Car show season in Carlisle, Pennsylvania welcomes nearly 500,000 guests to the region.  Along the way, enthusiasts from all walks of life bring their positive outlook and generosity to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and into the community.  Last year, with support from multiple event guests and area Lions Club team members, $10,000 was raised and donated to the Carlisle branch of the Salvation Army to support humanitarian relief efforts in war-torn Ukraine.  For 2023, the Lions are back and this time, they’ll be fostering a cause that’s near and dear to them, their Lions International Disaster Relief program.

This year, instead of focusing on one specific country, the Lions Club returns to help those in need wherever and whenever disaster strikes around the world.  From July to December 2022, the Lions awarded 173 disaster relief-related grants, totaling more than $3.5 million around the world.  Lions Disaster Relief provides millions annually to help disaster survivors, from tornados in the heartland of America, destructive earthquakes in Turkey, hurricane and fire relief in Canada, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or in and around any of the 200+ countries where Lions Clubs exist.

Confirmed for the upcoming car show season, Lions Club team members will be stationed at select gates (location and staffing vary per event) for Spring Carlisle (April 19-23), the Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 2-4), Carlisle GM Nationals (June 23-24), Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 14-16), Corvettes at Carlisle (August 24-26), and Fall Carlisle (September 27-October 1). 

“Our motto is ‘We Serve’ and since 1972 when disaster strikes, Lions have served their communities springing into action,” noted Laura Highlands, Carlisle Lions Club President.  “Once again Lions Clubs throughout the area will come together to work with Carlisle Events raising money for those in need.  Every penny collected will go to Disaster Relief, supporting communities in one of the 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries around the world.” 

Showgoers can look for the Lions in their well-known yellow vest adorned with the Lions Club logo on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Spring and Fall Carlisle as well as Corvettes at Carlisle, while working Friday and Saturday of Ford, Chrysler, and truck weekend.  Warm smiles, caring hearts, and a black donation tin in hand; learn more about the Carlisle Lions and Disaster Relief at htts://e-clubhouse.org/sites/carlislepa.

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.

Guests of the annual Carlisle GM Nationals automotive event know that the National Parts Depot Showfield is populated with amazing show cars spanning decades of production.  For the 2023 event, June 23-24 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, several announced displays turn back the clock to a time when the competition was fierce among automakers.  This summer, the GM Nationals not only honors 40 years of the Pontiac Fiero, but 50 years of the Buick Regal, 120+ Years of Buick, the Malaise Era, and 4^th Gen Camaros and Firebirds too.

Building T will be ground zero for these two displays and should include at least a half dozen, if not more of each vehicle.  For the Fiero, guests can enjoy a timeline of sorts showcasing some of the best Fieros dating back to its launch for the 1984 model year.  Designed by George Milidrag and Hulki Aldikacti, over 370,000 Fieros were produced over their five-year run.  In addition to the cars, the Mid-Atlantic Fiero Owners Association hosts a variety of events, including club activities, technical how-to seminars, and more.  

For Buick Regal lovers, they too can revisit their vehicle’s glory days.  The alphabet soup of Regal bodies will ALL be honored, including those viewed as luxury vehicles as well as those with a nod to performance.  The Regal was a star on the NASCAR track, on TV, and even in the movies.  For 2023, it’ll also be a star of the GM Nationals.  Much like the Fiero, there will be additional activities, the scope of which will be announced closer to the event.  In addition to the Regal, the GM Nationals will honor the 120+ year history of Buick.  Cars will be positioned within Building T and will aim to include Buicks from different eras of production.    

Additional Featured Displays include one focused on 4^th Gen Camaros and Firebirds, a 3^rd Gen Camaro and Firebirds “show within the show” called the 3^rd Gen Nationals, and all-new, a Malaise Era display.  The “malaise era” refers to the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s and included some of GM’s often forgotten vehicles. This year at the GM Nationals, expect a cool display tent on the NPD Showfield that encompasses a lot of vehicles from the era, specifically the odd and off-the-wall stuff; stuff many car lovers have forgotten about.

Each anniversary is a Featured Display and as such, will be vetted by an application process and the event manager.  The portal for applying is open and available by way of CarlisleEvents.com and will be accepting submissions through at least May. 

Finally, Fiero, Regal, Buick, and 4^th Gen stardom isn’t limited to just Building T.  Registration for the Showfield is now open and will no doubt welcome even more of these historic masterpieces.  Apply today for consideration and if accepted, owners not only get to be front and center at the event, but promoted via social media, and within the event guide too.  Don’t have something that fits the bill for these displays, but own a car or truck that’s show-worthy?  Register online and get full details on the event, links to purchase tickets, and more. 

