If you build it, they will come.  We all know the famous Field of Dreams movie line.  Well, if Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Truck Nationals may, if you host it, they will come…and come they did.  While the 2020 Carlisle Truck Nationals didn’t match numbers from the past few years, it actually saw a larger turnout of trucks than the 2014 show offered.  With a nice mix of 106 years of truck history on display combined with family friendly activities, the event happened in a unique and different way, during unique and different circumstances.

Gates opened at 7 a.m. daily and while most of the afternoon Friday was a wash, there was enough sunshine to enjoy the Showfield, midway and indoor displays.  In addition, the aforementioned family fun took center stage where possible.  Dialed Action Sports presented Mountain Bike stunt exhibitions, while Lawrence Frederick and his world champion Disc-Connected K9s soared above the infield, much to the delight of guests of all ages.  If ever there was a time for indoor truck viewing, mid-day Friday reminded guests that yes, it’s August and yes, it rains.  Though outside was best suited for a slip and slide, inside Buildings T and Y were about three dozen super cool trucks.  For Building Y, it was the SyTy display, while Building T hosted the annual Featured Vehicle display.  Within T was a 1916 Fire Truck, classic car haulers, lowered trucks, lifted trucks and more.

As the weather did a 180 on Saturday, those who didn’t come Friday afternoon mixed and mingled (at an acceptable social distance) with everyone who was planning a Saturday venture.  The bikes and the pups were back in action, but there were other competitions too.  Day 2 hosted the low truck limbo, high truck challenge and the drop and drag contest.  In addition, more family fun came to fruition as the Optimus Prime replica rig anchored the Big Rig display AND played host to kids of all ages during its time onsite.  The Big Rigs also closed out the day, with their popular glow show lighting up the Carlisle night.

Another hot draw throughout the event came from Ford.  Following a successful showcase at the previous week’s Carlisle Ford Nationals car show, Ford spotlighted its 2021 F-150 truck, offered a Ford Raptor simulator for guests AND displayed their Ford Lifestyle trailer.  Within and around this trailer was stylish merchandise for sale and products on display that accessorize, power or compliment some of Ford’s most popular brands.

Sunday was a chance to see one last show, check out one last truck AND check out the winner’s list.  For some, that meant an award and recognition as part of the two awards parades.  For others, it meant simply saying goodbye to friends with a plan to return for 2021.  Speaking of which, next year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals take over the fairgrounds once more between August 6-8.  Details about this event and all others promoted by Carlisle Events are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. 

After a nearly two-month delay, the 2020 Carlisle Ford presented by Meguiar’s took over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds July 31-August 2. The event, while slightly modified from its standard format, still welcomed droves of enthusiasts and thousands of cars to the National Parts Depot Showfield.  Without a doubt, those onsite in 2020 had a great time!

People come to Carlisle and this event for a variety of reasons. Some come to buy or sell within the expansive automotive flea market and midway, others came to buy or sell within the car corral, even more came to show or see the cars and some even came to take part in onsite activities. Regardless of why they came, they all made a point to visit with Ford to check out their new products showcase. For 2020, Ford offered attendees a glimpse into the future with a pair of 2021 MACH 1 Mustangs as well as the 2021 F-150 truck. Further, their display hosted a Raptor simulator, heritage collection Cobras, a few modern GTs and more.  Ford even took their new MACH-1 to the stage and hosted walkarounds on it, sharing info about their latest build with the audience.

Speaking of the GT, Ford’s Supercar helped draw show goers closer to the special displays with dozens of them in and around Building T, including a 1966 GT40.  Other highlight features focused on the Starliner, Maverick, Grabbers, Thunderbirds and a Euro Ford Garage where the Capri and Merkur stood front and center. The GT’s didn’t just show, they were in motion too. Friday saw a half a dozen or so parade around the grounds, while Saturday hosted open track time where a few of them made some laps to the delight of those looking on.

The track was another hotspot destination throughout the weekend as Gateway Mustang hosted open autocross runs on Friday and Saturday, car owners participated in a multi-round rolling exhaust contest Friday and Saturday and on Friday night, nearly 20 competitors took to the track for the annual real street shoot out. Winners for exhaust and real street were Jeremy Sperlein and Don Slevia respectively.  There were other winners too at Carlisle.  Focus Rising was named largest car club in attendance and John Clor, Ford Performance Enthusiast Communications, named the Beltway Mustang Club as the coolest club.

