Somewhere, someone is finally getting around to putting their Christmas decorations away (guilty)!  For car lovers, however; the real gifts are found within the automotive flea market of Spring Carlisle (April 20-24).  Presented by eBay Motors in 2022, this event hosts a treasure-trove of car themed items, be they parts, merchandise, collectibles, signage, collector cars, and more.  The “more,” really could be anything and that is one of the biggest draws for the nearly 100,000 like-minded enthusiasts.

In addition to the items available within the automotive flea market, the Manufactures Midway welcomes many of the top suppliers in the automotive industry.  Their displays and merchandise, mixed with the ARMO Hot Products Showcase tent, act to spotlight the latest and best new products.  ARMO, which is a member of the SEMA council continues its mission at Spring Carlisle and beyond to preserve and promote the automotive restoration hobby.

Speaking of Carlisle Auctions, the crew from America’s Automotive Hometown auction house will move 400+ classic and collector cars across the block on April 21-22 at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.  The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction features an all-truck hour on April 21, a planned charity consignment, and of course cars and trucks that span every era of automotive production.

If X marks the spot for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, then this event is a must!  Getting involved is very easy too, in fact a phone call or a few clicks on the web can assure your inclusion in Spring Carlisle and/or the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction.  Those looking to sell merchandise or a car within the car corral, attend as a buyer or simply purchase an admission ticket to be on grounds and walk about should call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com. 

Admission tickets are discounted online in advance of the event and kids 12 and under are free.  Auction enthusiasts looking to buy or sell as part of the two-day event should call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. each day, while the gates open for Spring Carlisle at 7 a.m. daily. 

One of the best parts about a Carlisle Auctions event is the fact that at least once per offering, a sale will take place that benefits charity.  For those attending the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction, Saturday February 26 will spotlight once more, the generosity of the collector car community.

The auction itself spans two days, February 25-26, at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, but the charity portion of the event is at 12 p.m. on the 26^th.  At that point, the fast-paced nature of the auction slows as team members yield the floor to Steve Muschlitz and Wheels from the Heart.  Steve has secured a trio of lots that will run, with 100% of the sales and any additional donations offered, to Wheels from the Heart.  These lots include a 1996 Porsche themed bicycle, a 2006 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle, and a 2005 Ford F150.  The F150 runs at no reserve, while the Porsche bike and Harley Davidson will carry one in advance of a potential sale.

Wheels from the Heart is a Jensen Beach, Florida based organization whose mission is to give the gift of a reliable vehicle to single moms with children and help them drive to a better life.  While there’s an obvious play on words there, the fact remains that owning a reliable means of transportation makes nearly every aspect of life better.  It helps you get groceries, go to and from work, social activities, school drop offs and pickups, and more.  Since being nominated in 2016 for the Men with Caring Hearts Award, Steve and his team have donated hundreds of cars to moms in need.

“I’m excited to once again work with Carlisle Auctions at their upcoming event in Lakeland,” said Muschlitz.  They put on a great event and their bidder/buyer base has always been generous when we offer a lot for charity.  Of course, these sales wouldn’t be possible without the gracious donations of them in the first place by their previous owners.  Together, we can all change the lives of someone in need.”

Complete details on the auction are available at CarlisleAuctions.com.  In addition, the auction offers THREE great ways to bid on desired lots; in person, on the phone, or online!  Best of all, once registered as a bidder, online bidding commences the Monday of auction week (February 21).  Consignments are being added daily to the Carlisle Auctions web page.  Spectator admission is $10 with FREE parking, plus the event offers onsite RV parking for those looking to make the event a multi-day adventure.  For auction details, call 717-960-6400 and for details on RV parking, call 717-243-7855.  Get involved today and don’t miss out! 

2021 gave central Pennsylvania car lovers a “bonus show” as the long-standing event in Allentown made a one-time transition to the Carlisle Expo Center.  That event yielded a bevvy of feedback and enthusiasm that eventually led to the creation and execution of the Winter Carlisle Auto Expo.  Held January 28-29, the event was exactly what everyone hoped it would be, another successful automotive event promoted by Carlisle Events.

When the doors opened at 12 p.m. on the 28^th, an eager line awaited the vendors positioned within the Carlisle Expo Center.  Once indoors, the buying and selling frenzy was up and running.  Each vendor brought a little something to the table, figuratively and literally.  For every vendor who had something available suited for an automotive project, there was another who had a practical/retail item that could be used around the home or the shop. 

Winter Carlisle Auto Expo even offered a handful of cars for sale, two of which sold to buyers who weren’t even at the event.  The fact that two non-attendees purchased cars, a Mustang and Corvette respectively, isn’t unique to an event like this, though it does make for a cool story.  In the case of the 1970 Mustang Convertible, Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller, Jr. happened to be walking the aisles and snapped a photo of it.  Its factory shaker hood and 351 Cleveland powerplant, combined with power top and 82,000 original miles caught his eye.  He shared the photo with his son, Bill Miller, III who in turn, shared it with a friend who was in Scottsdale, Arizona attending the Barrett-Jackson auction.  After a few conversations between all parties involved, the new owner wired the money the next day.  The same vendor also sold a Wurlitzer 1050 Jukebox for an impressive $5,000.  Only 2,000 were made and it was recently delivered to its new home in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania…just a short 30-minute drive from Carlisle.

In an almost similar manner, the aforementioned Corvette also sold thanks to modern technology and an eagle-eyed observer.  The seller, who attends multiple events at Carlisle, gave the Winter Auto Expo a try and in doing so, brought a clean, one owner 1999 Corvette with him.  Not long after the doors opened, a friend of a friend spotted it, shared some photos and after a FaceTime call, a verbal handshake agreement was made.  Less than 48 hours later, the car was picked up in Maryland and taken to its new home at the beach. 

Between the parts and merchandise heading home with eager buyers and the cars that sold, the first-ever Winter Carlisle Auto Expo was deemed a success.  In fact, the event returns January 27-28, 2023.  In the meanwhile, opportunities exist for more great stories and camaraderie like what happened at the Winter Carlisle Auto Expo by way of upcoming events beginning with Spring Carlisle (April 20-24) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Complete details on this event and all others are available at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.