Santa may have left gifts under your tree, but did he park anything cool in your garage?  What’s that, no sweet ride with an oversized bow on the hood for you to cruise town in over the next few months?  Wait no longer, as Carlisle Auctions brings the gift of classic and collector cars to Polk County, Lakeland, Florida and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus as part of the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction.

The auction spans two days, February 25-26, and is conveniently located just off I-4 and the Polk Parkway…or County Line Rd. for those looking to avoid the tolls.  Revving up 2022, Carlisle Auctions welcomes bidders, buyers, and spectators, all who come to enjoy the muscle cars, antiques, daily drivers, best of show gems, trucks, and so much more.  This isn’t a car show, it’s an as seen on TV auction and you can take home one or more of the 400+ anticipated showpieces! 

The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. daily and on February 25 at approximately 1:30 p.m., trucks take center stage as part of the popular all-truck hour.  That means those who are into the truck lifestyle can watch for 60 minutes straight, truck after truck cross the block.  This hour has been the single most popular themed hour Carlisle Auctions has ever hosted, so to say it’s back by popular demand would be an understatement.   

With used car prices through the roof and the chip shortage curbing new vehicles for the foreseeable future, the Lakeland Winter Collector Car auction is THE BEST way to find something pre-owned at an affordable price point.  Inventory will cover nearly 100 years of production and cars will sell at price points ranging from the mid four-figures to low six-figures.  

The Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction also plans at least one charity lot.  Details are TBD but will be shared via the Carlisle Auctions Facebook page prior to the auction in 2022.  Once finalized, 100% of the funds raised will go directly to charity and all fees associated with buying and selling will be waived too. 

“The Carlisle Auctions team is thrilled to be returning to Lakeland, Florida for our season-opening event, the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline.  “With well over 400 consignments anticipated and following a record-setting auction year in 2021, we expect this event to continue the trend of successful auctions in Florida.”

Complete details on the auction are available at CarlisleAuctions.com.  In addition, the auction offers THREE great ways to bid on desired lots; in person, on the phone, or online!  Best of all, once registered as a bidder, online bidding commences the Monday of auction week (February 21).  Consignments are being added daily to the Carlisle Auctions web page.  Spectator admission is $10 with FREE parking, plus the event offers onsite RV parking for those looking to make the event a multi-day adventure.  For auction details, call 717-960-6400 and for details on RV parking, call 717-243-7855.  Get involved today and don’t miss out! 

With 2021 in the rearview mirror, the team from Carlisle Events is actively planning its 2022 season.  Two indoor January events kick off the buying and selling frenzy with Auto Mania (January 14-16) at the Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown, PA and the Winter Carlisle Auto Expo (January 28-29) at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, PA.  The 2022 event season guaranteed to turn heads and draw thousands to Carlisle; America’s Automotive Hometown.

In February, Carlisle Auctions gets the wheeling and dealing up and running with an auction in sunny Florida.  Following a record setting 2021 where all-time highs for sell through rates and total sales were reached as over 1,000 cars, trucks, and collectibles crossed the auction block.  The first and last auctions of the year happen at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, FL.  The Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction is February 25-26, while the Lakeland Fall offering is November 10-11.  In Carlisle, the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction (April 21-22) happens in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, while the Fall auction is September 29-30 as part of Fall Carlisle.  In each instance, 400+ lots are anticipated with three great ways to bid; in-person, on the phone, and online by way of Proxibid.  There’s even an all-truck hour and opportunities to bid and buy for various charity causes.  Auction details are available at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors (April 20-24) welcomes nearly 100,000 guests with like-minded passions into the Cumberland Valley to buy, sell or trade all things automotive.  Spring Carlisle, in most cases, is the first large gathering of its type across the country, so it becomes a destination event for gearheads and collectors.  The biggest draw is the automotive flea market where thousands of vendors sell millions of pieces and parts, merchandise, and collectibles.  There are even cars for sale by owner within the car corral. 

