One of the best parts about attending the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show each May in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is the sure-fire fact that guests WILL see something they’ve never seen before.  For 2024, as Carlisle Events celebrates 50 years, the most diverse car show on the planet (May 10-11) has a handful of special displays guaranteed to wow guests and in some cases, send them to Google to learn more about what they just saw.

For 2024, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds come to life with nearly 2,000 show cars and trucks from around the world.  This includes standard/commonplace badges like Audi, SAAB, Mercedes, etc.  This year, some additional displays will be can’t-miss features and include a 50-year celebration of the VW Rabbit/Golf, a display called the Freak Show, race-prepared vehicles, a gallery of top-of-the-line cars from around the world, and more.

A new display is planned for 2024 that, in some instances, may include oddball, rare, or unique rides that have never been seen before at Carlisle, or never showcased together in a display.  The Freak Show will host unique vehicles such as foreign market models as well as other cars and trucks that aren’t common in the United States.

For Rabbit/Golf enthusiasts, cruise to Carlisle to acknowledge vehicles that first rolled off the assembly line in 1974.  The display will include the Rabbit, Golf, Caddy, and Cabriolet/Cabrio.  The display isn’t limited to just the 1974 versions, rather it’s for the best-of-the-best spanning production history.

In addition to the Freak Show and Rabbit/Golf displays, Building T welcomes an all-star gallery of vehicles from around the world.  This unique showcase hosts some of the top imports, tuners, and performance sport compacts ever built.  It’s open to all makes and models and can even include trucks.  With this display centrally located, it’s a fact that these cars will be photographed by enthusiasts and publications/social media outlets alike.  What better way to be seen by the automotive world than to be showcased at Carlisle?

There are more displays than the buildings can handle, that’s for sure; because just east of Building T is the American Collector’s Insurance Pavilion where race-prepared vehicles call home.  The race paddock is reserved exclusively for vehicles that are set up for racing.  This includes road racers, autocross cars, drag racing, and rally cars.

Speaking of race cars, more so cars with their wheels in motion, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals also hosts a variety of track-tivities.  This includes drifting and autocross powered by NICOClub, a rolling burnout contest, and drift limbo.  In addition, there are on-grounds parades, low car limbo, and even a rolling exhaust contest.  Best of all, these activities and displays all happen with the backdrop of car clubs, automotive flea market vendors, a great concessions area, and over 20,000 guests.

Gates open at 7 a.m. each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2024 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The beginning of July may be the mid-point of 2024 but less than two weeks after day 183 is the automotive mid-point for Mopar lovers around the world; the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals car show (July 12-14).  This three-day event is the biggest and best of its type and includes a massive automotive flea market, car corral, Showfield, and special displays/activities that draw guests to Carlisle from near and far.  With 2024 being the 34^th offering of the event, it’s a perfect backdrop for 50 Years of Carlisle Events and all of the Mopar excitement that’s come to be expected dating back to 1991. 

Displays for 2024 include those that showcase Old Skool Paint (version 2.0), 55 Years of the A12, High Impact Paint colors, and of course the Mopar Survivors tent.  Each will be positioned for optimal exposure and are open now for submission and consideration. 

As specifics about each display go, let’s take a moment to dive (or drive) deeper into what to expect, first with the Old School Paint display.  This is actually the second time in the last 10 years that the Old Skool Paint theme gets attention.  Owners of “original” paint jobs, or modern iterations of Old Skool looks that accurately represent the early ‘70s and older are strongly encouraged to apply.  This includes paint that may be showing its age too, including lacquer cracks and fading. 

From OSP to HIP; High Impact Paint that is, the amazing looks on these marvelous machines continue.  In the past, the event has showcased Panther Pink, but for 2024, the focus turns to ALL of the eye-popping factory colors.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a car or a truck, it’s the color that helps make this display a can’t miss.

