Americans clamored for a muscular, powerful, sporty car for the street and for tire-smoking bragging rights in the early 1960s, and Ford answered the bell with Mustang in 1964, launching the Pony Car Wars. Chevrolet’s stable of competing vehicles at that time was limited to the rear-engine Corvair and the Chevy II Nova, with “Super Nova” on engineers’ drawing boards. GM answered the call, attacked the genre, and in two years, put out a vehicle to compete for the 1967 model year … the Camaro.

Camaro began as Project XP-836, code-named “Panther”, but the vehicle was always intended, by Chevy leaders to have a “C” letter name to perpetuate the legacy begun by Corvair, Chevelle, Chevy II and Corvette. Legend dictates that when marketing leaders discovered a slang French word meaning “pal, friend or comrade,” Camaro was born (though “Camaro” is not recognized in the French language). When Chevrolet product managers were asked what “Camaro” means, they responded with “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” And The Pony Wars of American muscle was born.

Down the boulevards, across the highways and on the track, Camaro enjoyed a stellar reputation for being sexy, fast and reliable. Camaro was one of the prominent vehicles in the SCCA-sanctioned Trans-Am Series, as Chevrolet contracted with Roger Penske to operate their "unofficial" factory-backed Trans-Am team. The team won the title in 1968 and 1969 with Mark Donohue behind the wheel, and Jim Hall’s Chaparral team replaced Penske for the 1970 season. Beginning in 1975, Camaro was the official car of, and used in the International Race of Champions until 1989, making it the first American car of the series. Camaro has been an Indianapolis 500 Pace car eight times, and a NASCAR Xfiniti Series, stock car since 2017.

Through six generations, 5.5 million Camaros have been sold, with its first four generations produced from 1967 through 2002, and its most recent two generations built from 2010 through the present. From its inception, Camaro has been fast, exciting, popular with the public and a frequent star of the Silver Screen, from appearing in “The Gumball Rally” in 1976 to “2 Fast 2 Furious” in 2003 to “Transformers” as “Bumblebee” in 2007, and dozens more featured roles.

Each of Camaro's generations has had its own Camaroesque personality and its own following.

1967-1969
Hitting the streets in two-door coupé or convertible with 2+2 seating, and a choice of 230 ci., 250 ci. inline-6, or 302 ci., 307 ci., 327ci, 350 ci., and 396 ci. V-8s, on a new rear-wheel drive GM-F body that was eventually shared with the Pontiac Firebird. The First-Generation offered standard, Super Sport, and Rally Sport editions. Power during Gen-One ranged from 140hp for the 230 ci. Six-cylinder, to 425hp for a 427. The 427 could do a quarter-mile in 13 seconds, and the popular 327 was a 10.7 zero-to-60 mph car with an 18.2-second quarter-mile.

1970-1981
Restyled larger and wider for Gen-Two, the new Camaro had a similar frame, subframe and suspension, but later in the run in 1980 and ’81, Z28 models included an air induction hood scoop with an intake door that opened under full throttle. Engine size went from a 5.7-liter, 360-hp LT-1 engine to an emission-requirement drop in 1975 to only 155 horsepower. Track times were often disappointing at 11.0 seconds for a zero-to-60 run and a 17.4-second quarter mile. However, the Z28 could blast a 5.8-second sprint and a 14.2-second quarter.

1982-1992
Gen-Three was the first Camaro with modern fuel injection, four-speed automatics or five-speed sticks, 14-,15- or 16-inch wheels, and hatchback models. The cars were nearly 500 pounds lighter than the Second-Generation model.

Convertibles, discontinued in 1969, returned in 1987 and all base models were outfitted with a 2.8 L V6 (OHV). In 1985, the direct-injection 305 ci. small block V8 was available and in 1987, the L98 350 ci. V8 engine became a regular option on the IROC-Z. Top power models could track run at 8.6 seconds for the sprint and 16.4 for the quarter.

1993-2002
Gen-Four saw an updated F-Body platform and returned to 1967’s coupé body style with 2+2 seating (with an optional T-Top roof) or convertible (reintroduced in 1994). The standard powerplant from 1993 to 1995 was a 3.4 L V6, and a 3.8 L V6 was introduced in 1995. The Z28 trim utilized Corvette’s LT1 275-hp 350 ci. small-block V-8 engine and in 1996-’97, a limited number of Camaro SS models came with the 330-hp LT4 small block from the Corvette, although most were equipped with the 275 hp LT1. Again, Z28s were speed performers with track times as quick as a 5.4 sprint and 14.0 seconds for the quarter-mile.

