In Part 1 of Mopar®’s Mad Men, we met Jim Ramsey, one of the creative brains that had a major role in creating some of the most iconic Plymouth print ads and marketing materials during the height of the muscle car era. Jim was more than a guy who wrote engaging words, he was an enthusiast himself who “got it” when it came to connecting with young gearheads. Hired into Chrysler’s ad agency Young & Rubicam (Y&R) on the eve of Plymouth introducing their GTX in late 1966, his first assignment was on the new Belvedere GTX, a street fighter created by Plymouth to do battle with Pontiac’s GTO on the drag strips and in the minds of performance fans all over the country.

Now...it's time for Part 2!  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 II by David Hakim
Additional Dodge Garage Features by David Hakim
Register for the 2022 Chrysler Nationals & Learn More

There is undeniable turmoil currently playing out in the Eastern European country of Ukraine.  Since February, its people have been under attack from the Russian military.  As survivors flee, many have been left in need of support in ways that most will never comprehend.  In a simultaneous act, the war rages on, while a large-scale international humanitarian effort plays out.  Carlisle Events is teaming with the Carlisle Area Lions Clubs and the Carlisle Salvation Army to receive donations that can ultimately help those in need.

Beginning with Spring Carlisle (April 20-24) and running through Fall Carlisle (September 28-October 2), the Salvation Army will be on grounds, ringing their familiar bell, and taking donations.  According to Captain Ozzie Urbaez, their on-site donations will go towards Ukrainian relief efforts, while also raising awareness for their local causes too.  Their location per event varies, but their mission remains the same; to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet the human needs in his name without discrimination.  In addition to their standard monetary donations, they’ll also have a donation bin set up where that support will benefit Ukrainian refugees. 

“We at The Salvation Army are honored to partner with Carlisle Events to help the people of Ukraine who have been heavily affected this year,” added Captain Baez.  “Our partnership with Carlisle Events dates back to more than 20 years and their support to the people we serve in Carlisle is invaluable.  On behalf of The Salvation Army we thank you for your generosity in helping our friends from Ukraine who are in desperate need of our help this year.”

In addition to the Salvation Army’s on-grounds presence, local Lions Clubs will come together to greet guests as they enter the venue to solicit donations for the Ukrainian relief effort.  These Lions Clubs include Carlisle, Boiling Springs, Mt. Holly, Plainfield, Newville, Shippensburg, and Jacksonville (Walnut Bottom).  Just as the bell and look from the Salvation Army will be unmistakable, so will the vests and branding of the Lions Club members. 

“Our motto is ‘we serve’ and when Carlisle Events called us to ask about supporting this cause, we were eager to spring into action,” noted Raymond Highlands, Carlisle Lions Club President.  “In addition to Lions from our Carlisle club, we are thankful for the help and support of area Lions Clubs too.  I can’t thank them enough as we pull together to help those in need.”

This venture is one that was discussed for weeks within the Carlisle Events offices, but ultimately got going following an e-mail from co-owner and co-founder Bill Miller, Jr.  Recognizing our long-time partnership with the Salvation Army and having formerly served on their board, a conversation was started that pays off with the Salvation Army, Lions Clubs, and Carlisle Events partnering to continue supporting those in need, locally and abroad.

“Our team at Carlisle Events stand with the people of Ukraine,” said Miller.  “Our hearts are heavy with the devastation they are enduring and we want to help in any way we can,” continued Miller.  “Carlisle Events has teamed up with the Salvation Army to send as much as we can to ease the suffering on all the people of Ukraine. Give with your hearts with whatever you can and we will make sure every penny will get to the people.”

Attending a car show at Carlisle isn’t just a great way to support those in need, it’s an affordable family outing.  Kids 12 and under are always admitted free at Carlisle and for details on vendor or Showfield registration, event specifics, or to purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.

Some of the top automotive businesses in the hobby have attached themselves to various elements of the car shows in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for good reason.  The car shows at Carlisle attract nearly half a million guests annually and are some of the largest of their type in the world.  With a built-in customer base and a storied history of success, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce that eBay Motors and the PA Turnpike (E-ZPass) are the newest business partners that car show guests can interact with and learn more about in 2022 and beyond.

The eBay Motors brand is no stranger to guests at Carlisle, as it was introduced to Carlisle enthusiasts as an Official Partner two decades ago. With their sponsorship of Spring Carlisle (April 20-24) continuing this season, eBay Motors will also join Carlisle Events as the presenting sponsor of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 13-14) and Corvettes at Carlisle (August 25-27).  Each of the new partnerships offer unique opportunities for eBay Motors to share its platform as one of the largest online marketplaces for automotive parts, products, and items. 