In addition, the midway is packed with some of the top suppliers in the industry and is flanked by the ARMO Hot Products Showcase.  ARMO is the SEMA council whose mission is to preserve and promote the automotive restoration hobby.  In doing so at Carlisle, the ARMO team spotlights some of the newest and/or most popular items available for your ride.  Finally, Spring Carlisle welcomes Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller to the stage on Friday, April 22 for his second bi-annual Bill Miller Auction.  For a period of time starting mid-morning, Bill, with the help of the Carlisle Auctions staff, will sell off some items from his personal collection.  The Bill Miller Auction is free for all on-site guests to attend and all items are sold to the highest bidder with no fees attached.

A few weeks after Spring Carlisle wraps up, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 13-14) takes center stage.  IPN is one of the most unique events in the country, as it spotlights over 2,000 cars from around the world.  From popular American Muscle to obscure Asian and European imports, guests are guaranteed to see something they have never seen before.  Along with the rare and unique, there are a few special displays and activities planned.  Cruise to Carlisle in mid-May for a 30-year tribute to the Subaru Impreza and a feature of Germany’s most popular ride; the BMW.  There are also many car clubs who gather, making Carlisle their singular meet-up spot for judged or non-judged car show fun.

Just after Memorial Day, THE Ford show of shows happens; the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiars (June 3-5).    This event hosts Ford lovers from across the country and more than 3,000 vehicles on the National Parts Depot Showfield.  While there is no shortage of cars and people, another element of the fun is the staff from Ford HQ.  Top level team members roll in from Michigan to host new product showcases, walk arounds and unveilings.  In fact, with some new vehicle car shows canceled in and around the mid-Atlantic region, it’s reasonable to expect that many consumers will see for the first time at Carlisle, the newest and hottest rides and products coming onto the market.  This may include EV components and vehicles, the latest Bronco and more.

The Carlisle Ford Nationals also celebrates the history of the brand with special displays and guests.  Planned displays for 2022 include a 60^th Anniversary of the Shelby, a showcase of SSP Mustangs (police cars), and even a Light Weight reunion.  Finally, the cars hit the streets of downtown Carlisle on Saturday night for the annual Ford Parade and Street Party.  Historically, nearly 400 cars from the show itself roll into town for the community to check out.  Restaurants offer a mix of dining options for everyone, while shops stay open later with the hopes of some added business from the out of town guests. 

Two weeks after Ford weekend, the Carlisle GM Nationals (June 24-25) spotlight over 100 years of history, once again on the National Parts Depot Showfield.  Following one of its best years ever in 2021, the GM Nationals plan to spotlight the 3^rd Generation Camaro/Pontiac Firebird as part of a 40^th anniversary display, celebrate the 60^th of the Chevy Nova, the 40^th of the Chevy S10 truck, and welcome the return of Corvettes for Chip.  The aforementioned Corvette display is a show within the show and supports the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation, while the S10 honors will be spread across two shows, including the Carlisle Truck Nationals in August.

Deep into summer and halfway through the month of July, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 15-17) open its doors for the annual Mopar family reunion.  This tight-knit group of car owners, lovers, and friends cruise to Carlisle following a record setting turnout in 2021.  The automotive flea market is the largest of its type in the world, offering many OEM options for die-hard Mopar enthusiasts.  In addition to the parts shopping and special guests, the Chrysler Nationals pack the Showfield to the tune of nearly 3,000 cars, including a display dedicated to nearly 50 original/survivor rides.  Original and untouched, these beauties sit just east of the grandstand under a big red and white tent.

Additional Chrysler Nationals displays include a 50^th Anniversary display of 1972 Mopars, a 25^th gathering of the Prowler, a re-do of the 1970 50^th that deserved better in 2020, plus a display focused on family.  The family display is new and has the potential to tell an amazing array of stories with each car.  Maybe the display car was wrenched by a father and son/mother daughter, maybe it was passed down from one generation to the next, maybe it was your first ride or maybe cars were the glue that kept you and your loved ones together.  While these are just a few examples, there are many more open-ended options to consider for this display in 2022. 

The last quarter of 2022 offers car and truck lovers three more great opportunities to come to Carlisle.  Running August 5-7, the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores welcomes families by the droves.   For three days, truck lovers of all ages can see in real life the toys they played with as kids.  This includes trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles and eras; plus Monster Trucks, cool custom vans, big rigs, heavy equipment, and even tractors.  On-site installs are a big part of the event, as title sponsor A&A Auto Stores manages the upgrades for exhausts, wheels, tires, and more.  There are also a handful of planned displays, including part two of the S10 anniversary, the returning low show, Vanarama, and the Big Rig Show and Shine.  One could say this is a very sensory show too, with the smells, sights, and sounds available, including the big rig glow show, drop and drag contest, and neon that frequently accompanies the vans.

