The Chevrolet Camaro is the No.3-selling muscle car in America for 2021, and there is talk of an all-electric reboot in Camaro’s future. It may be third in sales, but it is a king beast on the asphalt.

When Americans clamored for a muscular, powerful, sporty car for the street and for tire-smoking bragging rights in the early 1960s, GM answered the call, attacked the genre, and put out a vehicle to compete for the 1967 model year … the Camaro. When Chevrolet product managers were asked what “Camaro” means, they responded with “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” And The Pony Wars of American muscle was born.

Through six generations, 5.5 million Camaros have been sold, with its first four generations produced from 1967 through 2002, and it’s most recent two generations built from 2010 through the present.

For 2021, There are only a couple of changes to the Camaro ZL1 lineup for 2021. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are now on its roster of features, and Chevy offers a new extra-cost paint color: Wild Cherry. And for 2022, expect only some color palette changes, and a loss of some wheel and cosmetic options.

In the front-engine, rear-drive formula that drove iconic muscle cars back in the day, the 2021 Camaro is available in eight trims and convertible and coupe configurations. The top-of-the line 2021 ZL1 is powered by a 650-hp/650 lb-ft of torque, 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V-8 engine with direct injection. EPA rated at 21mpg/highway and 14 mpg city in manual … the “only” way to drive a muscle car for some of us … this power-packed street beast can fly from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and finish off a quarter-mile in 11.5.

Built to hug the road, Camaro is 52.4 inches high, 74.7 inches wide and 190.2 inches long, on a 110.7-inch wheelbase. That translates to a close-to-the-pavement sticky ride, and a cozy interior with only 36.6 inches of front headroom and a hunched over 33.4 inches in the rear – a convertible is much more comfortable with better sightlines. The coupe weighs in at 3853 lbs for the stick shift version, and the manual shift convertible weighs 4120. On the road, the wide ride is giving to passengers and secure  for the driver, with quick, powerful acceleration, responsive handling and cornering and strength, grace and style in every situation. ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering with 20-inch rear tires and 19-inch front Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R rubber make for a ride-on-rails performance.

Inside the well-appointed high-tech cabin, legroom is an ample 42.7 inches in front and a crunched 29.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is comfortable with 55.5 in front and 50.3 in row two.

Infotainment includes an 8-inch diagonal color touch screen and available Navigation system. Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is onboard with available 4G LTE data.

Safety is attended to with an airbag system consisting of dual- stage frontal, thorax side-impact and knee, driver and front passenger, and head curtain side-impact (head curtain airbags on coupe only). Standard items include Passenger Sensing System. There is a standard tire pressure monitor system, HD rear-vision camera, Head-Up Display, Forward Collision Alert in the coupe only, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.

Available in coupe and convertible configuration in eight trims, starting at $26,195. My test ZL1 was top of the line and started at $64,195 for the manual coupe and $65,790 for the automatic. In Summit White (though I would have preferred Red Hot, and Premium paints are available), the exterior was mated to a Jet black set trim with red accents.  The ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package with rear bench seat, visible carbon fiber weave hood insert, Satin Black hood wrap and performance suspension with DSSV dampers added an additional $7500.  Premium carpeted floor mats with ZL1 logo added $185. With gas guzzler tax of $1700 and destination freight charges of $1195, my test 20231 Camaro ZL1 was priced at $73,580.

You can expect to see six generations of Camaros and all things GM, from antique to classic to present and future at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-24 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> 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>

Originally envisioned as a second-gen Falcon, Ford’s Mustang immediately became its own legendary self when it was introduced April 17, 1964 and became the most successful Ford launch since the Model-A.

Ford’s original Pony Car, the Mustang, has been the top-selling muscle car of all-time, with nearly 10 million vehicles sold, and it has occupied the No.1 yearly slot in muscle car sales since 2015, when it supplanted Chevy Camaro in total yearly sales. This year, the 2021 Mustang is in a horserace for the top spot with Dodge Challenger …  but with an expected new design in the works for the 60th anniversary in 2024, the new 2022 Mustang receives a few cosmetic changes. Last fully revamped in 2015, and refreshed in 2018, Mustang adds the return of the limited-edition Mustang Mach 1 fastback coupe, first seen in 1969.  

