Fall Carlisle, or more specifically, Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral is set for its 47th annual show Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. It all started as “Post War '74”, an event for enthusiasts of more-recent vehicles than the Pre-War car shows that dotted America at the time. 

Car buddies, Bill Miller and Chip Miller (no relation), founded Carlisle Events in 1974 for "car guys and girls just like them." Before their enterprise, there were few options nationwide for those car people interested in restoring or showing 1950s‐ or 1960s‐era cars. 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 automotive flea markets, 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 that were considered worthy of collecting were pre‐WWII automobiles. That was until “Post War ’74”.

Co-founder and co-owner of Carlisle Events, Bill Miller, Jr. said the notion of this event began in 1973. “The president of the new car club, The Milestone Car Society, asked me if I could bring a special car to their booth at the AACA Fall Swap Meet in Hershey, PA,” he said. “My friend Chip Miller had a 1954 Corvette that he wanted to sell, so we brought that and put it in the booth. Of course, at that time, there were no cell phones, so Chip put his business card on the windshield with the price and a note saying he would be back every hour on the hour if someone was interested.”

Miller continued, “ When we returned to the booth, the business card was on the floor of the car instead of the windshield so Chip thought someone was interested in the car and didn't want anyone else to see the card and just threw it on the floor. A few minutes later someone in a golf cart pulled up and asked who owned the car. Chip thought that this was the person interested in the purchase. When Chip approached him, he said that Chip was not allowed to sell the car in the swap meet because it was not an antique car.”

Miller said that being in their 20s, and with the car being 20 years old, they thought it was an old car, but AACA rules at that time stated that the car had to be 35 years old or older. Miller remarked, “They got a little testy with us and we snapped back and they made us remove the car from the show. After we took the car to the parking lot and returned to the show Chip said, ‘Isn't it a shame that we can't show cars that we like at a car show?’  I said that we should start a car show for cars that we liked, so we each put up $500, drew up a partnership and the next season started a car show for cars after the second World War, and ‘Postwar '74’ was born.”

Miller said they chose the week before the Fall Hershey Swap Meet because they thought that people coming to Hershey could just spend another few days and attend both events.

He added, “The biggest obstacle was finding a location that we could afford, we looked at three locations and picked the Carlisle Fairgrounds because it was the least expensive. It was better dumb luck than good management. Carlisle is the Keystone of the Keystone state as Route 11, Route 81 and the Turnpike intersects here and it is the perfect location for people traveling any distance North, South, East or West .”

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 led to a similar spring event in 1977. In short order, they became complete sellouts for vendor and car corral.
 
Miller did not expect the success and the 47-year growth. “We did it strictly as a hobby event,” he said,  “and didn't look for it to flourish like it did and turn into a business. We were happy that it did because there is no better business that working in the hobby that you love.”



Regarding event growth, Miller said, “We grew so fast each year that we ran by the seat of our pants. We made changes on the fly, often when the show was in progress. Everyone rolled with the punches because the vendors were doing a huge business and the spectators were having fun. The biggest problem came from the owners of the Fairgrounds as they would build a building right in the middle of our swap area and not consult us before they did it. We would arrive at the grounds weeks before the show only to find the grounds changed. Back to the drawing board and make quick changes. So we bought the Fairgrounds.”

The show has changed over the years, of course, and Miller said much has to do with merchandize. “New old stock (NOS) merchandise has given way to reproduction merchandise. Now NOS merchandise is harder to find and has become quite valuable. Being a vendor is very hard work and many new generations of the vendors’ families don't want to pursue the same tasks that their parents did. But the hobby is still alive and well and the shows are booming this year after everyone has gotten out again.”

After 47 Fall Carlisle shows Miller sees some very real high points, including celebrity guest stars.  Miller said, “We have had so many big names from the hobby at our events. Carroll Shelby, Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Linda Vaughn – ‘Miss Hurst’, Bruce Larson, The Tuetels of Orange County Choppers fame, all of the Dukes of Hazzard stars, Bill Goldberg, Chip Foose, Hailie Deegan (NASCAR driver), Gallagher -- the comedian, Bobby Allison and Cindy Williams (of Laverne and Shirley), just to name a few.”



