How many A-100 fire trucks...
How many A-100 fire trucks have you seen? This beautiful example spent the weekend at the show; thankfully, its services weren't needed, but we think you'll agree, this one was hot.
As it has for almost the last dozen years, the second weekend of July turned the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, into the place to be for anyone interested in anything Mopar. The 11th Annual Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals was heralded as the best yet. Unlike last year, the weather was spectacular, with slightly cloudy skies, moderate temperatures, and no rain. In fact, by the end of the weekend more than 41,000 people passed through the gates at the fairgrounds, coming away with cars, parts, and memories. The basically sold-out Car Corral, immense show field, special programs, and legendary swap meet area were abuzz with activity most of the weekend. Carlisle, as it's known to enthusiasts, has moved from the realm of an event to a happening, something that's looked forward to and talked about for months in advance.
Friday dawned with vendors, show participants, deal hunters, and spectators combing the grounds as the sun was starting to come up. Late in the day, a large number headed over to South Mountain Dragway in Boiling Springs for some Carlisle-style drag racing. Even though the planned exhibition racing between the nostalgia Funny Cars of Lou Sgro and Bob Gibson didn't materialize, everyone who went to the historic-appearing facility still had a full venue of racing to watch.
Saturday, which is normally the biggest day of the show, found thousands streaming through the gates. The show field was the fullest in the event's history, with cars to please everybody's automotive appetite. One highlight was the festivities that take place in the old grandstands in the center of the multiacre property. Pamela Jo Beineke of Massachusetts was named Miss All-Chryslers at Carlisle 2001, followed by a raucous burn-out contest that brought a smile to even the most jaded fans. As the sun fell, Mopar Muscle was still hard at work on the Dyno Challenge Road Runner, which warranted a spot on the evening news with a live broadcast at 11 p.m. Once again this year, Steve Pilic brought his Dynotech chassis dyno in from Eastlake, Ohio, to give the guys a run for the numbers.
Another special part of the show was the cars that had been brought in to fill the buildings, including a group of survivor vehicles so big that an extra tent was erected to host those that wouldn't fit into the building assigned for them. Meanwhile, Building T has always been the showcase and this year was no exception. Vehicles from the '71 model year were highlighted, along with selected modifieds, late-model show cars from DaimlerChrysler, and two of Steve Juliano's factory prototypes.
Show cars in attendance ranged...
Show cars in attendance ranged from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive to haulin' drive.
The final day of the event featured recognition of the show class winners, from those judged in the SME classes to the special-recognition awards from VIPs. Jeremy Lewis Warner from Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, was happiest of them all. He was called from the grandstand and awarded this year's Give-A-Way Car, an '86 Dodge Shelby Charger with a mere 6,000 miles on the odometer.
The Mopars have left Carlisle this year, though the fairground stays busy with automotive-style events throughout the warmer seasons. However, if this year is any indication, the Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals have moved into the realm of superstardom, rivaled only by the Mopar Nationals in terms of size, participation, and prestige. Looking for fun? We found it...at Carlisle.
 |  The burnout contest following...  The burnout contest following the bikini contest had the crowd roaring on Saturday night. |  Even Coy and Vance Duke (Byron...  Even Coy and Vance Duke (Byron Cherry and Christopher Mayer) made the show and were busy signing autographs all weekend long. |
 It's nice to see the street-rod...  It's nice to see the street-rod contingency growing and using the "correct" drivetrain for the job. |  |  Highlights in Building T this...  Highlights in Building T this year included the Dart Swinger from Steve Juliano's wonderful collection (top) and models such as this '71 'Cuda. |
 |  When was the last time you...  When was the last time you saw a car like this? The Zippo lighter car was built to act as a travelling billboard from 1948 until the early '50s and began life as a '47 Chrysler Saratoga New Yorker. This was its first-ever appearance at a Mopar show. |  Hey, look! For a cool $25,000,...  Hey, look! For a cool $25,000, you too can own this unrestored Max Wedge car. Oops, already been sold. Things were moving in this year's car corral, though rising prices resulted in some sticker shock on the part of many. |
 Anyone have a spare $8,900...  Anyone have a spare $8,900 layin' around? |  Oriented toward the family...  Oriented toward the family experience, the Carlisle staff plans nonautomotive programs for accompanying spouses, and even had things to do for the young 'uns. |  The show field was filled...  The show field was filled with hundreds of great quality Mopars of every vintage and style. This eye-popping assortment on Saturday was the largest in the history of the event. |
 When the cheering and the...  When the cheering and the applause subsided, Pamela Jo Beineke was crowned this year's Miss Chrysler At Carlisle based on crowd reaction. Not just tagging along for the fun of it, the attractive Miss Beineke owns a '69 Charger R/T she restored. Hmmm, shades of the fabled Julia ad from the same year. | | |