Two times a year Carlisle Auctions does business in central Florida and judging by the success of these two events, maybe two just isn’t enough. The Pennsylvania based auction team returns to Lakeland and the SUN ‘n FUN campus as part of Winter Florida AutoFest for two-days only, February 24-25. The collector car auction offers more than just classic cars, there are trucks, motor coaches, collectibles and more; all available to the highest bidder. Best of all, demand to be involved is such that the Carlisle Auctions’ streak of sold out consignment lots continues, in fact every Carlisle Auction ever produced in Florida has sold out!

As sold out numbers go, the two-day auction hosts over 400 available lots and items up for bid are an automotive time capsule. At least 100 years of machinery will move and the auction is ultimately a great way for someone to either add to an already impressive classic car collection or maybe just serve as a way to jump start a newbie into the hobby. Regardless, demand is high; meaning the quality and quantity of consignments continues to increase. Also increasing is demand to be part of the fun as a bidder and that trend is proving once more to be true with a jump in pre-event bidder registration. Better yet, a 50% off bidder’s discount package is available by using the promo code 2-Bid when registering. This discount is available now through February 24 by calling 717-960-6400.

With over 400 consignments, it’s impossible to mention all of them, but a pair that stand head and shoulders above the rest are a 1937 Ford Woodie and a 1974 Pontiac Trans Am. The Woodie is blue on the outside with a tan interior and is powered by a 350-cubic inch engine. With an immaculate restoration under its belt, it’s perfect for cruising due to its IFS chassis, full custom interior, AC, power steering and power breaks. Not to be out done, the ’74 Trans Am is a powerhouse waiting to be opened up on one of Florida’s many great highways. Painted Buccaneer Red with an amazing white interior, the screaming chicken on the hood lets everyone know what this car is all about. This car is original all around, with just 44,000 miles on the engine/drive train and nearly everything that makes this car go and be what it is…yep, also original!

Many more of the 400+ consignments are available for review at www.CarlisleAuctions.com. This web page is also home base for all things related to this and any of Carlisle Auctions other three events. Learn about the FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, how to get involved with an upcoming event and more. FINALLY, given that Winter Lakeland consignments are some of the strongest ever, bidders are encouraged to continue pre-registering for the weekend. This event truly does offer more cars, more people and even more excitement and it all starts February 23 with Carlisle Auctions and Carlisle Events at Winter Florida AutoFest in Lakeland.

Volkswagen’s best-selling car had been offered in sedan and hatchback configurations, but is now only presented as a sedan. That design downsize doesn’t compromise Jetta’s range that starts as a stylish econo-car and tops off as a sporty and quick performance compact.

Volkswagen’s Jetta was originally a Golf hatchback with specifically different styling and a conventional trunk. Launched in 1979 as a small family car, it was latched onto by trend-setting college-age buyers, and as Jetta has evolved into a larger, more powerful and more electronically advance vehicle, it has remained trendy and has been VW’s top-selling model for years.

This sixth-generation Jetta began production in 2010 for the 2011 model year, and for 2017, VW has simplified the Jetta line-up to four trims -- S, SE, SEL, and GLI. The base S trim includes a 1.4-liter, 150-horsepower TSI® engine, 16-inch steel wheels, LED DRLs and two-tone cloth seats as standard, along with a rearview camera that is now standard for all Jetta trim levels. The midline SE adds Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect connectivity and connected services, a sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, KESSY® Keyless access and push-button start, and V-Tex leatherette seats with rear pass-through functionality. The top SEL trim gains a 1.8-liter, 170-hp TSI engine, power driver’s seat; exterior chrome accents; Climatronic® automatic dual-zone climate control; a navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, front foglights; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Jetta GLI is now available in only one trim, with a 2.0-liter, 210-hp TSI engine, standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a navigation system, power driver’s seat, LED taillights, Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), the Fender® Premium Audio System, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.

The Jetta design continues its architecture of clear, precise lines and muscular surfaces in a Euro-elegant demeanor. At the front, the coupe-like incline of the windshield and the consistent use of horizontal lines present Jetta’s identity as wide and energetic. The visual band formed by the radiator grille that features three crossfins, combines with headlight clusters and large lower air intake to give the Jetta a signature appearance. This look is finished off on the SEL and GLI trims with foglights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper.

Jetta is a compact at 183.3 inches long (182.2 for the GLI trim), 70 inches wide and 57.2 inches high (56.5 for the GLI) on a 104.4-inch wheelbase, with a ground clearance of 5.2 inches. Jetta seats five and weighs in at a light 3194 lbs. for the automatic transmission version.

The Jetta interior features well-equipped style and substance Even the entry-level Jetta models have standard air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, one-touch auto up/down power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices, a rearview camera, and power heatable exterior mirrors. And premium features abound on higher-level trims.

The cabin is accommodating with an un-compactlike at 38.2 inches of front headroom with 37.1 inches in row two; shoulder room is 55.2 inches in front and 53.6 inches in the rear, and legroom is a comfortable 41.2 inches for row one and 38.1 inches for the second-seat passengers.

