Carlisle Event’s Winter Florida Autofest Lakeland event will kick off the 2016 auction season for Carlisle Events, but with a sold out 2015 fall event and over 400 cars for auction, Carlisle has high hopes for their 2016 season. The Lakeland event, scheduled for February 25-28th, is slated for the spacious Sun N Fun Complex in Lakeland, Florida. We had the opportunity to speak with Carlisle’s Auction Manager, Dave McCoy.
McCoy states the winter Lakeland event will have over 400 cars for auction, and includes a healthy sampling of every level. “Anything from the entry level vehicle like the 1961 Volkswagen Beetle to the most serious collector vehicle such as the 1967 427 Corvette will be available,” states McCoy. “We run the gamut with everything in between.” The winter Lakeland event will most likely sell out, as did the fall event in 2015.
We asked McCoy about trends and what’s coming up for Carlisle. Here’s what he had to say:
On the hottest cars at Carlisle’s events: People are really into the European Classics– Volkswagens and Porsches. But what seems to sell best are the barn finds. The garage finds. The unrestored cars are high on the list. Everyone wants the originals. Carlisle will be offering an unrestored 1970 Ford Falcon at the winter auction. The Falcon only has had only one owner and an incredibly low 5300 documented miles.
On the unrestored vehicle as a trend in 2016: Definitely. Everyone wants the unrestored. It could be a muscle car or a European car, as long as it’s unrestored. It’s the originality that people want.
On what’s coming up for Carlisle: Well, our winter Lakeland Event is a great kick-off event and we’re expecting a great turn out. Our spring event in Carlisle is our collectible event and it’s always really popular, too.
On predictions for the 2016 auction year: We have four sales coming up– the winter Lakeland event, two in Carlisle, and then we’ll return to Lakeland for our fall event. We expect a minimum of 400 vehicles for each event, and potentially 500 at the fall Lakeland event. We’re thinking we’ll sell out every auction.
In short, things are going well for Carlisle and they’re starting 2016 off right. Make sure to check out a full listing of Carlisle Events here. And don’t miss the winter Lakeland event. It’s right around the corner and tickets are selling fast, so be sure to click the button below for your tickets!
Check out some photos from the fall event!
