Inside the Carlisle Auctions hanger at Sun N Fun | Photography by Nicole James
The Fall Florida Autofest hosted by Carlisle Events in Lakeland, Florida has begun. According to event staff, the auction part of the event completely sold out of the 400 consignment spaces available, so with bright sunny sky’s and warm temperatures I set out to window shop till I literally dropped from the humidity. Walking up and down dozens of rows I saw many unique cars, new cars, beautiful classic cars, and a few cars that I was genuinely surprised to see at the event.
Given the wide variety of vehicles being offered and the number of cars in the auction area, I found myself having a truly difficult time picking a top “insert reasonable number.” After editing photos and going through my selections about 100 times, I was able to narrow down my list to the top 6 cars I would take home if I could.
| 1966 Chevrolet Step Side Everyone needs a truck in their life at one point or another and I’m completely obsessed with this beautiful 1966 Chevrolet Step Side. I would take home this truck because it’s not as dramatic as some of the older ones with massive fender flares that I am normally attracted to, its subtle, gets the job done, and still has a very classic look and feel to it. It seems more manageable for day to day life, while is still able to be a show truck when you want it to be. The truck has been restored with a 350 cubic inch motor, 350 TCP automatic transmission and features power steering, power disk brakes, and comes equipped with a 12 bolt rear differential. The interior of the truck is new as well and has air conditioning and a sound system. |  |
| 1986 Nissan 300ZX In a field of 400 cars, this was one of a few Japanese classic cars, and it was instantly eye catching with its sleek lines, crisp white paint, and stock wheels. According to the owner, this 300ZX came with every available option which included leather interior, removable glass t-tops, and a digital gage. As if that wasn’t reason enough to take home this classic, it comes with a new stereo and the owner says it’s got an ice cold air conditioner. |  |
| 1961 Chrysler New Yorker This 1961 Chrysler New Yorker is absolutely fantastic because its got the classic fins, its got great body lines, and its fun because its so funky. The white wall tires help make the red paint pop and the front of the car, the lights, grill, bumper, all give it such a unique and eye catching look. This particular vehicle is one of only 2,541 New Yorkers built in 1961 and features cold air conditioning, power steering and power brakes. |  |
| 1979 Chevrolet C10 Fast forward a few years from my first window shopping purchase and you will see this beautiful 1979 Chevrolet C10. What I like about this truck is that it is a tastefully done resto-mod that has undergone a frame-off restoration. Perks include air conditioning, triple black paint, and powered rack and pinion steering. Other features on this truck include 4 wheel disc brakes, an Oakwood bed, new gages and tilt steering. Powering this classic C10 is a small block Chevy crate motor that pushes out 300 horsepower. |  |
| 1980 Austin Healy 3000 MKII My first impression of this Austin Healy was “wow, look at that!” The car really demands a strong presence among the other muscle cars and family style cars that surround it on the field. It’s nicely sized, has beautiful red paint with a tan top and tan interior and features iconic body lines slightly resembling the Cobra but mixed with an MGB. Being a car from the 80’s it features some more modern technology. |  |
| 1970 Buick GS When I think of muscle cars, a Buick doesn’t come right to mind, but with 360 horsepower, it might start. This Buick GS features a stage 1, 455 cubic inch V8 with 510 foot pounds of torque that was rebuilt by TA performance in Scottsdale, Arizona. The 400 turbo transmission was rebuilt by Race Ready in Port Richey, Florida. The car features a positraction rear with Diplomat blue paint, black roof, and a flawless pearl white interior. According to the seller the car has been documented by GS Historical Society and all the restoration receipts come with the sale of the car. |  |