Speed, performance, history and the overall elegance of the Ford brand were popular themes of the weekend. Most importantly, while the event and select activities were slightly augmented in 2020 due to world events, it still delivered on its position as being the largest all-Ford themed car show of its type.  All the fun culminated with an hour’s-long awards parade on Sunday in front of the stage.

While 2020 has wrapped, 2021 will be here in less than one year. The 2021 event takes place June 4-6 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and plans to feature the 50^th Anniversary of the Pinto, a 1971-73 Mustang Celebration, Holman Moody & Stroppe reunions and a Comic Car Con display.   

Learn all about the Carlisle Ford Nationals, review event photos, check out the winner’s list, take the post-event survey and make plans for next year online now at www.CarlisleEvents.com. 

An all-new Ford F-150 is prepared and ready for model-year 2021, but for 2020, the perennial top-selling vehicle in America, for the past 42 years is staying the course with only a few small changes.

As the F-150 upgraded its power systems, exhaust setup, interior and connectivity arrangement last year, “America’s Truck” adds Ford Co-Pilot360™ as now standard Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum, Limited and consists of Auto-High Beam Headlamps, Blind Spot Information System with CrossTraffic Alert and Trailer Tow Monitoring, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and Rear View Camera. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist™ is also now included on Platinum and standard on Limited, and consists of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Several appearance packages have been changed for 2020, and three new colors have been added to the exterior palette -- Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat.

Additionally, for 2020, FordPass™ Connect with 4GLTE Wi-Fi®, which connects up to 10 devices, is now standard for F-150 XLT and above and myriad technologies can be optioned including SYNC® 3 with Navigation, 8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with pinch and swipe capability, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and much more.

The 15^th-generation F-150 trim levels for 2020 include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited, in addition to the stylish, super-power, 450-hp/510 lb-ft of torque off-road Raptor. Law enforcement can choose the F-150 Police Responder (375hp and 470 lb-ft) – the industry’s first and only pursuit-rated pickup, giving agencies a more versatile and capable patrol vehicle

Built “Ford Tough” at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, the 2020 Ford F-150 is constructed with a high-strength steel frame and an advanced, high-strength, military grade aluminum body. The body on frame truck comes in three cab schemes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew®.

With sculpted creases and angles that modify the truck’s boxiness, F-150’s exterior is enhanced by configurable daytime running lamps, power sideview mirrors on XL and above trims, a quick-release tailgate with lock; and on my text XLT, a chrome, two-bar style grille with chrome nostrils, black surround and black background mesh.

Confidently long, my 4x4 test Ford F-150 XLT with a SuperCrew® cab and 6.5-foot bed measured 243.7 inches long, 77.3 inches high for the 4x4, and 79.9 inches wide on a 156.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 9.3 inches.

The F-150 is a muscular truck, with six engine choices: a 2.7-liter twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 that produces 325 hp and 400 lbs-ft of torque; the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo that pops out 250hp and 440 lbs-ft; the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT FFV engine that develops 290 horses and 265 lbs-ft; the 3.5-liter V-6 turbo EcoBoost engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing that delivers 375hp/470 lbs-ft; the High Output twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that increases power numbers to 450 hp and 510 lbs-ft of torque, and the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT VB FFV engine that thunders out 395 hp and 400 lbs-ft. That engine propelled my test ride.

My test XLT’s 5.0-liter V-8 was mated to an electronic 10-speed automatic transmission, and the combination was powerful and responsive. On the track, a zero-to-60mpg dash was completed in a hand-timed 6.0 seconds-flat during a 14.5-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). Stable and aggressive on the highway, steering is trucklike, but predictable. Rated at 12mpg/city, 15mpg/highway and 13mpg/overall, I daily-drivered my truck in town, on the highway, on a track run and some soft-roading for an average of 14.1 mpg.

With six interior configurations, my test ride’s SuperCrew cabin was packed with safety items and amenities measured a roomy 40.8 inches of front headroom with 40.4 inches for those in the cab. Front legroom was a generous 43.9 inches with second-row passengers getting 43.6 inches. Shoulder room was a spacious 66.7 inches in row one and 65.9 in the rear seats.

