Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet

April 22-26, Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet. Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pa.
www.carsatcarlisle.com

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral marks the beginning of the swap meet season each year. Approximately 110,000 attendees will see more than 82 acres filled with anything and everything automotive related. For those looking to buy a collector car, there are more than 2,000 vehicles of all makes, models and prices for sale in the car corral. The Spring Carlisle Auction, a sister event, takes place within walking distance at the Carlisle Expo Center showcasing antique, collector, and special-interest vehicles. Mark your calendars, Spring Carlisle has evolved into an event that offers a complete automotive experience, and it’s one you don't want to miss!

Our History
Bill and Chip Miller, Founders of Carlisle Events
What makes Carlisle, Pennsylvania so unique? It is the home of Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Fairgrounds, the location for the largest car, truck and motorcycle collector events in the country.

Prior to Carlisle Events' emergence, anyone interested in restoring or showing 1950s- or 1960s-era cars had few options. That all changed when Chip Miller and Bill Miller, Jr. became friends through a mutual interest in cars of the 1950s. Together they began going to car shows and swap meets, where like-minded individuals would hunt for parts and accessories to restore their vehicles. A need for these events became obvious to these two men in 1973. Until that time, the only cars deemed worthy to collect were pre-WWII automobiles.

Carlisle Events Archives (1975)
Carlisle Events was one of the first companies in the United States organized specifically to conduct and promote events for the collector car and truck hobby.

On September 26, 1974, on the rented Carlisle Fairgrounds, "Post War '74" took place. It was the very first car event promoted by the company. In a year still remembered for gas lines and inflation, nearly 600 vendors set up in more than 800 spaces, and 13,000 spectators paid the $1 admission to sample their wares.

Within a few years, the Carlisle Fairgrounds had become a mecca for collector car enthusiasts all over the world. The runaway success of what became known as Fall Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Car Corral led to a similar Spring event in 1977. In short order, they became complete sellouts for vendor and car sale (or "car corral") spaces. In 1981, after renting the fairgrounds for each event, the Millers purchased the 82-acre property.

Over the years, Carlisle Events has transformed the fairgrounds to suit the needs of car show participants and visitors. Continuous improvements include paved roads, a manicured landscape and more than 10 permanent buildings. At the same time, Carlisle Events has established consumer-friendly services such as on-site bank financing, notary and title service and a wide variety of dining choices.

Mailing Address:
Carlisle Events
1000 Bryn Mawr Road
Carlisle, PA 17013

Office Hours: 8am - 5pm EST
Phone: 1 (717) 243-7855
Facsimile: 1 (717) 243-0255