2010-2015
Bumblebee was the “Transformers” star and Camaro came back after an eight-year hiatus with a complete redesign. Gen-Five saw LS and LT models powered by a 3.6 L V6 producing 312 hp mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with manual shift. The SS had the 6.2 L LS3 V8 and 426 hp. Top stock Camaros could finish off a dash in 6.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.5.

2016—present
The Sixth-Gen Camaro, built on the GM Alpha platform, comes with such engine choices as a 275-hp  2.0 L turbo-charged inline-four; a new 335-hp 3.6 L V6 and for the SS trim, a 455-hp 6.2 L LT1 V8. The super-powered ZL1 has a supercharged 650-hp LT4 based on the Corvette Z06. For 2021, the ZL1 can blaze a 3.5-second zero-to-60mph run and a 12.2-second quarter-mile, and outfitted for today’s high-tech capability, they come with a rear camera, navigation, 8-inch diagonal color screen and all the connectivity demanded by today’s drivers.

You can see all six generations of Camaro, as well as more than 1,000 GM cars that cross more than 100 years of GM history, at the Carlisle AGM Nationals, at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, June 25-26.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

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. </I>

One of the best parts about a car show at Carlisle is being able to see real life versions of cars we played with as kids.  For one car owner, that real life car spawned an actual toy that Hot Wheels produced and can literally be played with by adults and kids alike.  That car, its toy, plus another unique gem are coming to the 2021 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals May 14-15, 2021.

Built and owned by Luis Rodriguez, the car is powered by a 2JZ engine, popularized by the Toyota Supra.  Of course, Luis loved the engine, but wanted something a little more unique.  There’s one seat and its in the middle of what can best be described as a cockpit.  The car is light by car standards, weighing in at 1,600 pounds and powerful…very powerful.  According to comedian and TV star Jay Leno (who has driven it), there’s nearly 630 horses in motion when it’s in full-on performance mode, but when Luis drives it to shows like the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, it’s a highway friendly 525 horsepower.  The exhaust even looks like that of a jet turbine, although it’s actually a stainless-steel veggie steamer. 

If this car isn’t cool enough, it gets bonus points after having been made into a Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast.  The 2 Jet Z toured the country a few years back and after 15 stops with other cars that were unique in and of their own design, it was selected to earn the toy honor.  Hand built, industry tested and enthusiast approved, the 2 Jet Z, Luis and its little toy buddy will be part of the 2JZ display in May.

But wait…there’s more!  Luis’ mental wheels of innovation kept spinning and in addition to the 2 Jet Z, he’ll be bringing his latest creation, Scorp*Ion.  This ride kind of resembles something from Tron, which is very fitting because Luis says he was inspired by Syd Mead. Mead designed the Light Cycles and several other vehicles and objects for Tron. Scorp*Ion is powered by a 510 horsepower, turbocharged Mitsubishi four-cylinder engine and with its carbon fiber body, it weighs a mere 1,500 pounds.  Scorp*Ion will join 2 Jet Z in Building T. These are two more reasons to check out the most unique and diverse show on the Carlisle Events schedule.

In addition to these two (or is it three) vehicles, guests will enjoy a big Volvo celebration, 20 years of the Honda K-Series and 30 years of the Toyota 2JZ engine.  Additionally, the Opel Manta turns 50, the club, Opels at Carlisle, celebrates 25 years of attending the show AND the 15^th annual Opel Nationals meet, which rotates locations annually, has rotated its way to Carlisle for 2021!

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 learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

Annually, Ford lovers flock to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds to enjoy the past, present and future of the brand.  That timeline not only includes cars and car parts, but guests too.  This year’s event, presented by Meguiar's, runs June 4-6 and welcomes for the first time, pro racer Hailie Deegan.

Deegan is coming to Carlisle on Saturday, June 5 only.  Her appearance times and on-grounds meet and greet location is TBD at this time, but details will be posted to the Carlisle Ford Nationals page in the days/weeks leading up to the event. 

Once at Carlisle, she’ll bring with her an impressive resume for someone who will be just a few weeks shy of turning 20.  A Ford Racing Development driver, the Deegan name might sound familiar.  Her dad Brian is a famous professional racer himself, as he’s active in freestyle motocross, car and truck racing and was a founding member of the Metal Mulisha.

