The General Motors family is just that…a family. Once, the manufacturer of such different, since discontinued car badges as LaSalle, McLaughlin, Oakland, Oldsmobile, Opel, Pontiac, Hummer (brought back within GMC), Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall, Daewoo  and Holden, GM has been lean and mean since its restructuring and reorganization cut redundancy and remaining brands down to a core four, by late-2010. Under the GM umbrella today are Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Wuling (China). Those eliminated brands are gone, but not forgotten. They remain part of the GM family of vehicles that their supporters fervently defend, show off, refurbish and compete with, particularly at GM-inspired events such as the Carlisle GM Nationals, set for June 25 - 26, 2021 at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds.

The supporters are part of the GM family of loyalists. It is a happy family, but at events, as with any family members that squabble about which brother or sister is favored, which uncle is stronger, and which cousin is more successful, GM event fans create a great divide. They stick together as a whole – the GM team fans celebrate the heritage since William C. Durant capitalized GM in 1908 and speedily acquired Buick and more than 20 additional companies to become the top-selling automotive manufacturer in the world. But they separate as fervent badge proponents and debate and compete against each other at major events. 

It is not exactly the sports animosity you have with Yankees-Red Sox fans, or what you see with Lakers-Celtics, Red Wings-Blackhawks, or Steelers-Eagles, or the contempt fans had for each other from Ali-Frazier … but there is a real division among fans even when the cars are conceptually similar, as with Firebird vs.Camaro, GMC vs.Chevy trucks, or Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme vs. Pontiac Grand Prix vs. Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. Buick Regal. Historically, it follows, as each division had its own engineering, marketing and production assets and managed its own dealership network. In specification and output there may not have been much difference between an Oldsmobile and a Buick V8, but no Olds division manager in the 1950s and 1960s would ever consider putting a Buick engine into one of his 88s or Starfires. An Olds was an Olds, a Buick was a Buick, a Chevy a Chevy, a Pontiac a Pontiac, and Cadillac stood alone. And each division had its own look, feel, tweaks and customer bonding. Even the individual engineers were so proud of their own designs that they competed against fellow engineers on other projects. So it became easy for an enthusiast to follow and buy one division for life, excluding all sister or brother badges within GM.

Sometimes the divide even comes from different generations of the same vehicle as with early- and late-model Corvettes, original and more recent Camaros and the Old School vs. New School evolution of Cadillac. Often, there is competitive debate within the same badge as with Pontiac’s Bonneville vs. Firebird or Firebird vs. GTO, Oldsmobile’s 88 vs. 98, or Chevy’s Nova vs. Chevelle (even though Chevelle was a midsize and larger than Nova). 

Now this isn’t to suggest animosity or enemy camps. It is more of an overwhelming pride in the vehicles or badged cars the fans grew up with, work on, drive or collect. And this pride supersedes any close relationships with other family members … stay away from Uncle Charlie; he will talk your ear off about his ’57 Bel Air.

There are exceptions. Corvette seems to have earned niche approval among most family members and is largely held in esteem like the favorite uncle or aunt that all the kids love. And Uncle Cadillac has evolved into a luxury sedan with as much power as his nephew Vette, and is revered by many family members for his history.

As car lovers, we can appreciate something about nearly all makes, models, badges and concepts, but if you have spent your life driving, working on and monitoring everything available on a specific badge … fandom keeps revered place for it in the hearts of car people.

In the case of Camaro vs. Firebird, the competitive fires burns logically, as both shared the same platform and were big players in The Pony Car Wars starting in 1967. With similar styling, one difference between the two cars was under the hood, and Firebird was marketed as an upmarket version of the Camaro, while Camaro became “the people’ car.” And both won at the racetrack. 

Another internal GM battle subject is the 1973 Olds Cutlass Supreme versus 1973 Pontiac GTO. That is a great topic that we might hear argued at a show, but probably not as spirited as the engine wars that pitted iron-headed big block engines -- 454 Chevy vs. 455 Pontiac vs. 455 Olds against each other. The conversations are spirited and part of the fun of attending big GM car events.

