The 2026 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals celebrated some important milestones

The 2026 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals wrapped up another edition, marking another successful event put on by the folks at Carlisle Events. The 2025 edition, with its 100th Anniversary celebration of Chrysler, was always going to be a tough act to follow, so no attendance records were broken this time around — but overall, the weekend was still pretty incredible. The weather also played a key role, with rain in the forecast throughout; some did come down, and heavy at times, but it arrived only after the show had already wrapped up for the day.

Helping to keep it all fresh was another carefully curated set of displays celebrating some of Chrysler’s milestones. Center stage for 2026, in Building T, was the 60th Anniversary of the Dodge Charger. With six decades in the books, the Charger has changed, sometimes radically, and this display illustrated those changes. Sharing that space was the “Adult Toy Program” display, celebrating 1970s-era Dodge pickups and vans, along with another display marking the 60th anniversary of the 426 Hemi. Next door in Building Y was a Northeast Hemi Owners celebration; the club has reached the half-century mark, and the display showcased some of its members’ cars. In Building R, the display celebrated 100 Years of the Imperial. Out on the show field, several tents were set up with themed displays as well, most notably the 55 Years of the 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 and the annual Mopar Survivors tent.

This image illustrates variations on a theme. With the 60th Anniversary of the Charger and the large display in Building T featuring several vehicles, these particular Chargers highlight three distinct realities for Chrysler as a company. The 1977 Dodge Charger SE Midnight Editon – a low-mileage, 360-powered rear-wheel-drive example – reflects the Malaise era. The 1983 Dodge Shelby Charger, powered by a 2.2-liter engine, represents Chrysler’s performance push under Lee Iacocca’s direction. Built on the front-wheel-drive L-body platform, it was part of the broader Chrysler K-car family.

Finally, the 2010 Dodge Charger R/T, the return to rear-wheel drive. The LX platform was derived from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform and was powered by a 5.7-liter Gen III Hemi. Introduced in 2005 while Daimler-Benz was still the parent company, this platform remained in use through 2023.

Over the years, several Chrysler vehicles were produced specifically for regional markets. This 1976 Dodge D100 “Vikings Special” is one such example. Little information survives on these trucks beyond the fact that they were only available through the Minneapolis zone office, created to help promote the Minnesota Vikings and factory-painted in Plum Crazy and white. Trucks like this left the factory with a paint code of 999 – a designation indicating a non-standard color special-ordered outside the regular factory color chart for that year, rather than pointing to one specific shade.

For E-Body enthusiasts who appreciate rarity with a proven racing pedigree, this 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda checks all the right boxes. Imported new to Paris in early 1970 by Ecurie Chrysler, Chrysler’s official French Competition Group, the car went on to become quite successful. Between 1970 and 1973, it captured more than 45 FIA-sanctioned circuit and hill-climb victories, along with three French Group 1 Circuit Championships and one Hillclimb Championship under the leadership of Henri Chemin, who served as both the car’s driver and Director of Chrysler Competition Group’s French racing program from 1968 to 1973. One unique detail is the Chrysler emblem on the shaker bubble – a reminder that all Dodge and Plymouth vehicles sold in Europe were marketed under the Chrysler brand.

After a several-year absence following Chrysler’s shift to an all-electric lineup, the automaker made a welcome return to Chryslers at Carlisle for 2026, bringing with it a preview of its renewed commitment to internal combustion performance. Making its worldwide public debut at Carlisle was the twin-turbo Hurricane SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack, finished in the new Purple Haze exterior color as part of the Charger’s 60th anniversary celebration. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the new 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack and 420-horsepower Charger R/T during presentations led by Dodge representatives, while Chrysler showcased the refreshed 2027 Pacifica, highlighting its updated styling, available all-wheel drive, and the segment-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system. Beyond the featured displays, this Chrysler show kills it with the overwhelming variety of vehicles lining the show field — rows upon rows of classic, modern, and modified Mopars and AMC’s. For folks searching for parts and memorabilia, the swap meet delivers with countless opportunities, and in that mix there’s usually a decent selection of vehicles available for purchase as well. There’s also a dedicated Car Corral that gives buyers and sellers the chance to cut a deal on a vehicle.

Offered for $28,000, this 1972 Jensen Interceptor, sporting a towering 6-71 blower atop a Chrysler 440 big-block, might have looked like a custom build only loosely connected to the Mopar world—but in reality, it was right at home at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. Designed in Italy and built by Jensen Motors in England from 1966 through 1976, the Interceptor relied on Chrysler big-block V8s and TorqueFlite transmissions for its performance. Early cars were powered by Chrysler’s 383 V8, backed by either a 727 TorqueFlite automatic or, in much smaller numbers, a 4-speed manual transmission. Beginning in 1971, Jensen switched to the 440 four-barrel, with the high-performance 440 Six Pack available on the limited-production Interceptor SP. Those Six Pack-equipped cars are among the rarest and most sought-after Interceptors today.

As with the brand-specific shows, car clubs play a pivotal role in the overall success. They help fuel attendance and create a sense of community that continues to define these events. Hemmings once again recognized the top-attending clubs through the Hemmings Club Challenge competition, with the 2026 results as follows:

Car clubs remain a vital part of the success of every brand-specific event, and that was especially evident at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. With club tents spread across the fairgrounds, the event serves as more than just a car show – it also provides many organizations with a central gathering place for their annual meetings and reunions. The Hemmings Club Challenge recognizes these clubs not only for the number of members and vehicles they bring to the event, but also for their dedication and contributions throughout the year by honoring the top five participating clubs.

For those planning to attend, mark your calendars. The 2027 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is scheduled for July 9–11, 2027, at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

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