Long before there was Carlisle Events in 1974, or the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in 1991, there were A12 B-Bodies.  In 2024, those A12s are turning 55 and not only will the weekend feature a great indoor display, but a huge gathering on the Showfield, too.  For this display, all factory A12 Road Runners and Super Bees are eligible.  Restored, modified, or original, this is a top-notch showcase that just might result in some industry magazine, web, and social media exposure for all involved.

Speaking of original rides, the Mopar Survivors tent is always a popular destination for owners and fans alike of original/unrestored collector cars.  In its second year since the passing of the great Mel Major, this year’s showcase hosts a gallery of vehicles that are at least 25 years old and retain a minimum of 85% of their original, assembly line parts (including paint).

With the goal in 2024 of filling Building T with retina-burning High Impact Paint and Old Skool Paint, we aren’t expecting to have a “general” featured vehicle display, but you never know. Things could change or we might find another location to be used for such a display. Therefore, even if you don’t have a vehicle that fits one of the featured displays listed above, you are still welcome to submit your Mopar for consideration.

In addition to the great displays, showgoers can enjoy a FREE kick-off party on July 11 hosted by the Mopar Rebellion Car Club, great wheels in motion track-tivities like the Real Street Shootout (autocross), a rolling exhaust contest, rolling burnouts, and a few more ways to pique the interests of those who trekked to Carlisle!

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is actively taking display consideration submissions online through the Carlisle Events/Carlisle Chrysler Nationals web page.  The submission process is ongoing into at least the first quarter of 2024.  Apply today for display consideration.  The vehicle doesn’t have to be the best of the best, but it does need to fit one of these display themes.  Don’t have something that fits the bill for these displays, but own a show vehicle?  Showfield registration is open now.  Full details on the event, links to purchase tickets, and more are available at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 today. 

 It all started in September of 1974; two men, Bill Miller, Jr. and Chip Miller (no relation), took an idea and made it a reality.  That idea…automotive events for “people like us who like the kind of cars we do.”  With that epiphany, Post War ’74 commenced and for the past 50 years, history has been made at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds as well as multiple venues across the country by the company known today as Carlisle Events.  What began at Fall Carlisle 2023 will continue through the conclusion of 2024; a 50-year celebration of Carlisle Events and you’re invited!

The 2024 Carlisle Events season schedule has been released and it all starts in Allentown, Pennsylvania with Auto Mania (January 19-21).  As Winter transitions to Spring, the Carlisle-based events commence, kicking off with Spring Carlisle driven by Hemmings (April 17-21).  Carlisle Auctions also hosts its Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction (April 18-19), all with the backdrop of nearly 100,000 guests roaming between the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.

May hosts one event and starts another.  The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals is the first specialty car event (May 10-11), while the Carlisle Ford Nationals (May 31-June 2) hosts more than 3,200 of Fords best.  Carlisle’s Summer of Muscle continues with the Carlisle GM Nationals (June 21-22), followed by the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 12-14).  The last two show car events include the Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 2-4) and the first-ever car show that Bill and Chip promoted, Corvettes at Carlisle (August 22-24).  Finally, Fall Carlisle driven by Hemmings (October 2-6) along with the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction (October 3-4) wrap up the Carlisle 50-year fun.

With those dates in mind, guests planning to attend a Carlisle car show event in 2024 can expect some 50^th anniversary-themed fun, as well as special themed displays per event.  Some celebrations may be 50-year specific with callbacks to 1974, while others will simply honor significant elements of an event’s history, regardless of when it first took place.  This may include vendors, concessionaires, car clubs, guests, etc.  For the full Carlisle-based schedule, planned offerings including a historic timeline display in Building T, video loops and photos, themed merchandise and apparel, and more, make plans today to be at Carlisle in 2024.

