Corvettes at Carlisle 2023 may not be happening until August 24-26, but plans are underway for the biggest and best all-Corvette themed car show of its type.  For three days in central Pennsylvania thousands of guests and decades of Corvette history converge on Carlisle and just announced, some of the key features that will turn heads and keep guests snapping photo after photo while on-site.

2023 isn’t just the next year up on the calendar rotation, it’s also a milestone that supports two of the event’s special displays; 50 years of 1973 Corvettes and 100 Years of Le Mans.  There are two other great displays planned too; the 15^th Anniversary of the Will Cooksey Z06 and the always popular Corvette American Flag.

Let’s start with the Corvette Flag.  For the first time since 2018, dozens of red, white, blue, and even silver (for the flag pole) come together to showcase American’s sportscar and THE symbol of America itself.  The flag build is happening on Saturday, August 25 and will happen on the east side of the grounds from mid-morning through mid-afternoon.  Interested participants must be registered for the Fun Field and once confirmed, can apply for the flag display by way of the application portal within the flag activity listing on the Corvettes at Carlisle web page.  After all Corvettes are in place, photo ops will be available for car owners and guests alike. 

Another great display will be anchored by an equally great man.  In 2008, Corvette Plant Manager Wil Cooksey was honored by Chevrolet with the release of the Wil Cooksey Edition Z06.  The car was only available in Crystal Red Tintcoat with an optional 3LZ Titanium two-tone leather wrapped interior.  Each of the rides were personally autographed by Mr. Cooksey.  Fast forward to August of 2023 and we’ll honor the man and his namesake Corvette.  It’s super easy to be part of the display too, as “Wil Cooksey Corvette” is now an available club option.  Best of all, registrants who pick that option by July 10 will part specially in the reunion area with like branded Corvettes and get a special gift too. 

Now, the two round number displays that are sure to draw attention throughout the event’s run bring some of the coolest C3s to Carlisle as well as some of the premier Corvettes to have ever turned a lap on the famed French racetrack.  The 50 year/1973 gathering puts dozens of ‘73s under a tent in the middle of the Fun Field, while spotlighting what turned out to be the first real re-design of the C3 since its debut in 1968.  Much like the Cooksey display this gathering has its own club (50^th Anniversary Registry).  The application process is ongoing and is fully vetted by enthusiast and long-time friend of Carlisle Events, Joe Clemente. 

Finally, Corvettes at Carlisle gave loads of attention to race prepared Corvettes in 2022 as part of Chip’s Choice.  That display and theme were so popular, that it’s back with a twist.  For 2023, Chip’s Choice focuses on 100 Years of Le Mans.  Many great automakers have placed cars in the Le Mans competition field over the years, but none have gained more press than the Corvette.  Dating back to its initial class winning Corvette in 1960 through its modern-day success, the Corvette Racing Team has entered cars that can now be considered historic and iconic.  Some of those rides are coming to Carlisle, include the aforementioned #3 Cunningham Corvette, a 1994 Callaway LM #001, a 2001 Callaway C12R, and more. 

Gates open at 7 a.m. each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, including information on how to become a vendor within the automotive flea market, register for the Fun Field, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

All About Cars is a platform for us to share automotive-related content with you and this time, we’re turning the spotlight on a first-hand experience that you can also enjoy!  My name is Rebecca Spahr and during my more than twenty-year career with Carlisle Events, I’ve seen and experienced some pretty cool automotive sights and sounds.  I’ve even been hands-on with some of the coolest rides to ever be produced.  Recently, I had my coolest experience yet; driving an early 1900s-era Model T Ford at the nearby AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The displays at the AACA Museum are a walk-through time. It begins with an interactive garage with functioning equipment and moves on to huge display rooms with beautiful wall murals that bring the museum to life and create the perfect atmosphere for the featured vehicles.  It’s not often that one gets the opportunity to get up close with historic vehicles, but there you can. I was honored with the opportunity to sit in one of Betty White’s cars, “the Peacock.” There is an entire room with hands-on exhibits about the Tucker, easily identified by its centered third headlight.  The Museum also showcases displays of many diecast models, buses, a functioning model train room, and so much more.  There are more “celebrity rides” than just Ms. White’s too.  The bus display includes one famously used in Forrest Gump, one from Speed, and another from A League of Their Own.

For all the times I’ve gone to the museum, I never knew you could do more than just look at their cars.  In fact, it was during a trip there in February that I was invited to be part of their Model T driving school.  When I got there on an early October afternoon, I was amazed from start to finish at the experience.

The experience began in a classroom setting with an engine on display and a display board with photos and explanations of the curious 3-pedal function and hand levers. We were firmly warned that when turning to only move the wheel slightly or we ran the risk of “turning turtle” (flipping over).

