A long-time friend of Carlisle Events, and a beloved icon in the automotive industry has passed away. Norm Kraus, affectionately known industry-wide as “Mr. Norm” and “The High Performance King” died on February 26, 2021 at the age of 87.

Known for his sales and promotion of Dodge muscle cars and his nationally popular club, his legendary status ranged from high-performance Mopars to funny cars, to die-cast cars, to his co-ownership of Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago from 1962 through 1977, which became the No.1 Dodge dealership in the world.

His dedication to high-performance Dodges was embodied in his efforts in bringing Dodge vehicles to another level. He got his start and his nickname, in the 1950s, when he and his brother Lenny began specializing in selling used performance cars. They employed the tagline "Call Mr. Norm" in their classified ads, and the name stuck. Soon, Dodge offered the brothers an opportunity to open a new car dealership. Promoting muscle cars and exploiting his nickname, Kraus explained, “’Mr. Norm’ was an image that was built into the dealership. When I walked out at the end of the day, I wasn't ‘Mr. Norm’ anymore; I was Norm Kraus. I learned to be a humble winner on the track and a gracious loser. I'm just glad I didn't have to be gracious too much."

According to Kraus, one of his proudest accomplishments, was when he sought to install a 383ci V8 engine in a compact Dodge Dart body. He was positive that this combo would be a great sell, since a lightweight Dart with a powerful 383ci would be competitively fast. However, Dodge's engineering team turned him down; saying it placing a 383ci V8 in Dart’s engine bay couldn't be done. Undeterred, in 1967, he ordered a new Dart and a crate 383 V8 engine, and after a few days' work, the Dodge Dart Grand Spaulding Special (GSS) was born. Soon, the dealership was offering GSS conversions involving larger 440ci engines. With this focus on performance and ingenuity, Kraus was able to make Grand Spaulding Dodge the largest Dodge dealership by 1972.

Kraus took his car work racing, and after a minor sponsorship one weekend turned into five sales by Wednesday, he was ready to go racing in a big way. Not wanting to compete against his customers, he decided to build a match-race car. He recalled that his first 1964 supercharged car “became one of the first Funny Cars in the country, because when we went out racing, we were running against all the gassers and the rails. There weren't any other Funny Cars to run." A 1965 ex-factory lightweight car allowed them to run well into the eights when the competition was in the nines, putting ‘Mr. Norm’ on the map nationwide.

The Kraus brothers grew their dealership selling trucks, vans and standard cars along with the high-performance models. And when others were turning away the younger crowd, Grand Spaulding courted them. In 1977, Norm sold his share of the dealership, which closed within a couple of years. Still in his forties, he wanted to spend more time with his family, something not possible when on the showroom floor from Monday through Friday and then at the race track all weekend. He later had a furniture business on the site of one of the dealership buildings and then sold used cars again. He followed that up with two decades of marketing products in his name under license and he continued to appear at shows, promote Mopar and keep his hand in funny cars.

Recognized for his efforts, Kraus was inducted into the Mopar Hall of Fame in 1989, and then in 1996, was inducted into the A/FX Funny Car Hall of Fame

A celebrity guest and supporter at many Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals over the years, some of his more memorable appearances at Carlisle include:

1998 – He was the featured guest celebrity of the event.

1999 – The return of Mr. Norm's Sport Club, after nearly a 30-year hiatus. Launched at the Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals, the gathering saw support from hundreds of loyal fans from around the United States and Canada. Kraus signed limited-edition lithographs of the legendary Mr. Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge dealership circa 1970, at the height of the muscle car era. The artwork was created by David Snyder.

2007 – Kraus’ 1968 GSS Hemi Dart was displayed at the event.

2008 -- Mr. Norm’s Dodge Ram Super Truck was displayed with Kraus at the show.

2010 – A dozen of Kraus’ high-performance Dodges were displayed and he was on-hand at the Mr. Norm’s Garage exhibit.

2011 – Kraus oversaw a Sport Club exhibit featuring his 2011 GSS Super Charger, the Mr. Norm’s Ram Red Xpress Truck and two Super Challengers.

2012 – A full display of fully equipped current-day vehicles from Kraus’ stable were shown, with ‘The High Performance King’ on hand to answer questions and sign autographs.

