions’ home base of Carlisle, Pennsylvania has been a sell-out from a consignment standpoint, with millions of dollars in sales taking place at each event. For sellers, supported by Carlisle Auctions’ “FREE UNLESS SOLD**” guarantee, 400-500 high-quality classics plus memorabilia cross the block, and each auction welcomes even more bidders and excitement as brand awareness continues to grow. Certain restrictions apply for the FREE UNLESS SOLD** guarantee.

(FREE UNLESS SOLD** means that if a consignment does not sell, the consignor is refunded most, if not all fees associated with the consignment. That means a higher caliber of car crosses the block and even more cars can be part of the Auction. Vehicles 25 years and older are the ONLY consignments available for the FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee. All vehicles are welcome, but consignments 24 years and newer will be subject to all applicable fees associated with the auction.**)



Carlisle Auctions has been featured on Fox and Friends as well as multiple Velocity TV programs. Carlisle Auction has sold cars for Burt Reynolds, private collectors and has even done charity work on behalf of those in need, while keeping its loyal enthusiast base a priority.

At last year’s Carlisle Fall Auction, 191 vehicles sold – a 56 percent sell rate – for an average sales value of $16,335. The lowest price sold was $800 and the highest sale hammered down at $114,000 for a total sale figure of $3,120,000. Some of the top sold vehicles included a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette for $114,042, a 1935 Packard 8 Sport  Phaeton for $99,008, a 1947 Chrysler Town and Country for $97,280, a 1969 Ford Mustang for $74,297, a 1970 Dodge Challenger for 73,398 and a 1965 Corvette for 70,905. It wasn’t all muscle cars, though as 1955 and 1957 Bel Airs went for more than $50,000 each, as did a 1932 Ford 3-Window, a 1956 Chevy Nomad and a 1958 Chevrolet Impala.

So, what’s the best way for you to consign and sell a vehicle at Carlisle Auctions?
Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations for Carlisle Events said, “Do your homework and let us do the rest.” Cline said this is the easy part. “Call me at the Auction Office at 717-960-6400,” he said. “We can discuss what it is you’re selling, and put together a plan for success.”

Cline joined Carlisle Events in 2013 after 25 years of automotive experience and is a graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Academy. He said, “We consign 400-plus vehicles for each auction -- anything with a collectible flavor. We consign vehicles from the 1920s through modern day, from sports cars to muscle cars, trucks, SUVs and one-offs. We discuss the options with the seller and together, we can sell it to the right bidder.”

Historically, the truck and SUV sectors do well, but anything can sell if it is packaged and priced well. Cline said the most common price of a sold vehicle is $20,000, but sales have gone from $500 to hundreds of thousands. “A few years ago we sold a 2006 Speed Yellow Ford GT for just under $300,000,” he said.

Cline said the Carlisle Auction bidders are a broad mix of collectors, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and dealers. He said, “I lightheartedly say that we welcome all speculators and accumulators.”

What is the best way to sell your car?

Cline believes that the best way to sell your car is at auction. He said, “The auction environment is clearly the best scenario in which to sell your vehicle. We will market it nationally via the web, social networking, direct mail, email, etc. We have in-person bidders, phone bidders, and online bidders. We have assembled one of the top auction teams in the country who drive to sell your vehicle, and we have proven, result driven processes.”

What are mistakes to avoid?

Cline said, “The number-one mistake that folks make when attempting to sell a vehicle is not having it priced correctly to market. One of the most important aspects of my day, is helping people to price their vehicle properly, I liken it to, if you were going to sell your home, you probably would call a Realtor. They would come look at your home: age, dimensions, upgrades, needs and conditions. They then would look at comparable homes that have actually sold over different periods. The same practice applies to selling your car. We can look at similar examples that have sold nationally and determine an average transaction price. At that point, we would determine where your car falls relative to that average price. I cannot over stress how important correctly pricing your vehicle to the market is.”

Energized about this year’s show, Cline said that many exciting consignments will be on the block at the 2021 Fall Auction. “One in particular,” he said, “is a 1963 Chevy Corvette Convertible, and we have a powerful and awesome-looking 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Callaway Coupe. We also have a 1949 Ford F1 truck, 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS and a 1961 Cadillac DeVille. There are lots of great ones from vintage to late-model to see and bid on.”