The Museum has five different Model T body styles, however, three of them were under repair on the day of my visit. A group of lively volunteers was very welcoming and happy to answer my questions about their work and how things function on these cars of yester-century. I was impressed that they can keep 100+-year-old vehicles in running condition!

I chose to drive the 1913 red C Cab first, named for the shape of the box body. With my volunteer Jim behind the wheel, he moved the spark lever the whole way up, the accelerator lever just slightly down, and after I pushed the start button, the engine roared to life. At this point, the spark lever is lowered until the sound of the engine smooths out. To begin the movement, the floor lever is moved to neutral and when the reverse pedal is pressed the car gently moves backward. When we were out of the parking space, he released the reverse pedal, pressed the clutch pedal, and moved the floor lever into the low position. As soon as he lowered the accelerator lever we were off! During our voyage around the AACA Museum property, I couldn’t help but smile and wonder what it would have been like to drive this vehicle with my ancestors. Would we be headed to visit family, have a picnic or gather supplies?

My turn at the wheel came after Jim completed the loop. I was giddy with excitement and couldn’t remove the smile from my face as I moved levers, pressed pedals, and very gently turned the steering wheel. Bumping through a field, with the roar of the engine in my ears and the wind blowing through my hair, I was transported to a bygone era.  I was at the wheel of a 102-year-old masterpiece – a Ford Model T. It wasn’t the first of the horseless carriages but it was the first automobile born of assembly line production which made it more accessible to middle-class Americans.

Several loops later, I switched to the 1920 Model T which didn’t have a roof like the C Cab. I learned that this car was personally owned by Jim years ago and he donated it to the museum for this program. I felt so incredibly privileged to be driving his vehicle. I bombarded him with questions and he was patient and kind in providing all the answers. He even offered some stories, which were very entertaining.

The AACA Museum volunteers were so accommodating and generous with their time and kindness and patient with my questions and curiosity. They made the driving experience all the more fun. They even rewarded me with a certificate and a hat!

You can have this same amazing experience as I did with our friends at the AACA in 2023!  They have multiple cars and classes available throughout the year and if you’re an AACA member, it’s just $140 and WELL WORTH IT!  Dates are below or you can visit them online for details about not only the class but the museum itself.  

June 21, July 12, 22, August 5, 19, September 9, 17, October 14, 28
Model T Driving Experience - AACA Museum

The classic and collector car hobby is strong across the country, with each state and region having their own popular tastes. As Florida goes, it’s one of, if not the hot spot for all things autos. For two days, November 11-12, Carlisle Auctions and its brand of entertainment came together with enthusiasts within the Sunshine State for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction.

This auction only event (no car show or swap meet) took place at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and offered buyers, sellers, and even spectators the chance to mix and mingle not only amongst themselves, but with some of the coolest cars, trucks, and more that the region had to offer.

While the event faced its challenges, taking place just after Hurricane Nicole traversed a large portion of the state, it still hosted approximately 400 lots spanning automotive productive history. From the earliest consignment, a 1930 Ford Model A Custom, to more modern muscle, there was a little something for everyone in Lakeland. Options included classic, show-worthy daily drivers, practical trucks and SUVs for recreational usage, and even some white-glove, best of show gems. All told, the gallery was diverse and the participants, both in person and online were spirited.

Of the millions of dollars in sales, the Top 4 totaled $324,640. Each of those four lots sold on Saturday and were led by a 1962 Corvette ($93,960). In fact, Chevrolet as a whole dominated the Top 4, with a 1956 Bel Air ($82,080), 1960 Corvette ($75,600), and a 1969 Camaro ($73,000) rounding out the group of four.

“Thank you to all of our bidders and consignors that were a part of our Lakeland Fall Auction, especially those who participated despite the elements,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations. “As this event concludes, so does our 2022 auction schedule. It was quite a successful year for us, both in Lakeland and in Carlisle,” continued Cline. “We can’t wait to return to Lakeland in February to jump-start our 2023 season and we hope you’ll join us!”

As Tony mentioned, Carlisle Auctions does return to Lakeland and the amazing SUN ‘n FUN facility in February. The Winter Lakeland Collector Car Auction takes place February 10-11 and starts at 10:30 a.m. each day. This is once again an auction only event. Truck lovers will want to be sure to circle February 10 on their calendar, as the all-truck hour returns at approximately 1:30 p.m. Carlisle Auctions is actively accepting consignments for the auction as well registering bidders. Call 717-960-6400 today to learn more or visit CarlisleAuctions.com to view results, check out still for sale lots, make plans for not only the February Florida offering, but for the rest of the 2023 auction schedule too.

