Joe Dirt loved his Mopars and so do the thousands of guests and event participants of the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. After topping the 3,000 show car mark for the first time ever in 2022, event plans for 2023 aim to do the same, all while showcasing a little nostalgia and passion along the way. This year’s event, July 14-16 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, welcomes 50 Years of 1973 Mopars, High School Mopars, and a Malaise Era showcase.
Each display’s application process is currently open and will be through at least the first quarter of 2023. The displays, each unique in their own way, will turn heads both on the Showfield and within the display buildings. One such display, High School Mopars, is the brainchild of the biggest Carlisle kid of them all, enthusiast Steve Leber. Leber’s love for Mopars dates back longer than he can remember and recently, he shared this idea with event manager Ed Buczeskie. Ed loved the idea and ran with it, devising a display that aims to host THE car its owner drove in school.
Along with the rides from the old high school parking lot comes a display from the proverbial “old school” itself. We are now 50 years removed from 1973 and that means the 2023 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals bring a half-century of awesome to the event for all to enjoy. This showcase is designed for all ‘73s, stock or modified, and once populated with the best of the best from the application pool, will tell an amazing story of the cars, their owners, and their combined history together. Cars can be original, restored, modified, etc. but as always, a good story goes a long way.
Another display will include a gathering of nostalgic race cars highlighting at least three of the late Roger Lindamood’s “Color Me Gone” cars. One is a fresh restoration that will make its big debut at Carlisle, and another is coming directly from the now closed Chrysler Museum collection.
Attendees of last year’s show were treated to a first-ever display of Mopar collectibles that included things like the Shutdown! racing game, driving simulator, Sno Runner, a boat, a Chrysler chainsaw and even a Mopar hacksaw blade plus so much more. It was super popular and will make a return appearance!
Finally, the Malaise Era feature offers a look back and select rides from the mid-70s through the mid-80s (and maybe a little beyond). Such rides as the Volare/Aspen, Magnum, Cordoba, Mirada, and more will be selected for the display. On a nostalgia scale of 1-10, this should be at least a 10, if not higher. After all, when was the last time you saw multiples of the aforementioned vehicles together in one place? The best part is, there isn’t a black and white want or need for this display, and it’s being kept vague on purpose. According to Ed B., “I’ll know it when I see it.”
Make sure you see it too, plus all the other great featured cars as well as those on the Showfield. The vendor base is also stronger than ever, with an always-at-capacity Mopar flea market, offering some of the most sought-after parts within the hobby.
The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is actively taking display consideration submissions online through the Carlisle Events/Carlisle Chrysler Nationals web page. The submission process is ongoing into at least the first quarter of 2023. It’s FREE to apply for consideration and if accepted, it’ll be FREE to be part of the display, too. Don’t have something that fits the bill for these displays, but own a car or truck that that you’d like to show off? Showfield registration is open now. Full details on the event, links to purchase tickets, and more are available at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 today.
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