Bill Miller, Jr. co-founded Carlisle Events in 1974.  While his name has been attached to America’s Automotive Hometown of Carlisle, Pennsylvania for nearly 50 years, his passion for all things automotive goes back to his early years as an enthusiast.  As one can imagine, someone as passionate as Bill has amassed quite the collection of automotive items and as part of this year’s Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, select pieces of that collection can be yours!

The Bill Miller Collection is so big that it will take THREE DAYS to offer it all and span two venues in Carlisle!  On September 26-27 at 10 a.m. each day, Miller plans to offer thousands of items, parts, merchandise, collectibles, and more as part of the first half of his collection sale.  These items include literature, car parts, signage, showroom banners from his dealership days, bikes, toys, a snowmobile (with snowmobile trailer), shirts, fairgrounds collectibles, pictures, posters, and even some autographed items.  In short, this is a 60+ year collection from a man who is just as much a part of the automotive fabric of our country as Henry Ford, the Dodge Brothers, and Louis Chevrolet.

Along with the two-day merchandise sale, Miller will also move 20+ classic and collector cars across the auction block on Thursday, September 29 at approximately 3 p.m.  These lots span from the 1930’s to the 2000’s and are low milage and in some cases, one owner cars.  In addition, per Bill Miller’s automotive tastes, they are original too.  After all, according to him, “they were only original once.” 

Miller has identified a pair of Kaiser Darren’s for the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, two 1981 VW trucks, including one that’s never been titled and a 1958 Cadillac two-door hard top with 12,000 original miles and original tires; quite possibly the finest one that money could buy.  Also heading to auction is his 1936 Ford pickup, one that many Carlisle guests have seen him drive at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, a 1972 VW Bug convertible, a 1938 Chrysler Royal Convertible, a 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS with 11,000 miles, a 1953 Kaiser Manhattan Sedan with 20,000 original miles, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible with 27,000 original miles, 1985 Chevrolet El Camino with 60,000 original miles, 1987 Chevrolet El Camino with 8,000 original miles, and more. 

“I have been collecting cars, parts, and memorabilia all my life,” said Miller.  “It is time to part with my collection so many other hobbyists can enjoy these treasures just as I have.  I have owned some cars more than 50 years so here is an opportunity to own some great original automobiles,” continued Miller.  “I have been a purist for collecting original cars as they are only original once.  I just love how the factories built them with precision and accuracy and you’ll love them too!”

The merchandise sale takes place in and around the former Smith’s Appliance Building.  This facility is located at 1188 Spring Rd. in Carlisle and is just across the street from the Fairgrounds Diner and Desperate Times Brewery.  The car collection will be positioned for preview and sale at the Carlisle Expo Center, located at 100 K. St.  While each sale is part of the Bill Miller Collection, they will be managed separately.  Merchandise will be sold through a third-party auctioneer, while the cars will be managed by Carlisle Auctions. 

The merchandise will be auctioned at no reserve and there will be no fees associated with bidding or buying.  Cash or charge will be accepted, and bidder registration will take place in person on September 26-27.  Meanwhile, industry standard auction rules and practices may apply for the automotive portion of the collection on September 29, including pre-registration for bidders.

To learn more, register to bid or simply ask questions, call 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com. 

All roads lead to Carlisle!  That statement is supported by the many major roadways and just as many trucking companies that are part of the central Pennsylvania landscape.  Over the last 10 years not only has the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores (August 5-7) grown as an event, but Big Rig participation has too.  Not only do these trucks show, many are competing for awards, and best of all, hiring for drivers and facilities workers!    

The August 2022 showcase is expected to host over 300 rigs and heavy equipment, plus more than 1,800 pick-up trucks, vans, SUVs, etc.  For families, it’s a chance to bring their kid’s toybox to life and for the adults, it just might be the perfect opportunity to find a new job.  There is always a demand for truckers to haul payloads of all sizes, but in many cases, there aren’t enough drivers for the work, not just locally, but nationwide. This slows down commerce and creates issues for companies contracted to do a specific job. Those jobs are competitive and in many cases, high paying. 

Of course there are jobs in trucking that don’t involve driving or having a CDL.  Companies are also looking to hire dock workers and other staff for their warehouses, many of which line I-81 between Chambersburg and Harrisburg.

Scheduled for the show in August are Lily, NAPA Transportation, S&H Express, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc., NHH Services, Inc., FIT Transportation, and UPS just to name a few.  Not only will these companies be part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals Big Rig Show & Shine, they’ll also have representatives at Carlisle talking to potential candidates for jobs. 