Norm Kraus … Mr. Norm …“The High Performance King – 1934-2021. He is already missed.  He will be remembered at this year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 9 – 11 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The largest Mopar event in the world, it features more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand. Classic, muscle cars and high performance new models are all showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise.

> 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>

 

Tip # 1: Purchase or download a color wheel.

Using the color wheel, locate the closest primary color to your car. Directly across will be complementing colors in varying shades. These colors will give your car a much stronger presence in your photo when used as a background. Which color background contrast your car better?

Tip # 2: DE-CLUTTER!


We want to see your car, not the dumpster behind it. Pay attention to the background. Are there trees or mailboxes growing out of your car? It's a great car, but a cactus riding shotgun?

Tip # 3: Don't forget a tripod!

Raise tripod legs so your camera is at, or just above door level for more dramatic shots. Keep height the same and shoot from many angles and distances.

No radical turn here, a slight adjustment makes a big difference!

Tip # 5: It's a great shot, but something's missing...

Don't lose a keeper by cutting off part of your car.

Tip # 6: Ever wonder how to see through glass and avoid harsh glare like below?

Always use a polarizing filter to reduce harsh glare. Don't have one? Buy a pair of cheap polarized sunglasses and shoot through the lens!

Tip # 7: Cars with three wheels.
If you can't see them all, move a foot to either side.

Tip # 8: Know your subject!

Muscle cars were made for the street! Save the grass for the brass! You be the judge.

Tip # 9: Angles grab attention!
Shoot your car at a 5 degree angle and watch it jump off the frame. How do you measure 5 degrees? Angle your camera about the width of you pinky!

Tip # 10: When using a digital camera, always shoot in RAW format if so equipped.

This will allow you to produce higher quality images, as well as correct problem images that would be unrecoverable if shot in the JPEG format.

Photos and text courtesy of JP Emerson and JPEmerson.com, automotive writer and host of the JP Emerson Show podcast.  

About the Author:  JP Emerson is an award winning author & journalist whose bylines appeared in many of the most popular automotive magazines in the country. JP covers classic muscle cars and the people who own them with real stories from real owners relating everything from ownership, car shows, music, road trips and what everyone has in common regardless of brand.

Spring Carlisle presented by eBay motors returned to its standard April dates for the first time since 2019 and did so with resounding success.  Powered by buyers craving products and vendors with an abundance of inventory, the event saw an energy unlike any in recent memory.  For five days in April (21-25), the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds became THE destination for car lovers to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.

Wednesday started the fun with vendor set up and early bird shopping.  As the day one deals within the car corral and swap meet occurred, everyone was eagerly looking forward to day two and all that came with it, including an influx of enthusiasts, plus guests mixed and mingled at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center to preview the vehicles that would be crossing the auction block as part of the two-day Spring Carlisle collector car auction presented by Carlisle Auctions.  There was even a little snow squall on Thursday morning, marking the first time since the early ‘90s that it snowed during Spring Carlisle.

Once the snow subsided and the sun came out, Thursday through Saturday really helped solidify Spring Carlisle as one of the premier events of its type in the world.  Aisles were bustling with guests of all ages who spent every available show hour from sun up to sun down picking, purchasing and mingling along the way.  Vendor sales were also reported to be brisk and despite the aforementioned coating of white, spirits remained high all around.

Two cool displays also drew attention, the ARMO Hot Products Showcase in front of the stage and the AACA car club’s showcase on and around the stage. 

The ARMO display showcased new/hot products straight from the SEMA Show that are coming onto the market.  Guests were able to vote for what they thought was the HOTTEST new product available too and even talk person to person with the ARMO team, learning more about these great products and how they can work for any vehicle, regardless of era.

For the AACA, the car club returned to Carlisle to showcase cool classic cars that are part of their club, recruit members for inclusion into the club and promote their fall meet, planned for October in Hershey.

From the midway and its always growing list of vendors to the automotive flea market, car corral, food vendors, industry experts and more, Spring Carlisle 2021 really did live up to its label as one of the top 5 automotive events of its type in the world…and that doesn’t even include the auction (more on that in a separate release). 

While Spring Carlisle is a wrap for 2021, Carlisle Events sets its sights on the next event, plus next year’s spring show.  Up next at the fairgrounds is the annual international showcase of cars and trucks as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 14-15).  As Spring Carlisle 2022 goes, the event is planned for April 20-24, with the auction happening April 21-22.  Complete details on all things car show related, including the ability to buy spectator tickets in advance at a discounted rate can be found at CarlisleEvents.com.