The success of Fall Carlisle led to other shows and Miller recalled, “As our flea market-only shows grew we started single-marque shows, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Truck Import, Corvette, and of course our auctions, which are a huge success. Even now, our Florida auctions draw thousands of people and hundreds of cars to Lakeland, Florida  twice a year. Our single-marque shows grew every year as we set record attendance of show cars. People love to interact with like minded car owners so they can learn more about the hobby.”

Last year was tough, but he sees a rebound in sight. “The pandemic was certainly a challenge,” he said. “We did all the CDC requirements, as did every other business, and made it through. Our future is bright because we try to stay on top of the market. We want the shows to appeal to all ages and genders. We do something for the young, the older men and women, and especially for the kids, as they are the future of the hobby.
Miller loves the events and the people who come to them. “The car people are the greatest people in the world,” he said. “We raise thousands of dollars for charities every year. When you realize that about one half a million people pass through these grounds every year and we don't have any problems what better testament could you have to the quality people of the car hobby.”



Fall Carlisle is the last event of the calendar year for Carlisle Events and marks the end of the Carlisle based show and automotive flea market season. This massive automotive flea market is one of the best opportunities to get your hands on all things automotive before the winter non-picking blues kicks in. With 8,100 spaces of vendors selling a vast array of automotive parts, accessories, cars, collectibles and memorabilia, it's almost certain that you won't go home empty handed. Accompanying the automotive flea market and car corral is the Manufacturers Midway featuring the latest and greatest products and services, and a two-day auction presented by Carlisle Auctions across the street.
 
> 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>

Car auctions are exciting and full of energy. The shiny, detailed car rolls under the spotlights onto the stage. The auctioneer/announcer gives a background on the vehicle and starts the bidding in a mellifluous, musical cacophony. The excitement builds and the bids start coming in until you hear the auctioneer bring down the gavel and say, “sold.” Some deals are great deals favoring the buyer, and other bids are funneled by excitement, competition and the desire of the bidder to add this precise vehicle to their collection, and end up favoring the seller.

That excitement is on the bidder/buyer’s end, but what does the seller do to consign and sell their vehicles? Sellers can consign their vehicles at this year’s Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, Sept. 30-Oct.1 at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street in Carlisle, PA, across from the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The Auction is an accompaniment of the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral, but it is also a stand-alone event of its own merits.

Carlisle Events held its first Collector Car Auction in 2006, but the modern-day incarnation of Carlisle Auctions began in 2013 in Zephyrhills, Florida, and has seen unprecedented success from the opening gavel. Carlisle Auctions’ home base of Carlisle, Pennsylvania has been a sell-out from a consignment standpoint, with millions of dollars in sales taking place at each event. For sellers, supported by Carlisle Auctions’ “FREE UNLESS SOLD**” guarantee, 400-500 high-quality classics plus memorabilia cross the block, and each auction welcomes even more bidders and excitement as brand awareness continues to grow. Certain restrictions apply for the FREE UNLESS SOLD** guarantee.

(FREE UNLESS SOLD** means that if a consignment does not sell, the consignor is refunded most, if not all fees associated with the consignment. That means a higher caliber of car crosses the block and even more cars can be part of the Auction. Vehicles 25 years and older are the ONLY consignments available for the FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee. All vehicles are welcome, but consignments 24 years and newer will be subject to all applicable fees associated with the auction.**)



Carlisle Auctions has been featured on Fox and Friends as well as multiple Velocity TV programs. Carlisle Auction has sold cars for Burt Reynolds, private collectors and has even done charity work on behalf of those in need, while keeping its loyal enthusiast base a priority.

At last year’s Carlisle Fall Auction, 191 vehicles sold – a 56 percent sell rate – for an average sales value of $16,335. The lowest price sold was $800 and the highest sale hammered down at $114,000 for a total sale figure of $3,120,000. Some of the top sold vehicles included a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette for $114,042, a 1935 Packard 8 Sport  Phaeton for $99,008, a 1947 Chrysler Town and Country for $97,280, a 1969 Ford Mustang for $74,297, a 1970 Dodge Challenger for 73,398 and a 1965 Corvette for 70,905. It wasn’t all muscle cars, though as 1955 and 1957 Bel Airs went for more than $50,000 each, as did a 1932 Ford 3-Window, a 1956 Chevy Nomad and a 1958 Chevrolet Impala.