Specialty show season (car specific events) concludes with Corvettes at Carlisle August 25-27. The world’s largest all-Corvette show celebrates its 40^th Anniversary and has the unique distinction of being the first specialty car show ever launched at Carlisle in 1982. This year’s offering plans to welcome back Team Chevrolet and their always popular walkarounds, seminars anchored by the Corvette mechanic team and Paul Koerner, car themed anniversary displays, and one ultra-rare gathering of race cars.  The displays include the 50^th anniversary of 1972 Corvettes, NCRS Gallery display and a 35^th Anniversary of Callaway Corvettes.  Finally, for the first known time in Corvette circles, multiple generation of Pratt/Miller racing Corvettes come together to anchor Chip’s Choice within Building T.  The show wraps up with the Downtown Carlisle Corvette Parade and Street party on Saturday evening, again offering the community a chance to see hundreds of cool cars in motion.

Lastly for Carlisle in 2022 is Fall Carlisle Presented by eBay Motors (September 28-Otober 2).  Fall Carlisle is similar to its spring counterpart in that it offers cars, parts, merchandise, collectibles and more for sale.  Enthusiasts and vendors alike converge on Carlisle to celebrate tradition, the car culture and an unmatched camaraderie that only those who are part of the experience can truly appreciate.  Fall Carlisle 2022 includes more items by way of Bill Miller and his collectibles auction, plus serving as a backdrop to it at the stage, the AACA Car Club presents classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles, all while they recruit new club members and promote their upcoming event in Hershey just days after Fall Carlisle concludes.  Fall Carlisle really is the last big event to find the parts you need for those winter projects or to wrap up something that’s been in the works all summer.

The cars and trucks at Carlisle don’t just show, they go.  Beginning with the Import event in May and concluding with Corvettes at Carlisle in August, there will be parades (on grounds and off), drifting, autocross, thrill rides, rolling exhaust competitions, smoke billowing donuts, and more.  In fact, select shows go one step further with low car/truck limbo and a real street shootout, testing a driver’s school vs. the clock and the multi-turn course at Carlisle.  In most cases, Showfield registration is required to participate in these added activities, but specific details are available via the event’s specific web page.

Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions are excited about what 2022 has to offer and all elements of event involvement are for sale now.  Spectator tickets are available for purchase at a discount online and registration to show is also discounted by 10% through 45 days prior to the event.  Vending spaces are also available for those looking to sell tools, parts, collectibles, cars, merchandise, etc.  Links to purchase, details on the 2022 AND 2023 schedules, and more can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

With only minor changes to appearance packages, including optional 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, three new colors (Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue), and an available Monochromatic Reserve appearance package. The one-year-old second-Gen Lincoln Aviator remains a leader in American mid-size SUV luxury, with a nod to its sibling, the full-size Navigator, but in a smaller, and more maneuverable package.

Aviator was launched from 2003 through 2005 as a rebadged version of the Mercury Mountaineer, and after a 15-year hiatus, returned last year as a mid-size five-door, three row luxury SUV. 

Based on the Ford Explorer, Aviator has its own upscale styling, sculpting, engine, chassis makeup and tech. Aviator focuses on luxury and elegance, and is its own creation, not to be likened to any other in the brand.

The creation of the second-gen Lincoln Aviator was tasked with merging elegance, styling, performance and advanced technology, while advancing an electrified hybrid system. With a gas-powered 400hp /415 lb-ft of torque engine and a plug-in hybrid system that provides 494hp and best-in-class 630 combined lb-ft of torque, Aviator is built for power and capability joining with sleek elegance and intuitive technology.



Aviator provides Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight,” which combined performance with silence. Aviator offers those two powertrains – a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gas engine and the Grand Touring’s hybrid powertrain. Aviator vanguarded Lincoln’s approach to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and advanced electrified hybrid technology capable of delivering smooth performance and quick-acting torque.