For 2020, Ford F-150 is offered in seven basic trims with modifications for six different engines, three bed lengths and three cab sizes. The base XL starts at $28,745; the XLT as was my test truck, started at $34,760 (gaining cosmetics and the Power Equipment Group); the upscale Lariat bases at $42,750; the luxurious King Ranch® model starts at $52,990; the aggressively powerful and stylish Raptor starts at $53,455; the upper-lavish Platinum trim starts at $55,520 and the top-tier Limited starts at $67,735.

My test XLT, which adds SYNC®3, Ford Pass Connect, stylish grillework, the Power Equipment Group and Chrome Front and Rear Bumper to the XL, based with a Regular Cab and 6.5-foot box; the 3.3-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x2 drive, but my test truck was enhanced with several options. The powerful 395-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine added $1000; and as I am a 4x4-guy, the 4x4 configuration was added in a $3445 package; A SuperCrew cab added $6525; Rear window defroster added $220; Black platform running boards added $250; the Reverse Sensing System and trailer hitch added $425; Destination charges were $1695 and an Acquisition fee of $645 put the sticker-as-tested at $49,005, but cash incentives of up to $2500 may be available to put the sticker price at $46,505, so check with your local dealer.

You can see Ford trucks through the decades, as well as American and foreign trucks from many manufacturers, and more than 2,000 trucks of all eras, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 7-9 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This event and has been one of the world’s largest truck shows since 1991. This celebration of trucks features Pick-ups, Heavy-duty Trucks, Big Rigs, Mini Trucks, Antiques, Custom Vans, 4x4s, Jeeps, SUVs, Vintage Fire Trucks, Monster Trucks and more.

<I> 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>

Not to be confused with the half-million-dollar Ford GT, the much more affordable Ford Mustang GT is an exciting trim level of the world’s top-selling muscle sports coupe for the last five years running, the Ford Mustang. The vehicle that originated the “Pony Car” in 1964, Mustang became the most successful Ford launch since the Model-A, and in the ensuing 56 years, Mustang has sold nearly 10 million vehicles to lay claim to being the greatest-selling Pony Car of all-time.

Mustang underwent its last complete redesign in 2015, and while it freshened for 2018 with a sleek refined design, advanced tech and improved performance enhancements, Mustang comes back for 2020 with few changes, but performance is key. Rekindling Mustang’s golden age of performance, Ford has added nine separate performance variants to its lineup. Two of the best additions are the entry-level Mustang EcoBoost that gets an all-new performance package that adds 20 horses to the setup and aero suspension and brake components; and the upper echelon Shelby GT500 gains a Carbon Fiber Track Package.

Also for 2020, the exterior color palette changes, as Rapid Red, Iconic Silver, Grabber Lime, and Twister Orange are new, and Ingot Silver, Ruby Red Metallic, Orange Fury Metallic, and Need for Green are all retired. Inside, passenger seats are now only four-way power as opposed to six-way power, FordPass Connect is now standard on all models, and outside, there are two new wheel designs, 

Mustang gallops to you in fastback and convertible designs, with an aggressive grille and Pony insert, rounded, sleek lines and muscle-car athleticism. The 2020 Mustang Fastback GT model I tested measured 188.5 inches long and 75.4 inches wide. Height is 54.3 inches for the Fastback and 54.9 for the Convertible, on a 107.1-inch wheelbase. With the 5.0-liter engine, the Fastback GT with a manual transmission weighs 4398 lbs. – as much as 600 lbs. heavier than a standard Mustang trim. 

Performance and power have been signature Mustang attributes for most of its 56 years, and the 2020 engines continue the legacy. EcoBoost models have a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine stampeding 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the high-performance option adds 20 hp to that. The 5.0-liter V-8 that powered my Mustang GT growled out 460 hp and 420 lb-ft, and the Shelby GT350 is powered by a 5.2-liter V-8 that thunders out 526 hp and 429 lb-ft. Above that, the Shelby GT500 rocket blasts out 760 horses and 625 lb-ft. – that’s 100 hp and 75 lb-ft more than the Ford GT super coupe produces. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on all except the Shelby.

My test Mustang GT was a willing tire-smoker when called upon. My track tests included a  zero-to-60mph dash in 4.3 seconds (hand-timed), to start a 12.5-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile. On the highway, my Mustang GT accelerated past traffic with ease, aerodynamically hugged the pavement, cornered with autocross precision, shifted smoothly and smoothed out most road imperfections while maintaining a solid driver’s feel for the road. The Mustang GT is EPA rated at 15mpg/city, 25mpg/highway with the manual transmission, and I averaged 17.7mpg in mixed-use, heavy-footed tests.