With the addition of Mach 1, the 2021 Pony car stable includes Mustang EcoBoost® and Mustang GT, both available in fastback and convertible models, as well as the track-ready Mustang Shelby® GT500®  the most powerful street-legal Ford in history and the most advanced Mustang ever on the street, track or drag strip. The new Mach 1's heritage-inspired appearance plays off an aerodynamic design, cosmetic-yet-functional front end, stylish black stripes on the hood and bodysides and a blade spoiler. From a performance perspective, Mach 1 gains power enhancements and handling elements also available on Shelby GT350 and GT500 offerings. The Mach 1 comes with a 480hp 5.0-liter V8 engine and .an available Rallye Suspension Package and improved Brembo brakes. The system is EPA rated at 15/23 mpg, and has been clocked at 4.2 seconds for a zero-to-60mph sprint and a 12.6-second quarter-mile.

For Mustang EcoBoost and GT models, 2021 introduces standard Ford Co-Pilot360™. The suite of driver-assist technologies includes auto high-beam headlamps, rearview camera, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support. A front and rear Belt Minder® safety belt reminder system and rain-sensing wipers are also standard.

In Oxford White with a Ceramic (white) interior, and a 6-speed manual transmission – I love a muscle car with a stick … so much more tire-smoking, power when I ask for it fun than in an automatic, my test ride added an EcoBoost handling package and a Pony package. It came with Recaro cloth seats, Mach 1 instrument panel bade with a unique chassis number and the Mach 1 Handling Package: 19-inch by 10.5-inch (front) and 19-inch by 11-inch (rear) Dark Tarnished-painted aluminum wheels; 305/30R19 (front) 315/30R19 (rear) tires; adjustable strut top mounts; front bumper sport; blade decklid spoiler and a Magnetic Rear seat with a folding split bench.

Standard exterior features include Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert,  Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler, hood vents, LED sequential taillights, Pony Projection Lights, rear diffuser, performance rear spoiler, bright 4.5-inch exhaust tip finish, manual fold and pony puddle lamp, unique lower and outboard grilles, unique front upper grille with Pony badge, silver painted strut-tower brace with Mach 1 badge, unique front and rear lower fascia and rear-window defroster.

Standard Power and Handling items include Brembo™ six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, electronic line-lock (track use only), independent rear suspension, launch control, selectable drive modes, Selectable Power-Assisted Steering, MagneRide® damping system, heavy-duty front springs, larger radiator, Open Air Induction System, Performance Enhanced Powertrain Calibration, unique intake manifold, black painted brake calipers, Unique Chassis Tuning, Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Revised Tuning and more.

Interior Features include cabin particulate air filter dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, aluminum foot pedals, ambient lighting with MyColor® and 4.2-inch cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror autolights (automatic on/off headlamps) with wiper activation, bright chrome door speaker surround, premium carpeted floor mats with accent stitch, illuminated door-sill scuff plates, intelligent access with push-button start, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and tilt/telescoping steering column, MyKey®, power windows, rear view camera, heated steering wheel, 9-speaker sound system with amplifier, AM/FM Stereo MP3 capable, SiriusXM®, SYNC® 3, FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and more.

Safetywise, the Mustang includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, 4-way adjustable front head restraints, 3-point safety belt restraint system for all seating positions, glove box door-integrated knee airbag,

AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control, driver's knee airbag, dual front airbags

front-seat side-impact airbags, LATCH Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children, Personal Safety System™ for driver and front passenger, Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, Ford Co-Pilot360™  and more.

The 2021 EcoBoost Fastback starts at $27,205, EcoBoost Premium Fastback $32,225, EcoBoost Convertible $32,705, GT Fastback $36,285, other Premium models run from $37,725 to $45,785, and the Mach 1 starts at $53,400, with the Mach 1 Premium at $53,300 and the Shelby GT500 at $72,900.

My tested 2021 Mustang Mach 1 with the $1250 Mach 1 appearance package was priced at $57,745.

You can expect to see 2021 and 2022 Mustangs as well as 58 years of Ponies and just about everything Ford has offered since 1903, at the 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 3-5, 2022 at the Carlisle(PA) Fairgrounds.

> 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>

2021 has been an amazing season for Carlisle Events, with record-breaking turnouts as part of a handful of events spanning April through August.  In addition, auction events saw a tremendous return as well, with high sell-through rates and top dollar sales.  Spanning five days, September 29-October 3, guests not only bought and sold automotive focused items within automotive flea market, they spent time finding the rare and unique by way of Anymotive vending.  In addition, Fall Carlisle presented by eBay Motors, offered cars for sale by way of the car corral on grounds and even more car sales at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center as part of the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction.  Combined, the enthusiasm and engagement served as a fitting way to wrap up the 2021 events season in Carlisle!

