Alternative Mopars

To a Mopar guy, there’s nothing quite like the Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

- Johnny Hunkins

While there are certainly other major shows worth attending, my favorite for pure excess is Carlisle. It’s perhaps a little less overwhelming for the seasoned enthusiast who has been there several times, but can you imagine what it must be like for the newbie? The Carlisle fairgrounds has 83 acres, and every single one of them is packed with cars, parts, and memorabilia. This year’s show was held July 13-16, with Carlisle Events opening the show a day earlier (Thursday) for setup. That was a solid headsup move on Carlisle Events’ part, allowing early birds to grab deals before the main crowd descended on Friday.

The success of the Chrysler Nats is born out not only by the sheer number of cars and showgoers in attendance, but by the high concentration of the rarest and best examples of the breed. Hemi cars, Super Stock package cars, Max Wedges, winged warriors—you name it, you’ll be able to find it at Carlisle. These cars are historically important and deserve to be seen, but the large quantity of them at Carlisle also has the unintended effect of making them seem common and ordinary. For 51 weeks out of the year, a real 1970 Plymouth Superbird is as rare as hens’ teeth—until you see them piled up like cordwood in the Pennsylvania countryside!