It comes down to this…GM is a family…of cars and enthusiasts, and as with any family, there is competition. Part of the fun and value of attending big car events is discussion and friendly rivalry. The Carlisle GM Nationals is the perfect stage for such a showdown, one in which the enthusiasts win.  As noted, the event runs June 25-26 and all aspects of registration are now open.  This includes registering for the National Parts Depot Showfield, becoming a vendor or simply purchasing spectator tickets (discounted if purchased online in advance).  There's also a bevvy of special displays planned, all of which are open for submission and consideration.  Get full details on the event by way of the show's page today and don't miss out in June at Carlisle!  

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.

Every new car show season brings changes of some sort to the schedule for Carlisle Events.  Sometimes those changes are subtle, while other times they serve as a cornerstone to the season and the automotive enthusiasts who trek to Carlisle for their event of choice.  Commencing in 2021, Carlisle Events is excited to announce that American Collectors Insurance has been named "The Official Collector Car Insurance Partner of Carlisle Events."

This multi-year partnership sees American Collectors Insurance on-site and positioned on the Manufacturer’s Midway at most automotive events hosted at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.  In addition, the partnership will kick-off with a visit to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida as part of Carlisle Auctions’ Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction (February 19-20).

American Collectors Insurance is a division of NSM Insurance Group which includes additional brands like Heacock Classic and Condon & Skelly.  The American Collectors Insurance brand will stand front and center for all to see, not only as part of the six specialty shows backed by Carlisle Events, but also for the automotive flea market events (Spring and Fall Carlisle) as well as Carlisle Auctions’ four offerings, Lakeland Winter, Spring Carlisle, the Summer Sale and Fall Carlisle.

Visiting with the experts from American Collectors Insurance at Carlisle isn’t just a visual experience.  They’ll talk with you about your cherished ride and work with you on an agreed value for coverage purposes, rates up to 40% less than standard auto policies and even offer a flexible mileage program so you’re not just paying for coverage on a ride you can never drive.  Their brand isn’t just about insurance either, as they have a strong social media presence designed specifically to further highlight the classic and collector car hobby.  Best of all, they WILL save you money.

“We’re truly excited about this unique partnership opportunity with Carlisle Events. This multi-year sponsorship reinforces our deep commitment to do our part to protect, expand and grow the loyal collector car community,” said Paul Choi, President – American Collectors Insurance. “By partnering with a respected leader in the automotive hobby arena, we can continue to offer our best-in-class insurance products and demonstrate that we’re extremely passionate about helping our clients protect their treasured investments.”

“We are excited to partner with American Collectors Insurance as our Official Collector Car Insurance Company,” noted Ed Scholly, Director of Business and Event Development.   “They are a strong company with insurance options that should meet the needs of everyone who loves classic cars and attends an event at Carlisle.  Their staff is professional and enthusiastic about being a part of the Carlisle Events family.  We look forward to car show season and growing with them into the future,” concluded Scholly.

The 2021 Carlisle Events season is already up and running, with the Lakeland auction event planned for the third weekend of February.  From there, Spring Carlisle starts it all in Carlisle (April 21-25).  Learn more about the Carlisle Events schedule and American Collectors Insurance online today at CarlisleEvents.com or visit with them at a Carlisle car event near you!

Ford began its off-road SUV experience in World War II, when they built GP (General Purpose) vehicles for Allied forces, and gained further GP experience building the troop utility vehicle, MUTT in the 1950s and ’60s. Following WWII, GIs returning home sought and bought familiar Army surplus GPs for work and outdoor play, but they did not provide the civilian comfort Ford was marketing. In the early 1960s, Ford began developing a more refined, spacious, yet durable off-road vehicle to meet this need – Bronco, which it referred to as a “sports-utility vehicle,” the first SUV developed by the company and first American manufacturer to use the term.