Whether you are a bidder, consignor or just an interested car fan, the place to be is the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, Sept. 30-Oct.1 at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street in Carlisle, PA. Call Carlisle Auctions today at 717-960-6400, the Carlisle Auctions team is standing by ready to answer questions about the process and the events.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Corvette has been “America’s sports car” since 1953. Through 68 years and eight generations, more than 1.75 million Corvettes have been sold. From 1953 to 2019, the street celebrity was front-engined, and since 2020, it has been mid-engined. Along the way, it has teched up, safetied up, powered up and comforted up. As with any work of art, Corvette has had to be maintained, touched up, and in some cases repaired or tweaked to maintain its perfection. One of those top techs who keeps Corvettes humming, is Paul Koerner, “The Corvette Mechanic.”

Koerner, who will be host and featured speaker at nine tech/repair/information seminars (seven different topics) at the 2021 Corvettes at Carlisle (Aug. 26-28) at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, has been a GM service technician since 1997 and a Corvette specialist since 1999. He said that there are challenges that come with advanced technology, but that Corvette engineers listen and respond quickly to field input.

Koerner  has obtained the classification of GM World Class Certified Service Technician. That means that he is fully tested and trained by GM to repair any system in any GM vehicle (except for Saab and medium-duty trucks). His passion and knowledge run deep, as does his drive to help those in need of automotive help. As a case in point, at the 2019 Winter AutoFest event, Koerner was found in the parking lot helping a patron whose car had broken down. He is ready at all times with his GM knowledge and skill.
Koerner started his tech career working at a Chevy dealership in 1997. He said, “It was the first year of the 5th Generation and I saw problems from the tech side. I was just a car shop repair guy and had to earn a level of trust from the pros to get to work on the important cars.”

As a Corvette service tech, Koerner said the most fun part of his job is the people. “I get to meet the enthusiastic people who own the Corvettes. I can look them in the eyes and share their experiences,” he said. He also gains fun from the challenges. Koerner said, “The advancement in tech is the most significant challenge in automotive professions. You look at Corvette and it is state-of-the-art, and the tech keeps improving, so keeping up with it is the single biggest challenge.”

Koerner said Corvette really has a handle on shape and performance. He said, “The way they shape the car to be everything enthusiasts want it to be is what is so right about Corvette. It is a car for any enthusiast, tailored for looks and performance, and designed so you can cruise in it all day in comfort, or race it on the track. Anything you’d like a powerful car to be is what makes up Corvette.”

As nothing is perfect, Koerner also noted that improvements could be made. He said, “From a service tech standpoint, we can always use more resources and more ways to educate techs on the latest technology.” However, Koerner praised GM saying, “Corvette improvements are constant and ongoing. They are constantly working on improvements and we techs receive daily updates on service information. Additionally, we can file feedback on repairs if we see something wrong. GM looks at each repair product feedback form and they quickly respond to the field product reports. I often get a response in an hour or two. They never stop trying to improve Corvette.”

Koerner said that while each generation is different and requires different fixes, what he sees most often are tech issues rather than mechanical issues. He said, “There is a lot of computer programming and less about mechanical aspects or architecture.” Of those fixes, the most creative one he has made occurred at Cars at Carlisle. Koerner said, “In 2014, I saw someone on the field with a bad connector. At my next seminar, I asked if anyone had a Chevy rental car and I took a part off of a Chevy Cruze and put it on the troubled 2012 ZR-1. I diagnosed the condition and got the needed part from a local Chevy dealership. We fixed the problem and put the part back on the rental.”

Koerner’s first Corvettes at Carlisle was in 2000. “I was a fledgling tech,” he said, “and while I thought I knew it all, this event opened my eyes to what I didn’t know. I started doing seminars at the show in 2004 and it has been amazing to be a part of this event. The best aspect is being able to help customers and enthusiasts  and doing whatever is necessary to assist them or affect a repair to get them home safely.”