Inside, the cabin is upscale, comfortable and tech-savvy. Headroom is tight for taller drivers and passengers and cozy for average-size inhabitants, with 37.6 inches (Fastback) in row one and 34.8 in row two. Legroom is spacious up front at 45.1 inches and a knees-in-the-chest 29.0 inches in row two. Shoulder room measures 56.3 in front and 52.2 in the rear.

The 2020 Ford Mustang is available in Fastback and Convertible configurations and a total of 11 trim choices. The Fastback comes in five trims: EcoBoost® Fastback ($26,670); EcoBoost® Premium Fastback ($31,685); GT Fastback ($35,880); GT Premium Fastback ($39,880) – this is the trim I tested and it upped the ante with Leather-Trimmed Heated and Cooled Front Seats, SYNC®3, Heated Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signal Indicators, Selectable Drive Modes with Toggle Switches and a 9-Speaker Stereo added to the base Mustang GT; and The Bullitt™ trim starts at $47,705. The Mustang Convertible has three trims: EcoBoost® Convertible ($32,170); EcoBoost® Premium Convertible ($37,185) and GT Premium Convertible ($45,380). And The Shelby GT also has three trims: the Shelby GT350 starts at $60,440; the Shelby GT500 ($72,900) and the Shelby GT350R ( 73,435).

My test GT Premium Fastback with the 5.0-liter engine, manual transmission and dual-exhaust tips upcharged $495 for Twister Orange exterior paint. Cool racing stripes would have added $475, but my test car was not striped. I am a stick-shift guy (manual 6-speed transmission with Rev Matching for the Mustang GT), and saved $1595 by not opting for the 10-Speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission. 

The 401A Equipment Group Package added $2200 for a 12-inch LCD Digital Instrument Cluster with MyColor®, Heated Steering Wheel, Premier Trim with Color Accent Group, Accent Stitched Center Console Lid, Wrapped Knee Bolsters with Accent Stitch, Color-accented Leather-trimmed Seats, Linked Graphite Aluminum Instrument Panel, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System, and more. The Ford Safe and Smart Package added $1000 for Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Lane Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. Destination charges of $1195 put the sticker-as-tested at $44,770. 

To check out the new Mustang GT and a showcase of more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Ford vehicles spanning more than a century, visit the largest all-Ford event in the world, this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 31-August 2. From trucks to muscle cars, you can see them all including a 15-year-anniversary display of the Ford GT, a 50-year celebration of Capri, and displays on Merkur, Thunderbird, Starliner, Euro Fords, Grabbers, Mustangs and more. You can also see Ford’s newest offerings in the new vehicle walk-round.

> 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>

Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive is rapidly approaching and while themes/displays were set well in advance, the cars that are part of them are starting to come together.  From August 27-30 Corvette lovers flocking to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds can enjoy some of the best of the best from the popular Bloomington Gold event as part of the annual Chip’s Choice display.  The display, named in honor of the late Chip Miller and historically selected by his son Lance since Chip’s passing, is an all-star display with an ever-evolving theme.  This year, the theme is the Best of Bloomington Gold and has been selected by their team.

Benchmark® Award Winners lace this display with each car carrying their own impressive resume for all to see within Building T during event weekend.  10 cars, eight owners – decades of history.  Seeing is believing, but in the meanwhile, here’s a little bit about each car confirmed to date direct from their owners*.

1961 Corvette Convertible 283/270 HP RPO468
Owned by: John Keane, Gwynedd Valley PA
Benchmark® Award – 2017

Passing of Time - Born: November 1960: My present owner (who is my second owner) and I teamed up in August of 1961.  We spent many happy times at the beach, at the tracks and in the mountains.  One cold wintry Christmas Eve, even though I was dressed with studded snow tires, we had to be rescued by a local fire department.  After 44 years of quiet time in my owner's garage, we decided it was time for a wake-up call.  I still maintain over 98% of all my original parts!  However, it took some dedicated prep work to bring me back to my present status.  Once again meshing gears and spinning my wheels!  I am excited to be part of the 2020 Chip's Choice, honoring Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Corvettes, and very proud to display and share my highlights, aging scars and fun times!  What a ride it has been!

