1999 was 25 years ago.  Let that sink in for a second, a vehicle built in 1999 is now considered a classic car.  25 years is also the threshold which allows the importation of vehicles that are at least 25 years old "without regard to whether it complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."

In our latest All About Cars Blog post, we share a piece from Car and Driver by author Greg S. Fink.  Fink looks at the coolest cars you can legally import into the United States.  Who knows, maybe we'll see one (or more) of these rides at the 2024 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, May 10-11.  

Read the full piece to learn more!  

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.