Avaiator’s architecture and styling is a direct turn off its name and is marketed with a sky-driven approach. Company literature says, “The boundless allure of flight has long inspired automotive design, and the exterior styling of the all-new Lincoln Aviator takes that inspiration to the next level. The connotations of flight are intrinsic in the strong front and tapering rear of the vehicle, creating a distinct aerofoil analogy,” according to Lincoln’s pitch. Exterior dimensions are 199.3 inches in length, a wind-attracting 69.6 inches in height and 82.3 inches in width on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, for a curb weight of from 4774 to 5673 lbs. depending on trim level and configuration. My Reserve trim weighed about 5020 lbs.

Aviator’s cabin is packed with luxury appointments and comfort, a 14-speaker audio system with voice-activated touch-screen navigation system, three rows of seating, available concert hall sound, intuitive tech and function and a quiet environment of quality. The comfortable cabin provides, 41 inches of front headroom (40.2 with a Vista Roof), 39.7 inches in row two and a tight 36.9 inches in row three. Aviator provides 43 inches of front legroom, with 40.1 in the middle and a child-only 29.2 inches in the rear seats; and 61.5 inches of front shoulder room with 61.3 in row two and 54.0 in row three.
Interior climate control includes a Particulate Air Filter Tri-Zone Climate Control, with second row climate controls (with Audio and Heated/Vented Seat Controls when equipped). You also get a 10.1-inch LCD touch-screen in the center-stack, Ambient interior lighting, delayed Accessory Lighting in the first row, Lincoln Connect™ with 4G embedded modem with WiFi® hot spot capability, that enables Lincoln Way™ App remote features (when activated) and so much more we can’t do justice to listing them here.
Aviator drives quietly, attentively and smoothly in both Front-wheel-drive and Intelligent All-wheel-drive configurations. My test Aviator Reserve in AWD was outfitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Engine with Stop-Start Technology. EPA rated at 27mpg/highway, 20mpg/city and 24mpg/combined, my rides delivered 22.4mpg. With the hybrid option, Aviator Grand Touring’s twin-turbocharged engine and advanced electrified technology shows some hesitation, but increases gas mileage by up to 20 miles when all-electric.

My test ride’s 400hp system, did not delay and the response was seamless, sprinting to a 6.1-second zero-to-60mph dash, and a quarter-mile  of 14.8 seconds. On the open road, Aviator delivers a quiet, powerful, confident ride. Driver and passengers are pampered by its adaptive suspension. Aviator’s Electric Power-Assisted Steering is predictable and while there is some top-wobble during quick maneuvers, Aviator is confident in turns.

Aviator’s safety systems include Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, enhanced by Driver and Front Passenger Dual Stage, Side Impact, and Glove-Box-Door Integrated Knee Airbags. The Safety Canopy/Air Curtain (3-rows) with roll-over sensor adds to security as do Vehicle Inclination Sensor Remote, Keyless Entry SecuriCode™ (Keypad), SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Emergency Brake Assist Four-Way Adjustable Head Restraints.  

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator starts at $51,465 for the base Standard trim, followed by the Reserve trim at $57,355, upgrading with 20-inch wheels, quad-zone climate control, optional packages including Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus and more. The Aviator Grand Touring offers the rechargeable electric hybrid powertrain added to the standard Twin-Turbocharged engine, and keeps Reserve’s features, at $68,360. Aviator’s Black Label top trim starts at $79,350 with special themes, interior finishes and exclusive member service items. My Reserve saved me $2390 by going to AWD and removing some Reserve Package.  Burgundy Velvet exterior paint added $695 and running boards added $1065. 

The Premium interior package for the Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Sun Shade, added $1500 and voice-activated touchscreen navigation added $500. With Destination charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, my sticker came to $59,065, but available incentives of up to $925 may be available, so check with your dealer.


> 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> 

Last year, Cadillac introduced the Crossover Touring 6,  or XT6 to its crossover and SUV lineup. XT6 is the largest vehicle in the XT series, slotted as a mid-size, between Cadillac’s XT5 and the full-size Escalade. Produced in GM’s Spring Hill, TN plant, the XT6 shares its wheelbase with the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5 and Chevrolet Blazer and sits on the same platform as the Buick Enclave.