The original Bronco was nicknamed G.O.A.T. by Donald Frey, the Ford vice-president who helped initiate both Mustang and Bronco nameplates, He challenged engineering teams to deliver “go anywhere roadability.” The G.O.A.T. terminology was indicative of the desire to develop a “Goes Over All Terrain” vehicle. However, since the public already nicknamed the Pontiac GTO “GOAT,” and the Dodge Ram insignia was a mountain goat (ram), that terminology was eliminated. Not a company to forget, Ford has brought back Bronco for 2021 and has included a “G.O.A.T.” 4x4 system with an exclusive drive mode set-up, and unique Bronco-variant architectures with class-leading levels of capability and suspension technology. Ford markets the arrangement as a “go over any terrain” system.

The earliest sketches for the Bronco show the now-familiar box-shaped vehicle with the recognizable round headlights and two-door layout. The vehicle underwent constant revisions as its features were molded, and Frey described it as “neither a conventional car nor a truck, but as a vehicle which combines the best of both worlds. It can serve as a family sedan, as sports roadster, a snowplow, or as a farm or civil defense vehicle. It has been designed to go nearly anywhere and do nearly anything.” 

Brought out for the 1966 model year, Bronco was offered in three body styles: the Roadster (open-air model,) Sports Utility (with pickup bed,) and Wagon (two doors, tailgate, full top.) The Roadster was the most basic and least expensive of the three with doors and roof as options. The Sports Utility featured a short top, seating for two or three with a bench seat and a pickup style bed. Over time, the Sports Utility was known as the “half-cab.” The most popular model was the Wagon with a full-length hardtop roof and seating for up to five people with rear bench seat. While there were a large number of optional packages, all three models came with standard four-wheel drive, a 3-speed manual transmission, and a 105-horsepower, 170-cubic-inch, six-cylinder engine. On March 2, 1966, the 289-V-8 was offered as an upgrade and the Bronco’s horsepower and torque rating increased to the top of the sports-utility field.

Five generations of the Bronco were manufactured and sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years, with a sixth generation of the model line brought back for the 2021 model year. The 1966 Bronco joined Mustang as the second Pony in the Blue Oval stable, and originally competed against Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout.

The public quickly took to Bronco as a vehicle that could take you over any terrain and get you wherever you wanted to go in comfort. A personal case in point: in the late 1960s, my brother-in-law and I went backpacking and trout fishing in the High Sierras of California. Before we backpacked up, we drove my bro-in-law’s 1966 Red-and-White Bronco off-road, over rocks, through tightly situated trees, up steep access and across very rough terrain, as far as we could move on four wheels. We parked it and set off on our hike, and after rock-climbing, river crossing and tree skirting, we came upon an old-timer driving HIS Bronco across bigger rocks, steeper inclines and some flowing water. When I asked him how the heck he got his vehicle up here, he said, “A Bronco can go anywhere, fella.” He shook his head at us and Bronco’d on.

While upgrades were made to the Bronco after its introduction in 1966, the vehicle remained essentially unchanged until 1973, when power steering and automatic transmission were introduced as part of a “Bronco Revolution.” The 302 V-8 option came with the SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed transmission, and a new 200-cubic-inch six replaced the 170-cubic-inch six that had been standard since the introduction. 

In 1978, Bronco was entirely redesigned as Ford enlarged the Bronco as a short-wheelbase version of the F-Series pickup truck, Now a full-size SUV, Bronco set out to compete against larger sports-utes, and it offered two different V-8 engines and for the first time did not have a V-6 option. Additionally, the interior was completely redone as well, offering more space and more comfortable bucket seats in the front and, with a new recessed footwell, and much more legroom for the passengers in the rear seats.  The new model also had two first-time features -- air conditioning and AM/FM radios offered as options. 