In addition to eBay Motors, the PATurnpike is coming on board as the sponsor for Carlisle Events’ Gate-N-Go (GNG) program.  GNG is a pre-registration option that allows for a 10% savings to those who pre-register at least 45 days in advance of an event.  More than a financial perk, GNG offers time savings and better ease of access, much like the PA Turnpike’s E-ZPass option.  Those who take advantage of Gate-n-Go and E-ZPass from the PA Turnpike can save on Carlisle Showfield registrations and travel to Carlisle by way of the PA Turnpike (I-76).   

The partnership with the PA Turnpike is also fitting, as a portion of the highway parallels the northern part of the fairgrounds.  In fact, the original stretch of turnpike opened in 1940 and terminated in Carlisle.  Today, the highway spans the entirety of Pennsylvania with two exits in close proximity of Carlisle: one near Shippensburg about 30 miles west and the other in Middlesex Township (Carlisle), about 2 miles to the east.

“We’re excited to continue our relationship with eBay Motors to bring car show participants and attendees world class automotive events,” said Ed Scholly, Director of Business and Event Development.  “They’ve been a great partner of Carlisle over the years, participating on many levels for a long time,” continued Scholly.  “The PA Turnpike has enabled thousands upon thousands of show cars, vendors, and attendees easy highway access to events at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. We hope that you can take advantage of the connections to eBay and the savings with E-ZPass on your visits to Carlisle.”  

Car show season starts on April 20 in Carlisle with Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors and concludes on October 2 as part of Fall Carlisle (September 28-October 2).  In between, six more events will draw car enthusiasts and families from around the world to browse, buy, and socialize.  Kids 12 and under are always admitted free at Carlisle and for details on vendor or Showfield registration, event specifics, or to purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.

After a red, white, and blue kaboom at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds celebrating the 4^th of July, the grounds transitions to another type of earth-shaking thunder; the roar of some of the coolest and most historically significant Mopars ever built.  The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and its passionate flock of showgoers converge on Carlisle July 15-17 for an event that is just as much of a car show and automotive flea market as it is a family and social reunion.

The calendar may note three days for the car show and parts shopping extravaganza, but with a touch of mid-summer weather, the event becomes four days of fun with early load-ins and the annual Mopar Rebellion Car Club kick-off party at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center on July 14.

With everyone primed for the biggest and best show of its type in the world, gates open at 7 a.m. on the 15^th and from there, it’s non-stop action.  Not only will there be special displays (noted below) that are guaranteed to draw a crowd, Carlisle welcomes special guests, too.  These gusts include legendary racers like Paul Rossi, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, and Herb McCandless, while also making way for “as seen on TV” car experts.

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals doesn’t just welcome legendary people associated with Mopar, it also celebrates the history of some iconic rides with special displays.  Planned displays for 2022 include the following:

1) Mopar Collectibles Display                 2) Mopars with a Family Connection
3) Plymouth Prowler 25th Display           4) 1972 Mopar 50th Anniversary Display
5) 1970 Charger 50th Anniversary Display (because 2020 was mean)

The Mopars with a Family Connection display is all-new and comes with a plethora of built-in feel-good opportunities.  There is no black and white to this display either, as the grey in it allows for any and all family ties within reason.  Another feature, the Mopar Collectibles Display, isn’t about the cars at all. Rather, this will be a building of Mopar-related items like bicycles, go-karts, Sno Runners, driving simulators, and more.

Something else we’re doing this year that’s totally new is the “State of the Hobby” address live at the stage. We’ve gathered some of the biggest names in the Mopar hobby from builders and restorers to business owners and collectors. The address will conclude with some incredible Mopar unveilings of all genres of the hobby.

In addition to new show elements, many great standards return, too.  This includes the Mopar Survivor display, Real Street Shootout (autocross), rolling exhaust contest, largest and coolest club contests, the Young Guns Showfield (25 and under), and of course the biggest and best all-Mopar themed automotive flea market.

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is actively taking registrations for the Showfield, vendor registrations for the automotive flea market, and selling discounted spectator tickets in advance of the July 15-17 offering.  Please note, vending space is LIMITED at this time due to demand.  Learn more about the competitions, special displays, and get involved today by calling 717-243-7855 or online at CarlisleEvents.com.

