Collector Car Hobby Remains Strong at Carlisle and Beyond

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar. 15, 2013 - CARLISLE, Pa. -- In 1974 a pair of friends who happen to share the same last name (Bill and Chip Miller) started a show in south central Pennsylvania.  In the nearly 40 years since, the Miller families have not only welcomed millions of people and hundreds of thousands of cars through the gates of the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, they've immersed themselves in a hobby that is still growing strong with each passing year.  In fact, when that first show took place in '74, the Millers had no idea that the hobby would be so strong, stronger in fact than investing money into U.S. stocks over the past ten years.

In a recent CNBC article penned by Robert Frank, the Collector Car hobby is listed as the top collectible asset among Americans, topping coins, stamps, fine art and fine wine just to name a few.  The automotive hobby is still growing in fact, with statistics showing a 395% gain over a ten-year span.  Those who have cars want more of them and those that are new to the hobby want to get their hands on some.  Recent auction numbers support the CNBC stats too.  In January, six different auction companies held events in Arizona and the numbers were staggering.  In total, nearly $224 million worth of collector cars were sold, a number that, while impressive in and of itself, is actually up nearly $40 million from 2012.  Better yet, four of the six auction companies saw double-digit improvement over their 2012 numbers.

Carlisle Events has also hosted one auction in 2013 and has another scheduled for the fall.  These auctions are held at Festival Park as part of Zephyrhills Winter and Fall AutoFest.  Further, Carlisle Events collaborates with Auctions America for four auctions, meaning that Carlisle has its hand in six auctions between February and November.  In addition to auctions, Carlisle hosts or is part of multiple events which yield 16 different car corrals.  These outlets are yet another way for enthusiasts and collectors to browse cars on the market and try to begin or add to a personal collection.  Best of all, a car corral allows for people to have face-to-face interaction and in most cases, onsite financing is available.  All of this makes the transaction smooth and without the pressures sometimes associated with an auction.

Auctions and car corrals aside, Carlisle Events has seen an upswing in overall interest.  Showfield numbers for all of Carlisle's events indicate that across the board registration is up nearly 20%.  More and more enthusiasts with cars are looking to either showcase their piece of automotive history or display the work they've put into their collector car.  Whether it's an original classic, restoration project or something in between, people that have cars are happy to show them off and that has many very excited at Carlisle and beyond.

"After reading the CNBC article it really made me realize how fortunate I am  to be involved with a hobby that I’m incredible passionate about and work in," said Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller (son of Chip).  "Many people go to work and really don’t enjoy it, but I’m fortunate and extremely lucky to be involved with a hobby I enjoy thoroughly. The passion behind automobiles is spread wide and it’s become culture-like.  I’m fortunate to be around like-minded individuals in a strong hobby," continued Miller.  "There aren’t many opportunities in life to work within the hobby you love, purchase collector cars and have them appreciate better than many other investments and truly enjoy driving it and sharing it with others at events. Life is good!"

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