Good things happen when you follow your instincts and follow the signs…especially when the sign is a blue oval with the word “Ford” inside it.

It took only three years for Bill Miller Jr. and Chip Miller (no relation), founders of Carlisle Events, to expand a new genre – car shows celebrating all cars, rather than simply pre-World War II vehicles – from one show to two. The two friends were enthusiasts of all cars from all eras, and brought their joy to thousands of like-minded car fans, beginning with the “Post War '74” swap meet at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. By 1977, the pair jumped on their success and brought the “Spring Carlisle” swap meet to the Fairgrounds.

As their family of vendors and visitors grew with each show, the Millers quickly sold vendor spaces on their 82-acre display site, and in 1995, the pair expanded again, launching the inaugural Carlisle All-Ford Nationals.

The Ford show has become the largest all-Ford show in the world, and it has expanded to accommodate more than 3200 display and for-sale vehicles encompassing Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Fords. Blue Oval-umbrella cars, trucks, performance parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more are on-hand and for sale in the world's largest Ford Automotive Flea Market, as well as the latest and greatest products on display within the Manufacturers Midway. Carlisle Events Ford Nationals Event Manager Ken Appell proudly affirms, “This is the world’s largest Ford show and swap meet. There is nothing bigger in the Ford world than this show.” 

Bill Miller Jr., Co-Founder and Co-Owner Carlisle Events said that he and his partner, Chip Miller recognized the need for a Ford-focused event. Bill Miller was steered in that direction by his background and contacts. Miller said, “I was a Ford dealer when we started the All-Ford Nationals. My Ford dealership representative was an old-car guy too, so the Ford Show was a natural for me. Not many big Ford shows were around at that time, so it became a hit from the start. Once Ford Motor Co. became involved, they helped us to make it the world’s largest All-Ford event, including not only Ford, but Mercury and Lincoln, too.” 

The Millers also found a fan and supporter in John Clor, Enthusiast Communications Manager / Ford Performance. Clor has been involved since the beginning in helping Ford embrace the show while he has helped grow the Carlisle experience for Ford clubs around the nation. According to Appell, “it is the clubs, the vendors and the Carlisle visitors who are the backbone of this event.”

Clor said there are currently more than 100 clubs active with Carlisle Events. (Here is a link to the list of Carlisle’s recognized clubs.  Carlisle Ford Nationals - Clubs (carlisleevents.com). He has seen the support grow from the beginning. “In 1995, we saw a few 10x10 pop up tents. Each year, we saw bigger and bolder displays, more Ford celebrities, greater Ford brand involvement and increased Ford club activity,” said Clor. He added that due to aging of the original club members, and evolution of legacy clubs, “the club scene has grown younger and less sophisticated, perhaps. We see more Mustangs, and maybe fewer of the older badges, but it is even more of a party or festival, and a venue at which to show off a customized source of pride.”

Recalling that first show, Miller said, “Ford grew to understand what we were about, what we shared and what our concept was. Ford Motor Company is a family-owned business just like we are, and they value their history. So they realized that if you love your old Ford, you will buy their new products too. You certainly would not trailer your old Ford pickup to a show with a Brand-X pickup, now would you?”

As visitors and clubs are the lifeline of the All-Ford Nationals, Miller lauds loyal vendors, who are the life’s blood of the event. Over the past quarter-century of the show, Miller has watched the vendor family grow and remain loyal by displaying annually. He said, “Our vendors who supported us at our big Fall Carlisle events, followed us to our first Spring and Ford events. They were there to support us from the beginning and many continue today.”

Miller continued, “When we started the All-Ford Nationals it quickly became ‘the place’ for enthusiasts to bring their old Ford and show it off. Spring and Fall Carlisle were only cars and parts for sale with no show field, and with the All-Ford Nationals, the show field added a whole new dimension to Carlisle Events. Our visitors came with their cars, and vendors found that they were also looking for parts, while Ford recognized that our visitors loved Ford, old and new, and gained bonding with those who loved all things related to the Blue Oval.”