The 1980 to 1986 third-generation Bronco became smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient, based on the shorter F-150 platform featuring both V-6 and V-8 engines, coinciding with rising gas prices and attention to fuel economy. The third-Gen Bronco was the first to offer independent front suspension replacing the monobeam front end. A revolutionary front-wheel-drive independent front suspension and new frame were well received by the buying public and automotive press.

The Bronco II was introduced in March 1983 as a 1984 model. The smaller brother to the Bronco, the Bronco II was built through 1990 and was based on the smaller Ranger platform. Popular options included an Eddie Bauer trim package. Advertising touted the rugged toughness of the Bronco and Eddie Bauer gear. After 1990, the Bronco II was discontinued as the new Ford Explorer was introduced in that segment.

The 1987 to 1991 fourth-generation Bronco received an aerodynamically redesigned front end and a variety of modernized features. This generation saw the introduction of electronic fuel injection, rear anti-lock brakes and, after 1988, 5-speed manual transmissions.  Custom trim packages included a special 25th anniversary edition with a special Currant Red exterior and charcoal leather seating. 

The final Bronco generation between 1992 and 1996 included minimal body and styling tweaks, but showed enhanced safety and utility features. Ford advertised the 1992 Bronco as the “Smartest Bronco ever.” This generation was the first to feature driver’s side airbags, three point seat belt systems and, by 1994, an air conditioning system that used a refrigerant that was free of chlorofluorocarbons. It was a 1993 Bronco that O.J. Simpson was a passenger in during his two-hour slow-speed chase in June, 1994.

Dormant for a quarter-century, Bronco is back for 2021, with an all-new Bronco outdoor brand of Built Wild™ SUVs. The current Bronco family includes a two-door, first-ever Bronco four-door model and all-new rugged, small SUV, Bronco Sport – the only domestic brand of SUVs with standard 4x4.

Race-bred EcoBoost® engines plus class-exclusive 7-speed manual and available 10-speed automatic transmissions give the all-new Bronco the optimal combination of power, torque and gear ranges to perform in a wide variety of terrains and uses. The available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 2.3-liter EcoBoost provides 270 hp and 310 lb.-ft. The 2021 Bronco is touted to provide on-road comfort, off-road and rock climbing capability. Purpose-built and ready for action, Bronco continues its heritage as a Goes Over Any Terrain beast.

From its birth, Bronco has held a special place in popular culture and has been featured in more than 1,200 films and 200 songs. Furthermore, since Ford ended its first production run in 1996, Bronco SUVs have gained a following with collectors and enthusiasts. The reemergence of Bronco has helped jump vintage valuations, with premium auction results showing a doubling of Bronco sales prices over the past three years from $39,763 to $74,820 with the 1966-77 Broncos gaining some 75.8 percent -- among the highest vehicle price increases of all collectible SUVs over the past three years.

With the new Bronco available to consumers, expect to see some at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar's this summer, June 4-6 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  In addition to what will be on the National Parts Depot Showfield, Ford will likely have some as part of their display too.  Finally, Ford Nationals weekend spotlights all things Stroppe!  From the Stroppe Baja Broncos to the Lincoln and Mercury Stroppe racecars of old, a nice Stroppe themed mix will be on display inside and outside of Building T.  There are even some display specific surprises planned.  Stroppe owners are encouraged to be part of this display by applying for consideration at CarlisleFeatures.com.

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.

 

 

For 30 years the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores has showcased some of the coolest trucks in the mid-Atlantic region.  From August 6-8, trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles and eras converge on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Joining the trucks are truck lovers, including lots of families and their kids.  For everyone at the event, it's a chance to see in real life the toys they play(ed) with as kids; toys like fire trucks, tow trucks, monster trucks, tractor trailers and heavy equipment. 

The big machines may drop jaws, but the little ones will do more than that.  Lowered and mini trucks have always played a key role in event weekend, but for 2021, the event welcomes an all-new dedicated area for lowered trucks and low truck clubs to gather for an official “Low Show.”