With every automotive event schedule generated by Carlisle Events, the Carlisle Auctions brand is represented.  America’s Automotive Hometown auction house presents four amazing annual options for its passionate customer base.  Two of those events take place in conjunction with Spring and Fall Carlisle respectively at the Carlisle Expo Center, while two other auctions are held in Lakeland, Florida at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus.  Auctions have grown in size and have been enhanced in presentation, but at the end of the day, it’s an auction house working with sellers to offer buyers a variety of options for purchase.  This process is one of four elements: buyers, sellers, consignments, and the venue/logistics that goes into an event. 

Recently, Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline sat down with me and All About Cars to discuss what goes into the consignment and auction process and how his team goes about picking prime lots for their events.

Q:  Has your consignment process been the same since you started with Carlisle Auctions in 2012?
A:  No.  As our auctions continue to grow and gain traction, our consignment process has continued to evolve, much to the delight of everyone I’ve talked to over the years.

Q:  Do you have to be a certain age or have a certain credit limit/level of income to be able to bid and buy on a vehicle?
A:  There is nothing in the Vehicle Code which prohibits a minor individual from owning a motor vehicle.  Unfortunately, car finance isn't an option for anyone under 18, as you're not allowed to sign a credit agreement until the age of 18.

Q:  How many people does it take to staff an auction and what are some of their responsibilities?
A:  We have about 75-100 staffers working an auction.  Their jobs vary, but positions include checking in consignments and bidders, registering bidders in person, the title department, auction block staff, drivers, security, and those that handle post-sale.

Q:  What kinds of lots are accepted?  Is it just classic muscle or are there more options than that?
A:  Our auction house considers and accepts a variety of options.  This includes American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, and even customs.

Q:  When do vehicles start arriving for the auction and what are the steps for preparing them to run across the block?
A:  We start to accept consignments the Monday of auction week.  Owners who have consigned vehicles to our auction are responsible for having their consignments cleaned and details.  We also have detailers on-site who can be contracted for their services if need be.

Q:  So, is it only cars that you accept as a consignment?
A:  No.  We have accepted non-automotive consignments, but more so, we do accept Jeeps, SUVs, Vans, and trucks.  We’ve found that trucks are incredibly popular and as such, have incorporated an all-Truck hour into the first day of each of our auctions. 

Q:  Ok, so Carlisle Auctions takes consignments and sells cars in person, on the phone, or online.  Is there anything about your auction house that makes it unique?
A:  Absolutely!  We are the ONLY auction house to offer a FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee on lots 25 years or older.  This guarantee means that if a particular consignment of that vintage does not sell after our marketing and promotional efforts, the consignor gets their consignment fees refunded to them.  We are also family oriented, in that we are family owned and operated.  That means in turn, we do our best to treat everyone as family, not just a number on a run sheet.

Q:  Are there any “must have’s” on your end from a consignor to better their odds of selling at a Carlisle Auction?
A:  Photos and details!  When a seller makes the commitment to consign with us, we urge them to offer multiple quality photos and as much detail as possible on their consignment.  In conjunction with our marketing team, we actively work to promote every consignment by way of social media, video, and advertising on the pages of some of the largest and most popular trades magazines and websites.  These photos and details help tell the complete story of the car to prospective bidders/buyers.

Q:  Is there a warranty or anything similar if a vehicle leaves the lot and there’s an unexpected issue with the vehicle?
A:  All vehicle are sold AS IS - WHERE IS!

Q:  What happens if a vehicle doesn’t sell?
A:  All unsold vehicles return home with their owners.

Q:  Does the vehicle have to be moved immediately following the auction, and does Carlisle Auctions assist with any arrangements?
A:  Vehicles need to be picked up within four (4) days of the final sale day.  Carlisle Auctions will recommend professional transport companies.

So…there you have it.  Obviously, there’s a lot that goes into putting together a classic and collector car auction, but Tony Cline and his Carlisle Auctions team are seasoned pros in their field and are ready to talk with you today!  Call Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 to make your commitment for an upcoming auction and be sure to visit CarlisleAuctions.com to review consignments, register to bid, and more!

Finally, remaining 2022 auction dates are as follows:  Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction (April 21-22), Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction (September 29-30), and the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction (November 11-12).

Coming up this summer, Tony and I connect again on how he and his team slot confirmed consignments so that each day runs and flows smoothly for his staff as well as those who are buying, selling, or simply watching the event in person.