While each aspect of the event draws a crowd, nothing does better for an event weekend than cooperation from Mother Nature.  With sunny skies and comfortable temperatures each day, crowds of enthusiasts flocked to Carlisle to do what they do best - buy, sell, and trade all things automotive.  Set-up day came and went without a glitch and when the gates opened on Thursday (September 30), Fall Carlisle was off and running.  The race to the finish line of the event came too, but not before some special displays by way of the AACA Car Club, an autograph session by author Jimmy Rosen, and even a memorabilia auction courtesy of Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller.

Speaking of the Bill Miller auction, guests had the chance to bid and buy on items from his personal collection.  Items spanned decades, dating back to the 1930s and were a big hit with those who took the time to mix and mingle at the grandstand stage on Friday, October 1.  This auction was just one of many fun elements of Fall Carlisle.  In fact, there was so much automotive fun abound that the action (and auction) spread to the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.  Auction cars were available for preview and then for sale as part of the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction (September 30-October 1).  Overall, the auction managed a 70% sell through rate and tallied $5.7 million in sales.  Of that, over $10,000 went to charity, including the Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue and Rescue 22.  Miller’s auction of items even saw his 1985 Plymouth Horizon sell for just under $7,000.

Though Fall Carlisle has concluded the Pennsylvania based automotive fun for Carlisle Events, the Carlisle Auctions team still has one auction remaining: November 12-13 in Lakeland Florida.  Otherwise, plans are underway for Carlisle Events 2022 season, its 49^th as the world’s preeminent car show promoter.  The fun starts in January with a pair of events, Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds (January 14-16) followed by the all-new Winter Carlisle Auto Expo at the Carlisle Expo Center (January 28-29).  Complete details about all auctions are available at CarlisleAuctions.com and details on the 2022 car show and automotive flea market season are available at CarlisleEvents.com.  By the way, Fall Carlisle 2022 will be here before you know it.  Save the dates, the event returns to the fairgrounds September 28-October 2.  Visit the web or call 717-243-7855 to learn more. 

Carlisle Auctions has seen unmatched success in 2021 to date and its Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction yielded a similar return.  This success included top dollar sales, a solid sell-through rate, and buyers and sellers alike who left Carlisle happy with their time at the event.  For two days, September 30-October 1, the Carlisle Expo Center came to life with lots spanning from the 1800’s through 2021.  In between, these proved once more that investing in the classic and the collector car hobby is indeed wise!

Preview day for the auction was Wednesday, September 29, though the staging area of the Carlisle Expo Center was coming to life days prior.  Starting early on September 30, buyers and sellers alike flocked to the venue to check out the decades of history made available for the Fall auction.  The oldest known lot was an 1800’s era Buckboard Wagon, with the newest a 2021 Ford Bronco.  Running the gamut in between were decades of pre-war cars, muscle cars, daily drivers, and best of show gems were also available. 

Each day offered something special too, including an all-truck hour on Thursday and a car owned by Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller on Friday.  In addition, each day hosted charity sales which helped raise thousands for two great causes, the Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue and Rescue 22.  The top selling truck, by the way, was a beautiful blue 1969 Ford Bronco.

Speaking of top sellers, the top five, including the Bronco, tallied over $460,000.  The top five are as follows:

1. 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR - $141,775
2. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air - $87,740
3. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS - $82,500
4. 1969 Buick GS - $75,970
5. 1969 Ford Bronco - $72,760

Those sales, combined with all other lots accounted for $5.7 million in sales and a 70% sell through rate.  These numbers are in line with what Carlisle Auctions saw following the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction and are part of a bigger picture that has resulted in the best year ever for the auction house.

"On behalf of the entire Carlisle Auctions team, I would like to thank everyone that participated in our Fall Collector Car Auction,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “It was by far the most successful Fall Auction that we have ever presented. The market remains very strong, and we look forward to carrying this momentum to our Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction on November 12-13."

As Cline mentioned Carlisle Auctions does have yet another fun-filled event planned in 2021!  He and his team return to Lakeland, Florida for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus.  Consignments are actively being processed as are requests for bidder registration.  Official results from the Fall Carlisle auction, details on still for sale cars, forms, flyers, and more are available online at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. 