So, what’s the best way for you to consign and sell a vehicle at Carlisle Auctions?
Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations for Carlisle Events said, “Do your homework and let us do the rest.” Cline said this is the easy part. “Call me at the Auction Office at 717-960-6400,” he said. “We can discuss what it is you’re selling, and put together a plan for success.”

Cline joined Carlisle Events in 2013 after 25 years of automotive experience and is a graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Academy. He said, “We consign 400-plus vehicles for each auction -- anything with a collectible flavor. We consign vehicles from the 1920s through modern day, from sports cars to muscle cars, trucks, SUVs and one-offs. We discuss the options with the seller and together, we can sell it to the right bidder.”

Historically, the truck and SUV sectors do well, but anything can sell if it is packaged and priced well. Cline said the most common price of a sold vehicle is $20,000, but sales have gone from $500 to hundreds of thousands. “A few years ago we sold a 2006 Speed Yellow Ford GT for just under $300,000,” he said.

Cline said the Carlisle Auction bidders are a broad mix of collectors, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and dealers. He said, “I lightheartedly say that we welcome all speculators and accumulators.”

What is the best way to sell your car?

Cline believes that the best way to sell your car is at auction. He said, “The auction environment is clearly the best scenario in which to sell your vehicle. We will market it nationally via the web, social networking, direct mail, email, etc. We have in-person bidders, phone bidders, and online bidders. We have assembled one of the top auction teams in the country who drive to sell your vehicle, and we have proven, result driven processes.”

What are mistakes to avoid?

Cline said, “The number-one mistake that folks make when attempting to sell a vehicle is not having it priced correctly to market. One of the most important aspects of my day, is helping people to price their vehicle properly, I liken it to, if you were going to sell your home, you probably would call a Realtor. They would come look at your home: age, dimensions, upgrades, needs and conditions. They then would look at comparable homes that have actually sold over different periods. The same practice applies to selling your car. We can look at similar examples that have sold nationally and determine an average transaction price. At that point, we would determine where your car falls relative to that average price. I cannot over stress how important correctly pricing your vehicle to the market is.”

Energized about this year’s show, Cline said that many exciting consignments will be on the block at the 2021 Fall Auction. “One in particular,” he said, “is a 1963 Chevy Corvette Convertible, and we have a powerful and awesome-looking 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Callaway Coupe. We also have a 1949 Ford F1 truck, 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS and a 1961 Cadillac DeVille. There are lots of great ones from vintage to late-model to see and bid on.”

Whether you are a bidder, consignor or just an interested car fan, the place to be is the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, Sept. 30-Oct.1 at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street in Carlisle, PA. Call Carlisle Auctions today at 717-960-6400, the Carlisle Auctions team is standing by ready to answer questions about the process and the events.

> 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>

Three straight days of sun and fun at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds translated to the second largest Corvettes at Carlisle show car turnout of all time.  After a challenging 2020, 2021 offered renewed hope and interest for so many.  From August 26-28, Carlisle became THE epicenter of America’s Sports Car; the Corvette.  With nearly 2,800 cars on the Fun Field, mixed with over 2,000 more in general parking, there were nearly 5,000 Corvettes to see spanning every corner of the 82-acre fairgrounds. 

There were many “must-see” elements to Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive, but none more impressive than Saturday’s Salute to Law Enforcement.  The theme was event-long, including a display of nearly a dozen cars as part of Chip’s Choice that are owned or maintained by active/retired law enforcement.  Further, thanks to HJ Towing, a 36” x 24” foot America Flag served as the backdrop for photos and proved to be a symbol of freedom throughout the day.  Finally, at 12:30 p.m., local, regional, and federal law enforcement converged on the stage to be recognized by Carlisle Events staff and Corvettes at Carlisle showgoers.  All of this was…. powerful to say the least.

The aforementioned Chip’s Choice display wasn’t the only one turning heads.  Along with a Fun Field hosting thousands of Corvettes, attendees made a point to check out the 50-year reunion of 1971 Corvettes.  This display was supported by the C3 Corvette Registry.  In addition, the NCRS Gallery returned, as did the NCCC judged concours.  There was a 25^th anniversary of the 1996 Grand Sport, a gathering of Solid Axle Corvette owners, and even a nice mix of Aero Body Corvettes.  Thank goodness for digital photos, otherwise, many rolls of film would have been needed.