My honors include:  Bloomington Gold SURVIVOR®, Gold and Benchmark®.  NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence and 5-Star Bowtie (One of four C1's to receive both awards.)  MCACN (Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals) Vintage Certified to the level of "Legend".

1964 Corvette Sport Coupe 327/375 HP L84
Owned by: Christian and Cynthia Meyer, Lafayette IN
Benchmark® Award - 2014

When he was 19 years old, the original owner (Louis) engaged in some convincing discussion, mostly with his mother, and his parents purchased him a new 64 fuel-injected Corvette (we should all be so lucky).  Louis polished it often and only took it out for drives on nice days, until fourteen (14) years later when he moved to a rural location with a dirt road.  He couldn’t endure the thought of driving the car on a dirt road, so he reluctantly sold it.  With the assistance of a few subsequent like-minded owners, the car was preserved in its current condition.

1966 Corvette Convertible 427/425 HP L72
Owned by: Linda Strohm-Dunlap, Palatine IL
Benchmark® Award - 1991

My late husband, Carl Strohm, purchased this original, unrestored 1966 Corvette 427/425 L79 in 1980 from its original owner.

In 1991, the car was invited to be displayed at the Bloomington Gold Special Collection, where it also received Gold Certification, SURVIVOR® and Benchmark® awards.  In 2016, the Corvette returned to Bloomington Gold for the 1966-2016 50th Anniversary display.  Additional awards include the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence and 5-Star Bowtie.  NCRS has used this car on several occasions as an example of an original car for their judges' training seminars.

1967 Corvette Convertible 427/400 HP L68
Owned by: Larry Sachs, Scarsdale NY
Benchmark® Award - 2016

This 1967 Maroon / Black Vinyl interior 427/400hp is optioned with speedminder, shoulder harness, transistor ignition, factory side exhaust and a 370 rear axle.  The car was purchased in November 1966 by Thomas Bleauskas, Tobyhana PA., from Norton Chevrolet in Philadelphia.  After a long ownership , Bleauskas sold the car to the late Dana Pope, a very well known, astute, respected local Corvette enthusiast.  After enjoying the car for a few years, Pope sold the car to Peter Borchert of Buckeye, AZ.  During Peter’s ownership, from the late 90’s, he bravely and neatly removed the original gas tank sticker!  After a few years of ownership, Mr. Borchert contacted me 15 years ago and I purchased the car from him.  At that point, the car showed 31,000 original miles  Since then I have driven this original unrestored car 4,000 miles.

The car had received numerous NCRS Top Flight awards through the years and I got an NCRS Too Flight award also. I then also decided to achieve the coveted Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Award and was awarded this wonderful banner of achievement 4 years ago.  I hope you enjoyed reading about my treasured Corvette's history today!

1968 Corvette Coupe 327/350 HP L79
Owned by: Thomas Elias Sugar, Wantagh NY
Benchmark® Award - 2019

My SURVIVOR® (They are only original once!) is a 1968 Corvette delivered to Eugene Rambler at Jay Chevrolet in Haddonfield, NJ, on July 31st, 1968.  Rally Red with Black Leather interior, it is powered by the venerable 327/350 HP L79 through the M20 4-speed transmission, 3.55 Positraction Rear Axle, and Off-road Exhaust.  Notably optioned, including Rear Window Defroster, Speed Warning Indicator and Full Transistor Ignition, and wrestled (I bought the car in 15 seconds!) from the personal collection of Kevin Mackay.   This four owner, highly original all lacquer coupe’s time capsule condition belies its 55,000 Northeast miles. The Corvette still rides on OEM PT6 F70-15 Goodyear red striped tires and proudly sports a set of stunning ‘68 only PO1 Full Wheel Covers.  During the past year, and within a whirlwind three month span, (which has to be a record) the Corvette received an NCRS Top Flight, the MCACN Concours Gold and Triple Diamond, and Bloomington SURVIVOR®, Gold Certificate and Benchmark® awards!

1971 Corvette Coupe 454/425 HP LS6
Owned by: Linda Strohm-Dunlap, Palatine IL
Benchmark® Award – 2000

We purchased this amazing Corvette in 1973.  Despite the gas price war and big block Corvettes depreciating, my husband just had to have this car as soon as he heard the reverberating exhaust.  He knew the LS6 engine was very special but didn't really know how rare. (Only 188 from a total production of 21,801.)