While the younger Deegan might share her dad’s last name, she’s successfully carved out a name of her own since 2012.  Deegan started racing at the age of eight and to date, she is the ONLY female ever to compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series and in 2016 she was named the circuit's Driver of the Year.  With Ford Performance, she’s full-time in the ARCA Menards Series and also select events in the Mustang GT4 with Multimatic Motorsports in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge!  In the pandemic riddled 2020 season, she started with a bang, finishing second in the Daytona ARCA race in February.

During her one-day appearance at Carlisle, she’ll host a meet & greet with fans, sign autographs and even take pictures.  Meeting Deegan at Carlisle is FREE with admission to the event itself either as a vendor, spectator or National Parts Depot Showfield participant.  Discounted single day admission tickets are available online now through event weekend and those looking to show can save 10% by registering now through May 3.  After that date, registration shifts to full price and is still available online through event week, but relevant materials must be picked up versus being mailed with an early registration and savings.

Regardless of how or when you make a commitment to attend, doing so yields access to thousands of cars and trucks spanning the history of the brand, thousands of vendors and midway partners selling millions of automotive pieces and parts, special displays and so much more.

As an added bonus, if you attend the show on Friday or Saturday, you can return on Sunday for FREE with your previous day’s event ticket.  This is a great way to enjoy the final hours of the event without larger crowds, watch the awards parade, shop for last minute deals within the automotive flea market or snap some great unobstructed pics of the special indoor displays.  Save your ticket stub from your initial visit and enjoy the final day FREE with Carlisle Events and the 2021 Carlisle Ford Nationals.

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.

Car clubs have been organized and filled with enthusiasts since the early days of the automobile. Many point to the Paris-based, Automobile Club de France, in 1895, as the first car club, expanding to England in 1898, and Austria, Germany and Switzerland by 1900. The concept came to America by 1902 with the American Automobile Association, and by the 1930s, the first of what we would now consider current-concept car clubs were being formed.

The movement took off in America, in the 1950s and 1960s, and by the time the first Carlisle All-Ford Nationals was held at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds in 1995, car clubs were eager to gather at large events to come together, and show off their cars and their clubs.

Since the beginning of the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals, John Clor, Enthusiast Communications Manager / Ford Performance, has been involved in helping cultivate the Carlisle experience for Ford Clubs around the nation, to such an extent that there are currently more than 100 active clubs active with Carlisle Events. (Here is a link to the list of Carlisle’s recognized clubs.  Carlisle Ford Nationals - Clubs (carlisleevents.com)

Clor, a veteran journalist and automotive journalist, has owned, raced, worked on and written about Fords and Mustangs for nearly 45 years. He joined the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in 1995 and spent most of the next decade working on SVT Communications, PR and Marketing. Clor is an Iacocca Award Winner, and hosts a show called “Cars In Context” that has evolved from local cable access to YouTube. In 2007, he developed a club outreach program for Ford Racing that is now known as Club Connect, and today manages enthusiast communications for Ford Performance as well as enthusiast content on FordPerformance.com.  He calls Carlisle, “The Super Bowl of Ford Events.”

Clor said, “Through Ford Club Connect, which has 383 registered clubs, we learned that cars resonate on an emotional level and the club people often have names for their cars … they are going to keep their cars and show them off … not trade them in.” The mission of Ford Club Connect was to get out into the community and contact every club. Clor said, “Every club has its own character, and we looked for events to meet them.  Ken Appell, Carlisle’s Ford Nationals Event Manager runs the Ford Nationals attuned to the clubs. We attend, and clubs attend Carlisle because they engage with the clubs. They help make it a 3-day party for the brand and the clubs.” Clor added, “I could go on the road to 20 venues and see 20 clubs, or I can go to Carlisle and meet with 100 clubs. I can see 200 vehicles at a typical event, or I can see 3200 Fords in one weekend at one place (Carlisle).”

Clor has seen the club scene change and grow at Carlisle since the beginning. “In 1995, with the Ford Special Vehicle team, we saw a few 10x10 pop up tents. Each year, we saw bigger and bolder displays, more Ford celebrities, greater Ford brand involvement and increased Ford club activity.” He said, “Because of aging and evolution of legacy clubs, the club scene has grown younger and less sophisticated, perhaps. We see more Mustangs, and maybe fewer of the older badges, but it is even more of a party or festival and a venue at which to show off a customized source of pride.”

What used to be a bunch of car guys getting together to talk about and show off their ride, is now gaining more and more family attendance. “The experiential owners get their families involved and bring the enthusiasm to the next generation – their kids,” said Clor. “It used to be by word of mouth and phone calls, and now clubs build with Facebook groups and cruise groups and that attracts even more YOUNG families. There used to be just events and displays for guys, but Carlisle has added a women’s oasis, good food, Hot Wheels races for families, raffles, meetings, awards, activities, and it is more than simply a swap meet and a show. The clubs take it in as a family event.”