Another important element of the event was its special guests.  Guests included the father of the Grand Sport, John Heinricy, Team Chevrolet, Paul Koerner, Ken Lingenfelter, retired FBI agent Wes Wong and more.  Each played a special role in Corvettes at Carlisle, either from walk around sessions, special speeches, or tech sessions. 

Cars in motion are always a popular draw, regardless of where, when, or how.  For 2021, Corvettes at Carlisle put the wheels in motion with a law enforcement parade around the grounds Friday and the return of the Downtown Carlisle Corvette Parade and Street Party Saturday night.  Further, those looking to fulfill their need for speed could do so with the King of X autocross shootout or the rolling exhaust contest throughout the event.  Standing room only crowds could be found around each of these events.

The event wrapped with an awards parade and the return of long-time Carlisle Events staff member Diane Vaughn serving as the parade emcee.  There were hundreds of awards offered, including ones for largest club (Grand Sport Registry) and coolest club (also the GSR).  The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation, in conjunction with the Lancaster County Corvette Club, awarded a beautiful C8 Corvette to a local enthusiast and the Spring Mountain Motor Resort also offered a prize associated with its Ron Fellows Driving school in Nevada. 

Many were also making plans for 2022, as over 200 cars pre-registered for the event; happening August 25-27, 2022.  Chip’s Choice also plans to feature the ultra-rare Pratt-Miller Corvettes.  To secure a vending spot or be part of the Fun Field, call Carlisle Events at 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com to learn more about the return of Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive.      

Photo Gallery - Click Here

Corvette has been “America’s sports car” since 1953. Through 68 years and eight generations, more than 1.75 million Corvettes have been sold. From 1953 to 2019, the street celebrity was front-engined, and since 2020, it has been mid-engined. Along the way, it has teched up, safetied up, powered up and comforted up. As with any work of art, Corvette has had to be maintained, touched up, and in some cases repaired or tweaked to maintain its perfection. One of those top techs who keeps Corvettes humming, is Paul Koerner, “The Corvette Mechanic.”

Koerner, who will be host and featured speaker at nine tech/repair/information seminars (seven different topics) at the 2021 Corvettes at Carlisle (Aug. 26-28) at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, has been a GM service technician since 1997 and a Corvette specialist since 1999. He said that there are challenges that come with advanced technology, but that Corvette engineers listen and respond quickly to field input.

Koerner  has obtained the classification of GM World Class Certified Service Technician. That means that he is fully tested and trained by GM to repair any system in any GM vehicle (except for Saab and medium-duty trucks). His passion and knowledge run deep, as does his drive to help those in need of automotive help. As a case in point, at the 2019 Winter AutoFest event, Koerner was found in the parking lot helping a patron whose car had broken down. He is ready at all times with his GM knowledge and skill.
Koerner started his tech career working at a Chevy dealership in 1997. He said, “It was the first year of the 5th Generation and I saw problems from the tech side. I was just a car shop repair guy and had to earn a level of trust from the pros to get to work on the important cars.”

As a Corvette service tech, Koerner said the most fun part of his job is the people. “I get to meet the enthusiastic people who own the Corvettes. I can look them in the eyes and share their experiences,” he said. He also gains fun from the challenges. Koerner said, “The advancement in tech is the most significant challenge in automotive professions. You look at Corvette and it is state-of-the-art, and the tech keeps improving, so keeping up with it is the single biggest challenge.”

Koerner said Corvette really has a handle on shape and performance. He said, “The way they shape the car to be everything enthusiasts want it to be is what is so right about Corvette. It is a car for any enthusiast, tailored for looks and performance, and designed so you can cruise in it all day in comfort, or race it on the track. Anything you’d like a powerful car to be is what makes up Corvette.”

As nothing is perfect, Koerner also noted that improvements could be made. He said, “From a service tech standpoint, we can always use more resources and more ways to educate techs on the latest technology.” However, Koerner praised GM saying, “Corvette improvements are constant and ongoing. They are constantly working on improvements and we techs receive daily updates on service information. Additionally, we can file feedback on repairs if we see something wrong. GM looks at each repair product feedback form and they quickly respond to the field product reports. I often get a response in an hour or two. They never stop trying to improve Corvette.”