Jetta offers three engine choices. The base 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine provides 150hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque; the
1.8-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine delivers 170hp and 184 lbs.-ft. and the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine that powered my GLI test ride, hummed out 210hp and 207 lbs.-ft.

The automatic version of the three are EPA rated at 28/city, 38/highway and 32/combined for the 1.4; 25/city, 35/highway and 29/combined for the 1.8; and 24/city, 33/highway and 27/combined for the 2.0-liter. My week of tests with the 2.0 averaged 25.9mpg.

My automatic GLI accelerated and turbo’d-in seamlessly, and was predictable and reliable when needed. Track tests showed a 6.6-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.4-second quarter-mile.

My Jetta handled admirably. The rack-and-pinion, electric steering with power assist was responsive with some driver-friendly understeer and torque steer. The suspension held the pavement well and sway was minimal.

Building on its rep as a top safety vehicle, the 2017 Jetta, when equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Bi-Xenon headlights, has earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and was awarded the top rating -- 5 stars -- in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests.

The base 2017 Jetta S 1.4T starts at $17,895, followed by the 1.4T SE at $20,895 and the 1.8T SEL at $24,995. The sporty 2.0T GLI starts at $27,895. Destination and handling charges of $820 brings the base GLI to $28,715.

My test Jetta GLI was bathed in Platinum Gray Metallic exterior paint, mated to a Titan Black V-Tex Sport Leatherette interior. I prefer a manual transmission in sports cars, but my test ride was outfitted with a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic® and Sport mode for an additional $1100. Side window deflectors added $188; sunroof wind deflector added $110; and body side molding added $214 for a sticker-as-tested of $30,327.

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.

It’s car show season at Carlisle! The 2017 Carlisle Events season schedule is two events in and with 10 remaining; the real fun starts April 19 as Spring Carlisle takes over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. This five-day extravaganza welcomes 100,000 guests from around the world, all looking for something, be it automotive related or collectible. Spring Carlisle runs April 19-23 and includes the always popular swap meet, a car corral and a three-day collector car auction, powered once more by Carlisle Auctions.

It all gets underway on the 19th. While this is the official first day of the show, it also serves as a load in/set up day for vendors. The 8,100 spaces available on grounds will come to life with everything from the simple to the exotic. If X marks the spot still means something to enthusiasts who love to hunt and pick, then Spring Carlisle has an X at every turn. Hidden gems, treasures collectibles, hard to find items; it all adorns the grounds at Carlisle. Some of those gems are part of the general swap meet, others within the North Side Collectors Corner; which by popular demand returns for 2017. Combine that with 100 years of automotive history available for sale within the car corral and even some future classics and daily drivers within the Daily Driver Blow Out, and Spring Carlisle really does have it all.

Day two of Spring weekend is also the start of the collector car auction. ALL NEW for 2017, Carlisle Auctions presents a three-day auction. The auction starts mid-afternoon on April 20 and 21, with a morning start time on April 22. Over 400 consignments, plus memorabilia/collectibles will cross the block and via the Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.

Spring Carlisle also hosts FREE metal fabrication seminars on the stage. Presented by Steve Mercurio of Pro Metal Shop, the seminars are a great way for the DIY enthusiast to learn the simplest ways to work with metal. Mercurio will be doing his thing all weekend long, so anyone wondering by is invited to stop in for a quick tutorial/Q&A session.

Another great event aspect is the ARMO Hot Products Showcase. See in person the latest and greatest products coming onto the market with ARMO and talk to their product EXPERTS about how what they are showcasing and how it can work for any vehicle from today or yesterday.

Ultimately, an automotive utopia like Spring Carlisle happens just once a year and demand for the action is very high. Weekend and single day tickets are available online via www.CarlisleEvents.com. In addition, the Carlisle Events web page also offers complete event information, contact information and more. Finally, auction details on the three-day Spring Carlisle Auction can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

Launched for the 2004 model year as an alternative to the full-size pick-up establishment, Nissan’s Titan went through its first generation without a major redesign until 2016. This year, the all-new Titan Crew Cab adds a bold design, a new half-ton model and a new standard 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V-8 gasoline engine coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

With body-on-frame (fully boxed ladder-type) construction utilizing corrosion-resistant and high strength steel, the new Titan half-ton continues the design cues established by the original Titan full-size pickup, including bed and cab features that are now industry standard, and the rugged function and style of the Titan XD.

The Titan half-ton has the same aggressive style as the Titan XD, but is built on a completely separate chassis and is about a foot shorter in wheelbase (139.8 inches versus XD's 151.6 inches). At 228.1 inches in length, it is 14.7 inches shorter than the larger Titan XD (242.8 inches).The new Titan also measures 79.5 inches in width and 76.0 inches in height. Minimum ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height is 22.9 inches up front and 23.8 in the rear and Titan has a curbweight of 5684 lbs. Titan and Titan XD share the same cabs, and both offer similar toughness, durability and innovative interior, bed and driving aid features.