In 2000 the Corvette was invited to the Bloomington Gold Special Collection, where it received Gold Certification, SURVIVOR® and the Benchmark® awards.  The Corvette also earned NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence and 5-Star Bowtie awards.  The LS6 was featured on the cover of the Vette Vues Fact Book 1968-72 Corvettes and in Corvette, The Legend Lives On 1968-86

1972 Corvette Convertible 350/200 HP L48
Owned by: Christian & Cynthia Meyer, Lafayette IN
Benchmark® Award – 2012

The original owner (Anne) met Elliott Marantette “Pete” Estes, then president of the Chevrolet division of GM, during a reception in 1971.  Anne told Mr. Estes of her dream to someday own a Corvette.  The following week, a loaner Corvette appeared at Anne’s home with instructions to enjoy it for a month, courtesy of Mr. Estes.  When Anne returned the loaner Corvette, she indicated her interest in ordering a new Corvette, but only if it was painted black at the factory.  The story is unclear as to how Mr. Estes was involved in the process of procuring the only documented factory black Corvette in 1972, but Anne got her wish.

1972 Corvette Convertible 350/200 HP L48
Owned by: Steve & Wendy Burns, Clarkston MI
Benchmark® Award - 2018

This 1972 Corvette was delivered new at Lloyd Bridges Chevrolet in Chelsea, Michigan on July 28^th, 1972 finished in Targa blue paint, black vinyl interior, and a black top. Power comes from the base L48 engine backed by the M20 4-speed transmission. Options include a vinyl hardtop, power brakes, AM/FM stereo, and tilt/telescopic steering column.

This 5-owner car remains largely unrestored and shows just over 31,000 miles. It retains nearly all of its original paint, interior, top, and chassis components.

To date, the car has claimed some of the top awards in the Corvette hobby. After a Bloomington SURVIVOR® award in 1992 it claimed SURVIVOR®, Gold, and Benchmark® honors in 2018 and participated in the 2019 Gold Collection. Other recent awards include NCRS Top Flight and 4-Star Bowtie, plus MCACN Concourse Gold and Triple Diamond. Its entire judging career has been published in CorvetteBlogger.com’s popular “On the Campaign Trail” series.

1978 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car 350/220 HP L82
Owned by: David Goss, Terre Haute IN
Benchmark® Award - 2018

1978 marked the first year for the Chevrolet Corvette to pace the Indianapolis 500.  Chevrolet announced they were going to build only 500 Pace car replicas.  Rumors of this limited production and media attention resulted in many buyers paying above list price.  Chevrolet revised production numbers to 6502. This allowed one for every dealer in the U.S. and Canada and a group of track cars.

Pace Car #2487 was one of only 220 four speed cars and was equipped with the higher horsepower L82 engine.  The car was sold new at Burns Chevrolet in Idaho and has under 1900 original miles.  The car has been awarded Bloomington Gold Benchmark®, NCRS 5 Star Bowtie, and MCACN Triple Diamond.

1990 Corvette ZR1 5.7L 350/380 HP LT5
Owned by: Rick Hendrick, Charlotte NC
Benchmark® Award - 2019

The ZR-1 Corvette was the performance icon of the ‘90s, with the high-tech muscle to back up its super-car reputation.  This 1990 Corvette ZR-1 was the first production car released to the public and was presented to Rick Hendrick by Jim Perkins, General Manager of Chevrolet, at the Bowling Green Assembly plant.

This historic Corvette was bestowed with Bloomington Gold 7 Generations honors as well as being a 2012 Great Hall Inductee.  This beautiful and rare C4 has been well-preserved throughout the years helping it to earn its Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Certification in 2019.  The ZR-1 featured a three-inch wider rear track, necessitated by its oversize 315/35-17 rear tires.  Under the hood and exclusive to the ZR-1 is the LT5 engine, jointly developed with Lotus and built by Mercury Marine the aluminum engine was capable of producing 380 horsepower.  The ZR-1 set new benchmark® levels of performance for Corvette.

*Please note that while 10 cars have been confirmed via eight owners, due to world events, the display may change without notice.  If there’s a specific car you’re looking to see and traveling long distances, consider calling 717-243-7855 in advance to confirm its placement.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant.  Review implemented Health Safety Measures and Advance Arrival FAQs plus great show details online now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.