Koerner said that while each generation is different and requires different fixes, what he sees most often are tech issues rather than mechanical issues. He said, “There is a lot of computer programming and less about mechanical aspects or architecture.” Of those fixes, the most creative one he has made occurred at Cars at Carlisle. Koerner said, “In 2014, I saw someone on the field with a bad connector. At my next seminar, I asked if anyone had a Chevy rental car and I took a part off of a Chevy Cruze and put it on the troubled 2012 ZR-1. I diagnosed the condition and got the needed part from a local Chevy dealership. We fixed the problem and put the part back on the rental.”

Koerner’s first Corvettes at Carlisle was in 2000. “I was a fledgling tech,” he said, “and while I thought I knew it all, this event opened my eyes to what I didn’t know. I started doing seminars at the show in 2004 and it has been amazing to be a part of this event. The best aspect is being able to help customers and enthusiasts  and doing whatever is necessary to assist them or affect a repair to get them home safely.”

He praised his team and the Carlisle staff, adding, “What we are doing this year could not have been accomplished without my team. My service advisor will be there, techs who work with me and whom I train are all an important part of what we bring to the show, and all of those who plan and coordinate the show and our part of the show, are what brings it all to reality.”



The Middletown, CT resident will be on hand at Corvettes at Carlisle to instruct, entertain, discuss and help. For example, when you lift the hood of your prized Corvette, you see what makes it go, but do you really know how it works? What if something goes wrong? Can you troubleshoot the issue or know what to do next? At his seminars, Koerner, with his GM World Glass Certified Technician credentials will tell you everything you want to know about your Corvette (and then some). Koerner, along with his Corvette Mechanic Team will head seminars covering the following topics:

Thursday
Diagnostic Assistance: 9 am - 11:30 am 
The Corvette Mechanic Team will perform drive-up diagnostic assistance at The Corvette Mechanic tent behind Building T. There is no appointment necessary and first come/first served. Spectators are free to sit in and watch, listen and learn about all aspect of diagnostic process from 1984-2021 Corvette. Video feeds on screens with scan tool information along with diagnostic process from Chevrolet on Corvette. Questions may be asked during process from the audience.

Stump The Corvette Mechanic Team: 11 pm – 3 pm
Do you have a problem with your Corvette? Did someone tell you it can't be fixed? Do you have gremlins you might want to get rid of? The Corvette Mechanic Team can fix what ails your Corvette or at least point you in the right direction for an accurate resolution to your problems. In this grandstand seminar, they discuss with the Corvette owners what is the problem, how they would go about diagnosing this problem and what potential solutions they can offer. And if you stump them, you will receive a 2022 Fun Field Registration from Carlisle Events. Corvettes from 1984 to present will be covered. 

Friday: 
Corvette Information from 1984-2013, C4/C5/C6 Q & A: 9 am - 10:15 am  
The Corvette Mechanic Team will answer questions about Gen 4 through Gen 8 Corvette. Discontinued parts will be discussed, as will aftermarket solutions. Diagnostic process from the 1980s to present will be covered and much more.

The 7th Leads to the Next-Generation Corvette 2014-2021: 12 noon - 1:15 pm
Front engine, mid-engined, dual-clutched, auto, manual, modified or not, these vehicles are state-of-the-art technology, which requires a deep education that only GM can provide. The GM factory-trained team is knowledgeable in all aspects of the 7th and 8th-Gens and will answer any questions regarding these vehicles. 

Corvette for the New Owner or Enthusiast: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Corvette is a wonder of modern technology and every generation ushered in new features and convenience. For someone who is just becoming an owner/enthusiast, it can be very overwhelming. In this simple seminar, we answer new owners’ questions about features, repairs and maintenance in a way that is easily understandable. How do you evaluate a vehicle you intend to purchase? Is there an APP for that? Our team will cover all the basics that YOU want to know in this question and answer format.