The Ford Truck market is hotter than ever right now, from Maverick to Super Duty, the market is showing no signs of slowing down. This year's SEMA Show was no exception, and everything from slammed Ford trucks to jacked-up customs truly (in some cases literally) rose above the competition. From new to old, Ford Trucks were not only Built Ford Proud, but modified and customized to a new level of Pride that every single one of these vehicle owners showed.

The first things to catch my attention were at the entrance to the Central Hall and the in the back of the Central Hall, mainly because our Carlisle Events booth was located with our friends in the ARMO area. There were two Lightnings that caught my eye mainly because of the monsters under their hoods. Now naturally those monsters were Ford’s new 7.3L “Godzilla” engine.

Another super popular area to spot Truck builds has been the Dub Lifted and Leveled showcase at The SEMA Show. Ford Trucks of all kinds have staked their claims to this area mostly due the sheer numbers of builds! It was insane.





(see the full gallery at the end of the article)

Walking between the halls, I spotted something popping out in the Toyo Tires booth as well. Most of the builds showcased in that area were from the Import market, however this Ford Ranchero stood out for a number of reasons. Its level of customization caught my eye first, and then I looked under the hood and spotted that Coyote howling from its engine bay.

(see the full gallery at the end of the article)

A new up and comer in the Ford market also has started making its aftermarket splash at the show. Ford’s new Maverick was showcased in not only some cool sport truck stylings, but also in some 90’s-esque mini truck builds. As production quantities incraese on these, I can't wait to see where the aftermarket world takes the Maverick.






Wheels and tires make or break most truck builds, so naturally I had to check out the Wheel and Tire Area in the South Hall.

This year’s West Hall (I call it the "Truck Hall") was overtaken by Broncos, however a ton of unique and custom Ford Trucks also stood out.

Closing out the week, I had to check out the trucks in the outside areas in front of the Central and North Halls.These trucks definitely took things to another level.





(see the full gallery at the end of the article)

With SEMA Ignited had me finding a few more trucks in the TIS Offroad area. These Ford Trucks are the definition of customization, and take things to an entirely new level for Ford Truck enthusiasts.




(see the full gallery at the end of the article)

Check out the full gallery in full resolution on Flickr!

Ford Trucks Dominate SEMA 2022 - Flickr

All in all, the SEMA Show each year showcases the latest and greatest trends of the automotive industry.  This year was no different and Ford Trucks seem to keep dominating in what I see out there. I can’t wait to see what June brings for the Ford Truck enthusiasts at the Carlisle Ford Nationals happening June 2-4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Ken Appell has been an employee of Carlisle Events and event manager of the Carlisle Ford Nationals since 2012.

The aftermarket and Ford enthusiast market is going absolutely bananas over the new Ford Bronco. This year at SEMA, that passion has been matched with numerous builds of new and old Ford Broncos. It was truly “Broncomonium” (I'm making that a word) with new aftermarket modifications debuting for new Broncos, and lots of traditional builds showcasing older Broncos. 

My first stop was the Central Hall and the halls that surround it. Mainly because our Carlisle Events booth was located with our friends in the ARMO area. New Broncos greeted guests as they entered the first part of the Central Hall with loads of new accessories. Look for those accessories to be launched at your local auto parts stores in Q1 of 2023.



(see the full gallery at the end of the article)

I saw tons of Ford Trucks all throughout the event. A super popular area to spot Truck and SUV builds has been the all-new West Hall at the SEMA Show (I call it the Truck Hall). Broncos staked their claim to this hall dominating not only the aftermarket "bolt-on" parts but also some serious off-road accessories that will make all Bronco fans' mouths water. 


(see the full gallery at the end of the article)

Walking between the halls I spotted some killer builds as well. Most of these builds showcased the offroad potential of the new Bronco, and I also saw a few older Broncos.

Not to be forgotten, and a can’t miss feature in recent years of the SEMA Show, has been the Dub Lifted and Leveled showcase outside the South Hall. These builds typically showcase the "wild side" of the modification world, and they certainly lived up to my expectations.







SEMA Ignited (The SEMA Show post-trade-show public event) was rocking and blasting into the night on Friday, which led me to a few more builds in the TIS Offroad area. These Broncos are certainly at the customization forefront, and really take things to an entirely new level for Bronco enthusiasts the world over.

Check out the full gallery in full resolution on Flickr!

Broncomonium at SEMA 2022 - Flickr

All in all, the SEMA Show each year showcases the latest and greatest trends of the automotive industry. Not only was the Ford Bronco and its aftermarket trending all over the show but it’s definitely ushering in an entirely new vibe in the Ford market. I can’t wait to see what June brings for the Bronco enthusiasts at the Carlisle Ford Nationals happening June 2-4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Ken Appell has been an employee of Carlisle Events and event manager of the Carlisle Ford Nationals since 2012.