This special show within a show of lowered and mini trucks will be positioned just inside of Gate 3, the main entrance to the grounds near Carlisle Events offices to the north of the Gate.  More than ten clubs will be represented in this area to include new and old friends of the Carlisle Truck Nationals. In addition to this showing for low trucks, there will be additional competitions and activities for the low truck and all truck enthusiasts to enjoy. While at the show this year, look for a low truck limbo, coolest and largest club honors, drop and drag, a skating parade, dyno and more. 

For truck lovers looking to get upgrades while at the event, A&A Auto Stores not only presents the Carlisle Truck Nationals, but also offers in-person installations, while American Force Wheels, the Official Wheel of the Carlisle Truck Nationals brings a mixed bag of size and color options for trucks of all sizes backdropped on some incredible truck builds.

“The enthusiasm and excitement for the low truck show and showing at this year’s Truck Nationals is incredible, noted Ed Scholly, event manager of the Truck Nationals. This includes current clubs that have been showing at Carlisle and many new clubs or groups that we have not seen in a few years. Lowered, Lifted, Big, Mini, Late Model or Antique, 2021 is lining up real nice for truck enthusiasts trekking to Carlisle!”

So…while there are many great trucks and features that guests of all ages have come to know and love, 2021 will shine a new light on the lowered truck hobby and you’re invited!

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds remain COVID compliant and plan to offer detailed health safety measures at all 2021 events.  Complete details on the COVID plan, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, register for “Low Show,” the Showfield, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Spring Carlisle at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is an event that spawns an annual pilgrimage for car lovers and collectors from all walks of life.  Much like how the items available bridge generations of automotive production, the people who come to Carlisle also bridge generations – of families!  An enthusiast who first came to Spring Carlisle in 1977, now attends with their son or grandson, all while a first-timer shares the same aisle space as they buy, sell and trade all things automotive.

For 2021, Spring Carlisle runs April 21-25 and this year, offers a return to its normal April time frame.  With 8,100 spaces available, the grounds come to life with everything from the simple to the exotic.  If X marks the spot still means something to enthusiasts who love to hunt and pick, then Spring Carlisle has an X at every turn.  Hidden gems, treasures, collectibles, hard to find items; it all adorns the grounds at Carlisle.

In addition to vendors showcasing their wares, multiple partners will be onsite to create a unique Manufactures Midway.  The midway plays host to some of the top named automotive companies in the hobby, including Amsoil, Rock Auto, Meguiar’s, A&A Auto Stores, American Collectors Insurance and more.  A complete list of midway partners will be available online within the digital version of the event directory.  That directory will be available no later than two weeks prior to the event. 

Another great event aspect is the ARMO Hot Products Showcase.  See in person the latest and greatest products straight from the SEMA Show coming onto the market and talk person to person with their product EXPERTS.  Doing this helps you better understand what they are showcasing and how their products can work for any vehicle, regardless of its era.  Joining ARMO as a special attraction will be a display from the AACA.  The display will feature select cars and include information on the car club plus details on their annual fall meet in Hershey in October.

Along with the automotive flea market, the car corral boasts more history on display AND for sale.  The comfort level of buying and selling within the corral is high because the pressure is low.  Deal directly with the owner face-to-face and know exactly what you’re buying.

Speaking of buying cars, Carlisle Auctions returns to the Carlisle Expo Center in April a two-day classic and collector car auction.  The auction hosts over 400+ consignments and spans April 22-23.  In addition to nearly every decade of production crossing the block, Carlisle Auctions plans a themed truck hour at a time TBD on April 22.

Another great attraction, though non-automotive, is the Women’s Oasis.  This ‘home away from chrome” welcomes amazing vendors and artisans selling items such as handmade crafts, jewelry and accessories, kitchen must-haves, unique clothing, treats to temp you, relaxing scents, beauty products and so much more

When it’s all said and done, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions offer investments that truly accelerate, either in the form of transportation, collectibles, merchandise or even the motorized, but non-automotive stuff known as “anymotive.”    

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply, register, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of all events or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.