The car-themed events at Carlisle are not just part of the company’s present, but its past too.  The first specialty event is the Import & Performance weekend.  This international showcase highlights displays such as 50 Years of the Rabbit/Golf, a display of vehicles from around the world, race-prepared cars, and more.  There’s even a display called “The Freak Show,” a gallery of rare and unique vehicles such as foreign market models as well as other cars and trucks that aren’t common to the United States.

Car fun continues in May with the start of the biggest car show ever held in Carlisle, the Carlisle Ford Nationals.  For three days, more than 3,200 show vehicles spanning eras of production populated the National Parts Depot Showfield. Featured displays in 2024 include Mustang Legend as part of a 60-year Mustang celebration, the annual Ford Nationals Select display, a Y-Block reunion, a 60 Years of the Mustang timeline display, 40 Years of the SVO, and 50 Years of Mustang II.  As if that is not enough, Ford corporate cruises to Carlisle to showcase some of their latest creations, host new product walk-arounds, seminars, and more.

The second day of summer in 2024 marks the first day of the Carlisle GM Nationals.  Hot temps meet even hotter cars as Carlisle’s “Summer of Muscle” forges on.  Planned display themes include a big move by the Solid Lifter Showroom from Building Y to Building T (one year only) for the 16th offering of their popular Carlisle display.  This display hosts an entire feature gallery of COPOs Yenkos, and other High-Performance GM optioned cars of the Muscle Car Era, Cadillac is honored, a return of the 3rd Gen Nationals, and even more Nova Nationals excitement.  Corvettes for Chip also returns, making yet another opportunity for Corvette lovers to trek to Carlisle and for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation to raise money and awareness for the horrible disease that took the life of Chip Miller in 2004.

July not only celebrates the birthday of the United States, it also hosts the largest all-Chrysler-themed car show in the world.  As part of the Carlisle 50^th celebrations, the 2024 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals showcases Old Skool paint themes, 55 years of the A12, a High Impact Paint display and a general Featured Vehicle display in Building T.

Less than a month later, the fastest-growing event at Carlisle takes over the fairgrounds; the Carlisle Truck Nationals.  For three days, families can revel in trucks of all shapes, sizes, and styles.  In addition, there are cool custom vans, antique fire trucks, heavy equipment, and big rigs too.  There are even monster truck rides and shows, all guaranteed to make guests go from 0-60 smiles per hour in the blink of an eye.

The last specialty car event of the season is also the first one that Carlisle Events launched in 1982; Corvettes at Carlisle.  Some 5,000 Corvettes spanning production history converge on Carlisle with planned 2024 features to include the NCRS Gallery, NCCC, Chip’s Choice (Mean Corvettes), a 50-year showcase of 1974 Corvettes, and a Challenge Car reunion.

For Corvettes at Carlisle and the Carlisle Ford Nationals, there’s also a downtown car parade.  This brings 400+ vehicles from each show into the Carlisle community on Saturday night of event weekend.  In addition, those car shows as well as the others mentioned include wheels in motion activities which may include drifting, autocross, a rolling exhaust contest, drift limbo, low car limbo, rolling burnout contest, and other challenges such as high truck and low truck at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

In addition, all events include an automotive flea market, also known as a swap meet.  The flea market element is a great way to buy, sell, and trade all things automotive.  This includes OEM and NOS parts, practical items for the shop or the home, collectibles, merchandise, car art, and even vehicles.  All items are for sale by owner and best of all, can be reviewed in person before the sale.

Finally, as part of Spring and Fall Carlisle, Carlisle Auctions hosts a two-day, 400+ vehicle auction.  For these auctions in 2024, Carlisle Auctions will accept all 1974 consignments for just $74, a nod to the 50-year Carlisle Events celebration.

To be part of the Carlisle Events 50-year celebration, visit CarlisleEvents.com to learn more, secure a vending space, register to show a vehicle, or purchase discounted spectator admission tickets.  Long-time supporters can also share their thoughts and memories by way of video though a special submission portal on the Carlisle Events web page.  All the fun starts in early January and will certainly be one for the history books!