He praised his team and the Carlisle staff, adding, “What we are doing this year could not have been accomplished without my team. My service advisor will be there, techs who work with me and whom I train are all an important part of what we bring to the show, and all of those who plan and coordinate the show and our part of the show, are what brings it all to reality.”



The Middletown, CT resident will be on hand at Corvettes at Carlisle to instruct, entertain, discuss and help. For example, when you lift the hood of your prized Corvette, you see what makes it go, but do you really know how it works? What if something goes wrong? Can you troubleshoot the issue or know what to do next? At his seminars, Koerner, with his GM World Glass Certified Technician credentials will tell you everything you want to know about your Corvette (and then some). Koerner, along with his Corvette Mechanic Team will head seminars covering the following topics:

Thursday
Diagnostic Assistance: 9 am - 11:30 am 
The Corvette Mechanic Team will perform drive-up diagnostic assistance at The Corvette Mechanic tent behind Building T. There is no appointment necessary and first come/first served. Spectators are free to sit in and watch, listen and learn about all aspect of diagnostic process from 1984-2021 Corvette. Video feeds on screens with scan tool information along with diagnostic process from Chevrolet on Corvette. Questions may be asked during process from the audience.

Stump The Corvette Mechanic Team: 11 pm – 3 pm
Do you have a problem with your Corvette? Did someone tell you it can't be fixed? Do you have gremlins you might want to get rid of? The Corvette Mechanic Team can fix what ails your Corvette or at least point you in the right direction for an accurate resolution to your problems. In this grandstand seminar, they discuss with the Corvette owners what is the problem, how they would go about diagnosing this problem and what potential solutions they can offer. And if you stump them, you will receive a 2022 Fun Field Registration from Carlisle Events. Corvettes from 1984 to present will be covered. 

Friday: 
Corvette Information from 1984-2013, C4/C5/C6 Q & A: 9 am - 10:15 am  
The Corvette Mechanic Team will answer questions about Gen 4 through Gen 8 Corvette. Discontinued parts will be discussed, as will aftermarket solutions. Diagnostic process from the 1980s to present will be covered and much more.

The 7th Leads to the Next-Generation Corvette 2014-2021: 12 noon - 1:15 pm
Front engine, mid-engined, dual-clutched, auto, manual, modified or not, these vehicles are state-of-the-art technology, which requires a deep education that only GM can provide. The GM factory-trained team is knowledgeable in all aspects of the 7th and 8th-Gens and will answer any questions regarding these vehicles. 

Corvette for the New Owner or Enthusiast: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Corvette is a wonder of modern technology and every generation ushered in new features and convenience. For someone who is just becoming an owner/enthusiast, it can be very overwhelming. In this simple seminar, we answer new owners’ questions about features, repairs and maintenance in a way that is easily understandable. How do you evaluate a vehicle you intend to purchase? Is there an APP for that? Our team will cover all the basics that YOU want to know in this question and answer format.

Saturday: 
The Grand Sport Corvette: 8:30 am - 9:45 am
From 1963 to 2019, Grand Sport has exemplified the “Racetrack Corvette”. Better cooling, larger brakes, wider tires, stiffer suspension all play a part in the capability of this wonderful vehicle. In this in-depth seminar, the team will cover the differences, years and reasons why Grand Sport was resurrected in 2010 and how it became a staple for the Corvette enthusiast when hitting the racetrack. 

Corvette Information from 1984-2013, C4/C5/C6 Q & A: 11 am - 12:15 pm
The Corvette Mechanic Team will answer questions about Gen 4 through Gen 8 Corvette. Discontinued parts will be discussed, as will aftermarket solutions. Diagnostic process from the 1980s to present will be covered and much more.

The 7th Leads to the Next-Generation Corvette 2014-2021: 2 pm – 4 pm 
Front engine, mid-engined, dual-clutched, auto, manual, modified or not, these vehicles are state-of-the-art technology, which requires a deep education that only GM can provide. The GM factory-trained team is knowledgeable in all aspects of the 7th and 8th-Gens and will answer all questions regarding these vehicles. 

Corvette Specialist Paul Koerner and Team will professionally advise Corvette owners on their Corvettes throughout the event weekend, at Corvettes at Carlisle, the largest Corvette show in the world, Aug. 26-28 at Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>