For those interested in the trucking industry or warehouse work, this event also showcases the trucking industry with vendors, custom rig builders, antique, and historic trucks as well as regional truck equipment dealers and service centers. Kenworth of PA and Motor Truck, a multi store dealership and service center for Kenworth truck equipment will be on site sharing the newest equipment. 

“Annually, our trucking friends come to Carlisle.  While they love to show off their rigs, haulers, fleets, etc., many of them are also looking for talented new team members,” noted event manager Ed Scholly.  The Carlisle Truck Nationals has frequently served as a backdrop for these great companies to fill openings for operator and logistic jobs in their companies,” continued Scholly.  “Anyone who may be looking to enter this industry or to make a work-related change should consider visiting the event.  You may not find a better place to get a picture of the industry and what it has to offer.”

In addition to the big rigs and heavy equipment, the Truck Nationals offers a light truck, custom van and SUV showcase. The event hosts family fun with the kids activities, light truck, jeep and SUV vendors, monster truck shows and rides, competitions, and more.  It’s all available for just $15 per adult, with kids 12 and under admitted for FREE.  Discounted spectator admission tickets are available at CarlisleEvents.com as are details about the 2022 Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores.

For years, Mopar enthusiasts have flocked to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and annually, each show seems to top its predecessor. While new Showfield records have been a near annual occurrence for this event, one number has eluded its participants: 3,000!  Wait no longer, as not only did this year’s event (July 15-17) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds set a new Showfield mark for the second straight year, but it also finally topped 3,000…3,101 to be exact. Powered by guests from around the world, this show truly was one for the ages.

With favorable weather throughout the weekend, Thursday’s set up day (July 14) seemed more like a show day. In fact, by 4 p.m. the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center’s parking lot was packed as the Mopar Rebellion Car Club hosted its kick-off party.  This event within the event grows annually and is free for spectators and participants alike.  Mix this in with the early bird fairgrounds access for parts shopping and it’s easy to see why the world’s largest all-Mopar themed show got off to such a great start.

Gates opened at 7 a.m. Friday but before the official start time, show cars were rolling on grounds and spectators were lined up waiting to check out the displays and get their first interactions with the variety of special guests, including Cristy Lee, Herb McCandless, Paul Rossi, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, Miss Direct Connection 1984, Claudia Abel, and more.  While many of those guests had a chance to get on grounds and meet the early attendees, they also stood front and center at 10 a.m. as part of the event’s State of the Hobby Address.  For more than an hour, the panel spoke on what the hobby has meant to them, what they do in it and how important a car show like this is to owners and attendees alike. Further, a handful of cars were unveiled at the stage, including one from ExoMod; a 1968 Charger carbon fiber body, positioned atop a brand new 2021 Challenger Hellcat Redeye. 

The Friday morning gathering helped usher in a full day of autograph signings from many of the aforementioned guests.  It was also a day filled with sensory delights, including amazing smells from the food court and Showfield alike. Dodge had guests on edge all day with their thrill rides, plus the foot traffic at their midway display served as a reminder to them how important and popular they are to the hobby and this event.  Friday wrapped up with the autocross shootout and saw an upset of sorts, with a modified Jeep Cherokee topping a Dodge Viper on the final run of the night.

On Saturday, the line of cars rolling on grounds started early and lasted until mid-day. Cristy Lee was back on stage as well as a special presentation from Mopar’s Mad Men, Jim Ramsey and Joe Schulte, the marketing guys responsible for the famous ads coming out of the ‘60s era muscle car magazines.  Along with them were McCandless and Buddy Martin (of Sox and Martin fame).

Saturday also included an all-new rolling burnout and donut contest.  The fun took place on the track in front of a packed audience and opened with an exhibition from Dodge.  What happened next wowed the crowd, as trucks and cars of all eras participated, culminating in a win by a Massachusetts attendee and his 1969 Charger.

The record setting show didn’t just include cars and trucks on display, there was an entire display and parade showcasing Mopar collectibles.  This included bikes, a snow sled, driving simulator, video games, Richard Petty Lawnmowers, and more.

The fun concluded Sunday with one last pass through the displays, some rides with Dodge and a two-hour awards parade that included a photo opportunity with Cristy Lee.  While 2022 has concluded, guests and event planning staff are already looking forward to next year.  Save the date, because the 2023 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals are July 14-16 and include displays focused on the Malaise Era, High School Mopars, and more.  Visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 to make your plans today.