Following last year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, there was a slow-building buzz that its 2025 offering could be one for the ages—with the planned Chrysler 100 celebration drawing in guests from around the world. Well…over two years’ worth of planning, a gallery of amazing cars, plus other exceptional displays made this year’s event (July 11–13 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds) one that will go down in history as the largest Carlisle Chrysler Nationals car show ever held!
As numbers go, 3,201 cars were registered for the Showfield, setting an all-new high for Chrysler weekend. This total is 51 more than the previous record set in 2023 and marks just the fourth time since the event’s inception in 1991 that Showfield totals topped the 3,000 mark. It’s also the fourth time in as many years, showing that this event continues to grow in popularity. In fact, the show is so popular that, despite not officially starting until Friday the 11th, by mid-afternoon on Thursday, July 10, the grounds were already packed with guests eager to squeeze as much fun out of their vacation as possible—including parts shopping within the sold-out automotive flea market.
But why did they come? Of course, the Chrysler 100 celebration was THE jumping-off point, bringing vehicles to Carlisle ranging from an early 1924 Chrysler Six to today’s Pacifica offerings. With past meeting present, a few futuristic looks were showcased too—including concepts like the Chrysler Atlantic and the equally visionary Halcyon.
Three of those four cars also served as centerpieces for Friday’s marquee moment: a Fireside Chat/Q&A session with Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell. Ms. Feuell addressed a packed grandstand of enthusiasts for more than 30 minutes, sharing thoughts on Chrysler’s past, present, and future while fielding hard-hitting questions submitted by Carlisle fans. From there, she toured the grounds, talking with car owners, seeing displays (including the Chrysler Brand showcase near the midway), browsing flea market vendors, and even checking out the Chrysler-built and Chrysler-powered 1943 Sherman tank.
The celebration also welcomed Frank Rhodes, great-grandson of Walter P. Chrysler, who brought unmatched energy, memorabilia, and merchandise direct from the family vault. Frank teamed up with Bill Adams and Robert Soule, both members of the Walter P. Chrysler Club, to pull off a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Frank and Ms. Feuell weren’t the only guests, nor was the Chrysler 100 the only major display. The show also highlighted 55 Years of the AAR ’Cuda and Challenger T/A, a 60th and 61st Anniversary of the 1965 A990 and A864 Hemi Cars respectively, a 30th Anniversary gallery of Neons, and the beloved Mopar Survivors Display.
Also appearing at Carlisle were special guests including Steve Dulcich from MotorTrend TV, Mark “Fletch” Fletcher, Australian host of Classic Restos, Linda Vaughn, the First Lady of Motorsports, Claudia Abel (Ms. Direct Connection), drag racing legends like Butch Leal, engineers from the NASCAR Daytona program, Herb McCandless, Buddy Martin, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, the Missile Group, and many more.
Each day had something for everyone, including seminars, autograph sessions, open autocross runs, the Chrysler Stow ‘n Go Challenge with the Pacifica, and track events like the Real Street Shootout, rolling exhaust contest, burnout and donut competitions. For even more wheels in motion, Saturday night brought the first-ever Downtown Carlisle Association Chrysler Parade, where 140+ cars rolled from the Carlisle Expo Center through downtown—much to the delight of the community.
While the 2025 event is in the books, planning for 2026 is already underway. Mark your calendars for July 10–12, 2026, as the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals returns with even more Mopar power and passion. Of course, the automotive flea market will again feature hundreds of vendors selling millions of parts, collectibles, and merchandise—but taking center stage will be 100 Years of the Imperial, 50 Years of Adult Toys (Trucks, Vans, and SUVs of the late ‘70s), and 60 Years of the Dodge Charger.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Showfield, and renewal rights for vending and car corral spots are available through mid-October (open enrollment begins afterward). Call 717-243-7855 to register, or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, discounted spectator admission, and more.
