Carlisle show
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Clyde Ohio
Carlisle show
Honest opinion, is the Carlisle show worth going to ? I've been to Carlisle for other events and they do a great job of putting on shows but have never been to the Vette show. I know a lot of shows are starting to slip. I'm not looking for parts or really anything, would just like to walk thru swap area, view some cars etc., I guess I could get some new crossfire emblems while there. I'm in Ohio so the trip isn't too far. Honest opinion of how the show has been last few years.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi t,
For old Corvette fans the event isn't what it used to be, but for new Corvette fans it appears to be nirvana.
Corvettes at Carlisle has followed the money.
But, YES!, it's worth the trip.
Regards,
Alan
For old Corvette fans the event isn't what it used to be, but for new Corvette fans it appears to be nirvana.
Corvettes at Carlisle has followed the money.
But, YES!, it's worth the trip.
Regards,
Alan
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I've been going since 1985 and I think it's absolutely worth going to. For me it's a 1,000 mile round trip. As Alan said, there are alot more of the newer cars (I admit I drive mine there as well), and the vendors are down a little but it's still the king of Corvette shows. To me, getting together with old friends is probably the best part of the event.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Lansdale 19446 PA
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St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Without a doubt, it is well worth going to!!! 
I have been going to Corvettes @ Carlisle for close to 19 years and like said before, it is not what it used to be, but well worth seeing. Still one heck of an event.
One thing I would add - if you plan on staying overnight - get a room NOW!!! They fill up fast!
I have been going to Corvettes @ Carlisle for close to 19 years and like said before, it is not what it used to be, but well worth seeing. Still one heck of an event.
One thing I would add - if you plan on staying overnight - get a room NOW!!! They fill up fast!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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with above. as I have been saying for years all the good parts have been used up and put on cars. every now and then a good deal can be found. been going for over 20 years now. doesn't help I only live 25 miles from the fair grounds. if your going to go make sure you plain on going for at least Friday and Saturday, Thursday would be good too if you can. Sunday is really a waist of time.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Honest opinion, is the Carlisle show worth going to ? I've been to Carlisle for other events and they do a great job of putting on shows but have never been to the Vette show. I know a lot of shows are starting to slip. I'm not looking for parts or really anything, would just like to walk thru swap area, view some cars etc., I guess I could get some new crossfire emblems while there. I'm in Ohio so the trip isn't too far. Honest opinion of how the show has been last few years.
ALL swap-meet heavy shows are not what they used to be in their heyday, due to the Internet and an aging hobbyist population, but it's the best there is.
I'll be making the 13 hour one way trip again this year.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 494
Likes: 93
From: Bucks County PA
I agree with some of the comments about it not being what it used to be (just like other swap meets). I've been going to Spring / Fall Carlisle since 1983 (but have not been to the Corvette ones since the late 80's / Mid 90's. Since I now have another C3, I'm planning to pop out there again.
Man, the "good old days". I'm about 2 hours away or so. We used to go out on a Friday Night, hang out for a bit, drive up there around midnight and sleep in the car on a side street ! We used to get up early in the Am. 1 year, we were the 3rd people in from the main gate! Over the years though, the cops caught on and were looking for people "sleeping" in cars so we stopped. Then back around 1992, I had a Blazer with tinted windows and I didn't feel like waiting in traffic in the AM. Nobody wanted to go with me so I drove down by myself, slept in the back and nobody was the wiser. (Man did my back KILL ME!!! Those days are gone, but I'm looking forward to the Vette show again. Good memories..
Man, the "good old days". I'm about 2 hours away or so. We used to go out on a Friday Night, hang out for a bit, drive up there around midnight and sleep in the car on a side street ! We used to get up early in the Am. 1 year, we were the 3rd people in from the main gate! Over the years though, the cops caught on and were looking for people "sleeping" in cars so we stopped. Then back around 1992, I had a Blazer with tinted windows and I didn't feel like waiting in traffic in the AM. Nobody wanted to go with me so I drove down by myself, slept in the back and nobody was the wiser. (Man did my back KILL ME!!! Those days are gone, but I'm looking forward to the Vette show again. Good memories..
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 140
From: Sadieville Kentucky
Honest opinion, is the Carlisle show worth going to ? I've been to Carlisle for other events and they do a great job of putting on shows but have never been to the Vette show. I know a lot of shows are starting to slip. I'm not looking for parts or really anything, would just like to walk thru swap area, view some cars etc., I guess I could get some new crossfire emblems while there. I'm in Ohio so the trip isn't too far. Honest opinion of how the show has been last few years.
Good Luck
Wes
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 326
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From: central Florida Florida
I live in Florida and make the drive to Carlisle. The first time I attended was 3 years ago and I've been back all 3 years. I usually stay about 30 minutes from the fair grounds and have had no problem booking the room the night before the show. I just wish the show was a few more days longer. It is so large that I never get to cover the entire show.
This upcoming year I talked some Corvette friends into going, so we did book a few rooms in advance. I am already looking forward to the show.
This upcoming year I talked some Corvette friends into going, so we did book a few rooms in advance. I am already looking forward to the show.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I usually stay pretty close to the grounds to avoid the traffic, but seem to have trouble getting rooms that are um, "nice." 