This weekend, Fall Carlisle, or more accurately, the 47th annual Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral will close the season at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This car-lover’s experience includes a massive automotive flea market that is one of the best opportunities to get your hands on all things automotive. With 8,100 spaces of vendors selling a vast array of automotive parts, accessories, cars, collectibles and memorabilia, there is something automotive for everyone. Accompanying the automotive flea market and car corral is the Manufacturers Midway featuring the latest and greatest products and services, and a two-day auction across the street, presented by Carlisle Auctions.

One of the highlights of the event is the attendance and display of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). The AACA’s mission statement is to be “America's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community.” Since 1935, AACA has had one goal: The preservation and enjoyment of automotive history of all types. From Nationals (Meets) and Tours to Regional events, AACA was established to bring enthusiasts together through exciting National activities, friendship, and Antique Automobile … an award winning 100-page full color magazine.

AACA first displayed at Fall Carlisle in 2020, and Ed Buczeskie, Fall Carlisle Event Manager said, it is important for AACA to display at Carlisle. He said, “Their involvement began out of (Carlisle Events co-owner) Bill Miller’s desire to help our friends at the AACA after it was announced that they would not be able to hold their Fall Meet in 2020. It was very important to Bill that we reach out and offer them space at Fall Carlisle. He wanted to give them space (totally free of charge) to promote the AACA, sell memberships to Carlisle guests, get membership renewals from current members and to display some of their cars. As Bill put it, ‘for about one-and-a-half weeks in September/October, Central PA becomes a car-lovers paradise with Fall Carlisle and Hershey being back to back. We are all in this together and we need to support each other.’”

Buczeskie  said, “We also worked with the AACA to offer their vendors space at Fall Carlisle because we knew it was going to be a financial hit to many of them if they didn’t have a venue to sell their products. We made an effort to reach out to them and let them know that they could vend at Carlisle. We also did a lot of marketing to let people know that there would be a lot of ‘Hershey vendors’ at Fall Carlisle. It was all done in a way that was VERY CLEAR that we were NOT out to ‘steal’ the AACA’s vendors. Rather, we just wanted to offer them a one-time opportunity to vend in lieu of Hershey.”

Wayne Tuck, AACA Executive Vice President, said, being at Fall Carlisle benefits his group. “A display at Carlisle provides AACA the opportunity to recruit new members and renew memberships of existing members. It also allows us to tell our story about what AACA does to benefit the entire hobby, members and non-members alike. We find a great source of old car fans at Fall Carlisle.”

Tuck said the AACA display includes a wide variety of his members’ cars. He said, “Last year we had cars on display representing nearly every decade of automobile production. A table is set up with membership benefit brochures, sample magazines and membership applications. Recruitment personnel are available to answer questions, and for visitors, ours is a car-lovers’ showcase.”

Tuck said the AACA display is dictated by the space available. “We have had as many as 15 cars displayed when enough space is available. This year, more emphasis is placed on recruiting members than in the past.”

Buczeskie added, “There is a strong social aspect to Fall Carlisle (and Spring) that cannot be had via online sales. Even though Fall Carlisle is all about buying and selling, there is a social aspect that online commerce will never have. For many shoppers, it’s about walking around with friends and/or family while you shop for deals. For many vendors, it’s as much about spending the weekend with friends as it is about making sales. You can see this in the interactions that occur during the event. It can be in the swap area or you can see it in the AACA display as the current members relate to each other as well as the new members getting acquainted with the AACA for the first time.”

Tuck is appreciative of the support and said, “We are grateful to Carlisle Events for providing this opportunity to promote our shared interest in the old car hobby.”

Buczeskie said, “Spring and Fall Carlisle are swap meets. They aren’t intended to be entertainment like our specialty shows. Displays and attractions are different from entertainment because entertainment is typically scheduled for a certain time(s) while displays and attractions can be enjoyed at any time without a specific schedule. So we classify the AACA display as a ‘highlight’ of Fall Carlisle 2021, as are the Bill Miller Collection auction, all of the deals from the swap meet and car corral and the Carlisle Auction at the Expo Center. One other highlight is local author, antique collector, owner of “The Old Sled Works” and historian, Jimmy Rosen, who will be in Building T selling copies of his book “Got Gas?” It’s a book all about service stations from Central Pennsylvania in the 20th century. But AACA is an important aspect of the event.”

Car lovers and parts-hunters can visit the automotive paradise called Fall Carlisle, this weekend at Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> 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>