For 2021, the XT6 enters its second year with a new Luxury model that expands its reach to more customers and completes the brand’s signature Y-trim strategy, which also includes Premium Luxury and Sport models.  

New for 2021 are a Luxury trim model with new standard-for-the-trim 2.0-liter turbo engine rated at 237 hp; Wireless Apple CarPlay7 and Android Auto8 connectivity; new 20-inch wheel design for Sport models and new exterior color options: Dark Moon Blue Metallic, Wilder and Infrared Tintcoat.

The new-for 2021 XT6 Luxury trim kicks off the range with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, powered sunroof, roof rails, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, seating for seven, active noise cancellation, self-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power-adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver, 6-way for passenger.

With Cadillac marketing it as a “mid-size-plus,” the three-row family crossover centers on a luxurious, adaptable and connected cabin complemented by responsive handling and a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.

The 2021 XT6 is loaded Caddy-style, with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver assistance and safety technologies, along with generous cargo capacity. XT6 is outfitted with the latest Cadillac user-experience items featuring intuitive controls including a rotary controller with new jog functionality. Additionally, the vehicle’s 9-speed automatic transmission offers four selectable driving modes, and both the Premium Luxury and Sport models offer customers available customized looks with unique exterior and interior distinction.

Some may call it boxy and others call it simple elegance, but XT6 architecture carries Cadillac’s look and big windows for good visibility. XT6 is large and high and measures 69.9 inches in height, 77.3 inches in width and 198.5 inches in length on a 112.7-inch wheelbase, with a 6.65-inch ground clearance. Curb weight goes from 4362 lbs. to 4690 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration, and XT6 can trailer 4000 lbs.

Inside, XT6 plays on Cadillac’s elegant, upscale demeanor with wide surface lines and simple interfaces. Distinctive trim and interior colors exude the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.

Available comfort features help ensure that all passengers have a luxurious experience in every seating row, including Cadillac’s first Bose® Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering immersive, powerful audio throughout the cabin. Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating; Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer; automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel.

Not as roomy as one would expect, the XT6 cabin provides only 39.8 inches of front headroom, 39.1 in row two and a child-worthy 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom follows at a good 41.2 in row one, 39.1 in the middle seats and only 29.5 inches in the tight third row. Shoulder room stretches out to 58.3, 57.4 and 53.5, but hip room gets really snug in row three with only 39.5 inches, after 56.1 in front and 55.7 in the middle seats.

XT6 power comes from one of two available engines. Premium horses come from a 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection VVT engine with auto stop/start. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the system delivers 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. In Front-Wheel-Drive, the engine is rated at 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and in All-Wheel-Drive, the EPA estimate is 17/24.

New is the 2.0-liter turbo that gets 21mpg/city and 26mpg/highway. The inline-4 engine is good for 237hp an 258 lb-ft, of torque.

The quiet cabin remains hushed even when accelerating with ease while passing, and handling is similar to that of a smaller vehicle. The ride is cushioned well and smoothes out road irregularities, but steering is vague and times, and severe turns result in noticeable body waver.

While passing is powerful, track tests were slow, but steady, with a hand-timed 7.3-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.7-second quarter-mile.

From a safety perspective, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the XT6 a five-star rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, that agency's highest honor. A host of driver-assistance features are available. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and night vision are available as options.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 in AWD Luxury trim starts at $51,790 with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. Premium Luxury and the 3.6-liter engine starts at $56,190 and the Sport trim starts at $59,490 in AWD (only) with the 3.6 and a few cosmetic and other minor additions. My test Premium Luxury XT6 in AWD added Dark Moon Blue Metallic paint for $625. Adding Jet Black Semi-Analine Leather Seating surfaces and real-time damping suspension and Reverse Automatic Braking was part of a huge package add-on included in the Platinum Package ($5000), The Technology Package   the rear camera mirror with washer($2350), the Driver Assist Package ($1300) and the Comfort and Air Quality Package ($750). The Cadillac User Experience with Navigation ($1000) and heated rear outboard seats ($500) were added to the options and packages that put an additional $11,250 onto the price. Destination charges of $1195 put the vehicle price at $66,870, but discounts and cash options are available.

> 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>