The Titan half-ton's exterior design was created at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif. The design's focus on improved aerodynamics (an approximate 10 percent reduction versus the previous-generation Titan) incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed.

The Titan half-ton also incorporates an Active Grille Shutter, which helps reduce drag by closing the grille opening behind the radiator when a large amount of airflow is not needed, and its standard 5.5-foot bed is designed to work hard and play hard, with a wide range of available functionality features.

An improved interior layout offers enhanced storage versus the previous generation Titan – front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent – and new second- row underseat storage includes a locking lid for added security, along with an integrated foldout flat floor.

Filled with high-tech, infotainment, climate and comfort items, the interior provides 41.0 inches of front headroom with 40.4 inches in row two; leg room is 31.8 inches in row one and 38.5 inches in the second row; knee room is 26.6 and 23.9 and shoulder room is 63.3 inches in the first seats and 63.6 in the second row.
The standard front and rear Zero Gravity seats help maximize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving.

Titan power is provided by a smooth 5.6-liter Endurance® V-8 engine that shares its displacement with the previous-generation V-8, but gains 73 hp (390 hp) and 9 lbs.-ft. of torque (394 lbs.-ft.) from Gen-1. Titan is EPA rated at 15mpg in city driving, 21 mpg on the highway and 18mpg overall, and a week of tests in snowy conditions yielded an average of 17.3mpg.

During tests, the cabin was quiet, the seats were comfortable and the sightlines were good. Engine power built predictably and consistently and while the rack-and-pinion engine speed variable assist steering was a bit heavy, handling was par for the niche though a bit top-heavy. The double-wishbone front suspension with 34-mm stabilizer bar and twin-tube coil-over shock absorbers works with a multi-leaf solid-axle rear with an 18 mm-stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers to smooth out most road irregularities and while it floated a bit at high-speed, Titan’s road feel was dependable when needed. On the track, Titan gradually gained enough speed to finish off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds and confidently completed a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds.

With attention to safety, Titan is outfitted with an Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Also onboard is the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with single-stage driver and dual-stage passenger supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor. This includes roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor and front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags.

The 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab comes in nine base trim levels, beginning with the S 2x2 at $34,780 and the 4x4 at $37,760, and topping out with the Platinum 4x4 at $55,400. Second on the list – SV -- started at $37,670 and added Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, trailer sway control and chrome exterior trim to the S. I tested the next one up, the SL, starting at $46,380, after adding Remote Engine Start/Stop System, Leather-appointed seats, NissanConnect™ powered by SiriusXM® and a Rockford Fosgate® audio system. In Magnetic Black with an SL Black Leather interior, the Chrome Package was added for $1200 (chrome grille, exhaust finisher, 20-inch chrome wheels and kick plat finisher); and the $410 Towing Convenience Package was required; Splash Guards added $235; Running Board Lighting added $370; Door Sill Plates were $95; all-season floor mats added $135 and Destination and Handling added $1195, for a sticker-as-tested of $50,020.


> 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.

It’s becoming a bit of a tradition for the team at Carlisle Events to not only showcase classic cars as part of its AutoFest events in Lakeland, Florida, but to also bring some of TV’s most iconic stars to town too. The trend continues February 23-26 at the SUN ‘n FUN campus with the addition of Butch Patrick to event weekend. Patrick, who played little Eddie Munster on the ‘60s TV show The Munsters will be on hand all weekend to meet fans, sign autographs and more.

As mentioned above, Patrick is best known as Eddie Munster from the CBS comedy that ran from 1964-1966. He reprised the role for a 1966 feature film and also starred as Mark on the ABC Saturday morning series, Lidsville from 1971-1973. It’s his Munsters career that endeared him to millions though and it’s that role and its corresponding popularity that brings him to Lakeland.

"I was just happy to be part of a TV show that has such a timeless following,” said Patrick from his home in Florida. “People today really seem to enjoy nostalgic shows with real family values even if it’s a family of lovable monsters."

In addition to Patrick himself, he’s bringing with him a handful of ghoulishly unique cars. The Munster’s themed display not only includes Patrick, but the Munster Koach and Dragula tribute cars, the ORIGINAL 1964 Barris/Von Dutch chain link Schwinn Stingray Bike and other Munsters props, including a Munsters go-cart, baseball bat, Wolf Wolf, miniature spot and street signs.

An autograph for any item brought to the event is $20. In addition, Patrick and his team will have items for sale, including photos, shirts and photo ops with the famed rides that are part of his display. Prices will vary and will be listed at his onsite location. Posed photos are included for free with the purchase of any item from him or with the purchase of an autograph.

Winter AutoFest itself isn’t just about this special guest, but also about a swap meet, car corral, two-day collector car auction and car show. 100 years of automotive history will be on display and the event is unlike anything else in the region, plus it’s affordable family fun. Adult tickets are $10 per day, kids 12 and under are free and complete details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com.