Saturday: 
The Grand Sport Corvette: 8:30 am - 9:45 am
From 1963 to 2019, Grand Sport has exemplified the “Racetrack Corvette”. Better cooling, larger brakes, wider tires, stiffer suspension all play a part in the capability of this wonderful vehicle. In this in-depth seminar, the team will cover the differences, years and reasons why Grand Sport was resurrected in 2010 and how it became a staple for the Corvette enthusiast when hitting the racetrack. 

Corvette Information from 1984-2013, C4/C5/C6 Q & A: 11 am - 12:15 pm
The Corvette Mechanic Team will answer questions about Gen 4 through Gen 8 Corvette. Discontinued parts will be discussed, as will aftermarket solutions. Diagnostic process from the 1980s to present will be covered and much more.

The 7th Leads to the Next-Generation Corvette 2014-2021: 2 pm – 4 pm 
Front engine, mid-engined, dual-clutched, auto, manual, modified or not, these vehicles are state-of-the-art technology, which requires a deep education that only GM can provide. The GM factory-trained team is knowledgeable in all aspects of the 7th and 8th-Gens and will answer all questions regarding these vehicles. 

Corvette Specialist Paul Koerner and Team will professionally advise Corvette owners on their Corvettes throughout the event weekend, at Corvettes at Carlisle, the largest Corvette show in the world, Aug. 26-28 at Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> 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 (August 26-28) has always served as a beacon for the top names within the automotive hobby.  In some cases, the name belongs to a person, while other instances bring a popular brand name to the event. All new for 2021, Corvettes at Carlisle welcomes one of the top names in automotive dealerships to the event for the first-time; Ciocca Corvette, also recognized as the World’s Largest Corvette dealer.  The Ciocca name may be familiar to some, as it adorns multiple dealerships in the mid-Atlantic region.  While they have long-standing brand awareness to many, it’s their newest dealership that brings them to Carlisle.

Long-time guests of Corvettes at Carlisle may recall Kerbeck Corvette being on-site for years, hosting a tent with a nice array of the latest Corvettes near the stage and grandstand.  That display remains but will be rebranded with the Ciocca Corvette of Atlantic City name as the family of dealerships purchased not only Kerbeck Corvette, but all dealerships under its umbrella earlier this summer.

“I’ve always had a passion for cars.  I just love them, and I knew immediately that this was what I wanted to do,” said Gregg Ciocca, founder of the brand.   

Today, Gregg is the proud owner of 24 dealerships with 16 unique brands including Ford, Subaru, Mercedes, BMW, Honda and most recently the aforementioned Atlantic City market with the acquisition of Kerbeck in Atlantic City – which is currently celebrating its 27^th straight year as the world’s largest Corvette dealership.  Ciocca’s web page notes that they are “excited for the opportunity to be involved with the Corvette community and cites this as an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime acquisition.”

Along with Ciocca’s inclusion in Corvettes at Carlisle 2021, they’ll also offer registered Fun Field members a free shirt with joint branding of Corvettes at Carlisle and Ciocca on it.  This gift is a long-standing tradition, now carrying the Ciocca name. 

“I’ve been fortunate to grow up in Ocean City, New Jersey for many reasons, but most of all because of the friendships I’ve forged,” noted Lance Miller, co-owner of Carlisle Events.  “I’m privileged to call the Kerbeck brothers my friends.  In fact, I’ve known them all for many years, having lived a few houses down from George initially, and now my family lives a few houses from Charlie and Frank – small world,” continued Miller.  “I’m eager to create a friendship with the Ciocca family.  After all… anyone that loves cars as much as I do, how could we not become fast friends?  We are excited to have the Ciocca Chevrolet group with us as part of Corvettes at Carlisle weekend.  By the way, be sure to stop by their tent and grab a complimentary poster for you or your friends!”

Corvettes at Carlisle starts at 7 a.m. on August 26 and runs through the evening hours of August 28, culminating with the return of the Downtown Carlisle Corvette parade and street party.  In between, over 5,000 Corvettes will converge on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  In addition to the show cars, there are special guests, seminars, unique displays and plenty of options to put the wheels in motion via parades, competitions and more.  Discounted spectator tickets are available online at CarlisleEvents.com.  In addition, online Fun Field registration is available through Sunday, August 22 (in person from 8/23-8/28).  In the meanwhile, interested enthusiasts can review the event guide, now available online or by way of the Carlisle Events app (available on iTunes or Google Play).