I'm bringing parts this year that are a PIA to ship... Wheels, intake, manifolds, etc... grab one of those big ol chicken parmesan sammiches and sit at my spot.
. (And hope for a minimum of rain)
I'm bringing parts this year that are a PIA to ship... Wheels, intake, manifolds, etc... grab one of those big ol chicken parmesan sammiches and sit at my spot.
. (And hope for a minimum of rain)
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
[QUOTE=Vettebuyer6369;1592167942]I usually stay pretty close to the grounds to avoid the traffic, but seem to have trouble getting rooms that are um, "nice."
Unless I want to spend my whole parts budget on a hotel room 
Unless I want to spend my whole parts budget on a hotel room
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 260
From: Jamison Pa
St. Jude Donor '11-'25
I drive every day
I agree with some of the comments about it not being what it used to be (just like other swap meets). I've been going to Spring / Fall Carlisle since 1983 (but have not been to the Corvette ones since the late 80's / Mid 90's. Since I now have another C3, I'm planning to pop out there again.
Man, the "good old days". I'm about 2 hours away or so. We used to go out on a Friday Night, hang out for a bit, drive up there around midnight and sleep in the car on a side street ! We used to get up early in the Am. 1 year, we were the 3rd people in from the main gate! Over the years though, the cops caught on and were looking for people "sleeping" in cars so we stopped. Then back around 1992, I had a Blazer with tinted windows and I didn't feel like waiting in traffic in the AM. Nobody wanted to go with me so I drove down by myself, slept in the back and nobody was the wiser. (Man did my back KILL ME!!! Those days are gone, but I'm looking forward to the Vette show again. Good memories..
Man, the "good old days". I'm about 2 hours away or so. We used to go out on a Friday Night, hang out for a bit, drive up there around midnight and sleep in the car on a side street ! We used to get up early in the Am. 1 year, we were the 3rd people in from the main gate! Over the years though, the cops caught on and were looking for people "sleeping" in cars so we stopped. Then back around 1992, I had a Blazer with tinted windows and I didn't feel like waiting in traffic in the AM. Nobody wanted to go with me so I drove down by myself, slept in the back and nobody was the wiser. (Man did my back KILL ME!!! Those days are gone, but I'm looking forward to the Vette show again. Good memories..
I think the event is worth it, even if I don't buy a lot.
Bob K.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Clyde Ohio
Thanks for all the replies. Like I said, I've been to Carlisle for the Mopar event. I don't really need any parts from the swap meet area but enjoy looking. I have an 82 so my biggest interest is in the C 3's. I'd like to see a fair amount of cars up to the 82. If its gonna be dominated by 84 and newer cars I'll lose interest fast. We have a local Vette show in Vermilion Ohio and there are more 3 year and newer cars there than anything. I can go to a dealer and see that. Nothing more disappointing than a car show where a whole block is identical cars still displaying the window stickers. To each his own I guess. Will make the trip to Carlisle, looking for a room.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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You will see more than enough older Vettes to satisfy you, believe me. The event is huge.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Thanks for all the replies. Like I said, I've been to Carlisle for the Mopar event. I don't really need any parts from the swap meet area but enjoy looking. I have an 82 so my biggest interest is in the C 3's. I'd like to see a fair amount of cars up to the 82. If its gonna be dominated by 84 and newer cars I'll lose interest fast. We have a local Vette show in Vermilion Ohio and there are more 3 year and newer cars there than anything. I can go to a dealer and see that. Nothing more disappointing than a car show where a whole block is identical cars still displaying the window stickers. To each his own I guess. Will make the trip to Carlisle, looking for a room.
There's lots of different year cars displayed at Carlisle by vendors and sellers and restorers and 50th displays and by people driving in and hoping for a "Celebrity Pick" award, but its not like its a sanctioned meet that will have necessarily a grouping of old cars. You just have to enjoy what happens to be there. The main draw for Carlisle has always beein its superior Corvette parts swap, although there's usually plenty of cars.
If your specific interest is looking at C3 cars, you should also consider Bloomington Gold, which will have Gold Certification cars and Survivor cars there for judging. Every year I take a ton of different angle pictures on Gold and Survivor cars, for my reference file.
And of course, you can look for an NCRS Flight Judging meet that's close to you, to see excellent cars of a particular year grouping.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
Great show, great cars, outstanding organization and awesome people. What more could you ask for? Well...they might have that too.
Well worth going to in my humble opinion.
Bashton
MCACN Managing Member
www.mcacn.com
Well worth going to in my humble opinion.
Bashton
MCACN Managing Member
www.mcacn.com
Last edited by Bashton; May 9, 2016 at 12:32 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 20
From: Warrenton VA
I agree with the others, going to Carlisle is a must. Bring your walking shoes, LOTS of ground to cover with nothing but vettes, vette parts, and vette people. You'll see every generation, some modded, some looking like they just rolled off a show trailer, and everything in between. Have fun.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Auburn CA
I just bought my weekend pass and will be going all the way from California. I figured, why not, I don't have anything tying me down and I've never been to the Northeast US. Should be fun! Looks like nearby rooms are already booked. I have no idea about the area there, so I'm hoping someone chimes in on best places to stay within a half hour or so.