Over the years, Miller has seen an evolution of the event. “With each yearly Ford Show, Ford Motor Co. involvement has boosted the show to new heights. Each year they work with our staff to make it the biggest and best Ford event in the nation,” he said.

Miller added, “At that first event, three marketing staff members from the Ford Special Vehicle team arrived with a 1995 SVT Mustang Cobra, a Cobra R model and an SVT F-150 Lightning pickup packed with about 1,000 posters and a 10x10 tent. They were the first and only Ford Motor Company representatives in attendance. Now we get full Ford teams, engineers, executives, celebrities, full vehicle line-ups and full support.”

Clor credits added Ford involvement to the additions Carlisle Events makes to broaden the audience. Clor said, “Our club members now bring their families. What used to be a bunch of car guys getting together to talk about and show off their rides, is gaining more and more family attendance. Carlisle has added a women’s oasis, good food, Hot Wheels races for families, raffles, meetings, awards, activities, and it is more than simply a swap meet and a show. The clubs take it in as a family event, and Ford sees this as a means of family bonding with THEIR fans.”

You can see everything Ford at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar's, held at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, June 4-6. Historically, more than 3,000 vehicles appear on the National Parts Depot Showfield and this year guests can see a celebration of 1971-’73 Mustangs, a display of comic, TV and movie themed Fords by way of Comic Car-Con, a 50th anniversary of the Pinto showcase, Broncos, trucks and Blue Oval icons across the decades.

> 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>

 

Carlisle Auctions presented its second collector car auction of 2021, April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center and offered a great showcase of past, present and future classics.  The event was a smashing success by every measure and proved once more the passion and hunger for the collector car hobby is alive and well amongst enthusiasts of all ages and tastes.

As the cars and trucks loaded in on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of auction week, the anticipation of those browsing the staging lot grew to a fever pitch.  400+ lots were planned and bidders had the chance to review each from bumper to bumper, while spectators and car lovers alike took pictures and shared stories of “a car like that from when I was younger.”  From 1910 to modern day, each vehicle glistened in the sun (and snow) of each spring day.

The fun started at 12 p.m. on April 22 and saw a 1987 Buick Grand National cross as the high sale of the day at $71,125.  That total ended up being a top five seller, just $2,170 less than number four!  In addition, Thursday welcomed the all-truck hour.  For 60 minutes the auction block looked like a truck rally, with lowered, lifted and classic rides selling like hot cakes.  Once the all-truck hour concluded, the first charity car of the event crossed the block (details below).  From there, the day churned forward before ending with a few hundred cars finding new homes and Carlisle Auctions poised to enter Friday on a record pace.

As Thursday gave way to Friday, records did fall both in total sales and sales percentage.  While the fifth top-seller might have sold on Thursday, the top four all went on Friday.  In fact, three of the top four went for six figures.  The high-sale of the event was a 1957 Ford Skyliner, selling for $136,425.  A somewhat distant second was a 1967 Corvette for $121,500.  The top five totaled $515,765 for an average of $103,153.  This average total is up $28,153 over the last spring auction (April 2019).  Better yet, as Carlisle Auctions concludes its second 2021 event, totals were $18,500 more than the February auction in Lakeland, Florida.

The top five for the Spring Carlisle Collector car auction include the top seller, a 1957 Ford Skyliner which garnered $136,425.  Number two was a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette at $121,500.  Third was a 1969 Pontiac Trans Am at $113,420 and fourth was another ’67 Corvette, this time for $73,295.  Finally, the aforementioned 1987 Buick Grand National managed $71,125.

In addition, select charity lots sold yielding nearly $30,000 in monies raised for a good cause.  This included a 1964 Cadillac Eldorado convertible that sold for $26,500 and saw 100% of the money go directly to the Williamsport, Maryland Fire and EMS department.  Additional donations were taken for the Rescue 22 Foundation.

“Thank you to all of the bidders and consignors that helped to make this the most successful collector car auction that Carlisle Auctions has ever presented,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We look forward to carrying this momentum into our Fall Auction which takes place September 30 and October 1 right back here at the Carlisle Expo Center.”

As Cline noted, the next Carlisle Auction is planned for late September.  In addition, Carlisle Auctions would like to note the cancelation of its Summer Sale auction, originally planned for June 26.  The Summer Sale will not be rescheduled.  Complete details about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, including results, photos, still for sale consignments and more can be found at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.