300!  That’s how many 1953 Corvettes were produced when what’s now known as the C1 was originally produced.  Fast forward to late April in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and one of those original 300 (serial #100 to be exact), will cross the auction block on Friday, April 21.  That’s right, a 1953 Corvette, one of the first 40 or so actually sold some 70 years ago, will be up for grabs as part of Carlisle Auctions’ two-day classic and collector car auction at the Carlisle Expo Center, April 20-21, 2023.  Think about it.  In 70 years, nearly 2 million Corvettes have been built and sold.  This is the 100th ever created; talk about rarified air!

The auction starts at 12 p.m. each day and the fact that a 1953 Corvette is even crossing the block is nothing short of a big deal.  The National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS), the premier authority on all things Corvette has judged only 60 ‘53s all time and rarer yet, over the last five years, only 16 ‘53s are known to have sold.  Most have sold through “as seen on TV” auction houses.  Currently, there’s only one other known active sale for a ’53 and its part of a non-auction/boutique dealership sale.

With this ’53, it’s the first time such an iconic and rare ride will be made available by Carlisle Auctions.  Built in October of 1953, this ’53 was delivered by Tom Hoskins of Hoskins Chevrolet in Chicago to a prominent man of the time, Cyrus Rowlett (C.R.) Smith.  Mr. Smith was the founder and CEO of American Airlines from 1934-1968 and again from 1973-74.  Smith also served his country, both as a Major General and as the wartime deputy commander of the Air Transport Command during World War II.  He also served under President Lyndon B. Johnson as the United States Secretary of Commerce.  Mr. Smith is regarded as one of the titans of U.S. airline history and when he passed in 1990, was laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

In addition, Mr. Smith was very close with the Roosevelt family, specifically first-lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her son Elliott.  Smith aided Mrs. Roosevelt frequently with travel plans and even introduced Elliott to his second wife, serving as best man at their wedding.

While the car has changed hands multiple times since Mr. Smith’s ownership, there is meticulous documentation of its ownership record.  Its engine number is 535454 and there are many original elements to the car too, including valve cover (one of 305 produced), 3836066 special Corvette cylinder head, body, and specially engineered open drive shaft two-speed power glide automatic transmission, which was all-new for the Corvette only.  The ’53 also retains its original vacuum bag molded fiberglass body made by Lunn Laminates of Huntington, New York which is currently adorned by a 2019 repaint in acrylic lacquer formulated in the Delaware factory of E. I. du Pont de Nemours. 

Under the trunk bulkhead is the #100, further solidifying its place in the production line.  This is not a restoration piece, though it has been re-painted.  It’s also won numerous awards, including as recently as 2021 when it was tapped as the NCRS’ Top Flight Award winner.

“This 1953 Corvette is an excellent unrestored/first year Corvette with full provenance,” notes Alan Blay, editor of On Solid Ground, the Solid Axle Corvette Club magazine (solidaxle.org) and columnist and historian for six-cylinder Corvettes built in 1953, 1954, and 1955.  “Its body has never separated from the chassis and other than a 2019 repaint, its emulated as close as possible to the car’s original finish and appearance,” continued Blay.

“It’ll roll across the auction block with all original hardware still intact and drives as it did when it was brand new 70 years ago.  In fact, its current owner still drives it and has logged about 5,000 miles in the past 18 years.  This car is not a trailer queen,” concluded Blay. 

Carlisle Auctions is no stranger to big names and cars, as it has previously worked with the late Burt Reynolds to sell a few cars associated with his collection.  In addition, a pair of Fast and Furious movie franchise vehicles have crossed the block, a 1968 Dodge Charger that was used for stunt and green screen scenes in Fast and Furious 4 as well as Fast and Furious 5 and a 1967 Ford Mustang that was screen used as part of Fast and Furious – Tokyo Drift. 

Further, with an average of 1,600 consignments per year, Carlisle Auctions frequently sees many of its top-dollar sales come by way of the Corvette.

“What an opportunity to own a very rare piece of American history,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We are thrilled to be able to offer this 1953 Corvette at our Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction.”

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction takes place in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, a five-day event that includes an automotive flea market and car corral.  Spring Carlisle happens April 19-23 at the neighboring Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and welcomes nearly 100,000 guests from around the world.  There’s reciprocating admission to the events too, meaning by attending one, you can easily and conveniently attend the other.    

To learn more about Spring Carlisle, secure a vending space or purchase discounted shopper admission tickets, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.  For complete information on the auction, including even more details on this ’53 Corvette, call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.