To help celebrate the clubs at Carlisle, Clor selects The Coolest Club Hangout Award. “For years, clubs would come to the show with a theme. A T-Bird Club came with poodle-skirted ladies, juke boxes, t-shirts with Lucky Strikes rolled up in their sleeves, jeans and a ‘Happy Days’ feel. A Red Mustang Club once had a pirate theme and the winner of the “Coolest Club” was who had the biggest party. He said the selection process, as with the clubs, has evolved. “I visit the clubs and they present an environment where you feel at home. It is now about the group that had roasters and a family dinner … making turkey so that it is like going home for the holidays. That is what is ‘Cool’ to me … how do they make this feel good. How do they make it fun, from trading war stories, celebrating with family and friends and appreciating brand. That club is where I want to be and hang out … they enjoy the show and each other’s company. That is cool.”

Carlisle Events helps clubs gather together with a tent program. Tent rentals are available at most specialty events to use as club headquarters. Carlisle Events offers free or discounted tents to clubs who register a specific number of Showfield cars as a way of showing appreciation for club participation.

To entice additional involvement, Carlisle Events challenges all clubs to show their strength in numbers. The top three clubs (based on number of registered show vehicles) are recognized at each event's awards parade. Further, the top three also get a special banner, which can be displayed when you come back to Carlisle, or with your club at other events. Contact Carlisle Events for more details.

Ford enthusiastically embraces the clubs and the show. Clor sums up saying, “Ford celebrates at the event, it doesn’t try to sell…the brands mean something and nostalgia sells. The Ford Nationals is for enthusiasts, and the clubs make an emotional connection.”

Car clubs with a focus on the Ford family of vehicles past and present are encouraged to register to be part of the 2021 event, June 4-6.  Not only does the event offer a plethora of cars and trucks for you to enjoy, it makes a great "home base" for your club to gather, socialize and recruit.  Officially recognized Carlisle Clubs may also qualify for a FREE tent to host your hangout as well.  There's even a pair of club awards; largest and coolest.  The coolest club honors are chosen by Mr. Clor himself!  Learn more about the event and the club scene at Carlisle today at CarlisleEvents.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. </I>

The Carlisle GM Nationals (June 25-26) has always celebrated all things GM, including the iconic Corvette.  With Corvettes at Carlisle taking place just a few months later (August 26-28), Corvette owners and enthusiasts tend to wait until August to bring their Vette to Carlisle.  For 2021, however; guests at the GM Nationals will see the best of both worlds via the York County Corvette Club and the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. 

Corvettes for Chip is officially transitioning from a fall event at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center to a mid-summer showcase on the National Parts Depot Showfield and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  The pairing of the two events benefits all involved, offering over 100 more vehicles for showgoers to enjoy, while also supporting the CMAF and its efforts to raise money and awareness for Amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is the disease that took the life of Carlisle Events co-owner Chip Miller in 2004.

Corvettes for Chip is THE perfect way for Corvettes to be part of the Carlisle GM Nationals, while also offering a dedicated location for Corvettes and their owners.  Many of the same aspects of the familiar Corvettes for Chip event will be part of the Carlisle GM Nationals, including vending both days and judging on June 26 for eight classes, awards, goody bags, prize raffles, a 50/50 drawing, the ability to pre-register and of course support the CMAF.  Corvettes for Chip is a non-sanctioned event hosted by the York County Corvette Club, long-time friends of the CMAF. 

For those who partake in the fun, this is a chance to access two additional entertainment options.  Mentioned already is the Carlisle GM Nationals.  For 2021, the show spotlights pop culture rides by way of Comic-Car Con, there’s a 50^h celebration of the Vega and H-Platform, plus a GM Swaps display, a GM Nationals Showcase display, the annual Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y and a June 26 appearance by TV host and builder Mike Finnegan. 

Further, less than a five-minute walk west of the fairgrounds is the aforementioned Carlisle Expo Center.  Within this facility, Carlisle Auctions hosts a one day, 200+ consignment classic and collector car auction known as the Summer Sale.  The auction provides guests a chance to add to their collection or start a new one and do so as part of an auction that rivals its “as seen on TV” counterparts.

An auction, a car show, a Corvette showcase, parts shopping AND a charitable venture, all for one price and all part of the Carlisle GM Nationals.  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 learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.