– by Gabrielle Isenbrand
We would typically reach for our rain slickers when packing for the mid-May Import and Kit show in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. But this year’s forecast was for clear, dry weather, so we dared to err on the side of optimism and trusted the predictions.
That optimism was repaid with two days of warmth and sunshine. Only at the very end of the afternoon on Saturday did a few sprinkles remind us that this is, after all, Spring in the Northeast.
Again this year Citroëns at Carlisle, ably organized by Brad Nauss, put on an enjoyable and well-attended gathering. Citroën owners from as far away as Michigan made the trek to be part of the festivities.
View the full photo galley here
Display cars started streaming in to the Carlisle Fairgrounds on Friday afternoon. Our Citroëns weekend officially commenced with an al fresco dinner on the pavilion at the Mayapple Golf Club on Friday night, where George Lois provided his typical excellent food and hospitality.
On Saturday close to 30 Citroëns lined up on the show field. They included not only the usual 2CVs, Tractions Avant, DS, CX, and SM models, but also GS, Visa, and roadster 2CV derivatives Burton, Lomax, and KG – all seldom seen on these shores. Peugeot was also represented by a 403 and a 405. At mid-afternoon Brad led a “meet and greet” group that went down the whole line, interviewing owners and discussing their experiences with their cars.
During the course of the day a steady stream of People’s Choice ballots made their way to the Citroëns at Carlisle tent, where a rotating cast of characters seated themselves to relax with some shade and conversation.
Saturday evening’s dinner and awards ceremony at the Middlesex Diner was literally packed with convivial Citroënistes enjoying the delicious buffet. The ceremonies were capped by a well-deserved recognition of Brad for all his hard work on the event.
The next morning dawned overcast, but it did not dampen the mood at the breakfast in Boiling Springs at the Caffe 101. A plentiful flow of properly brewed coffee prepared everyone for the driving tour that Brad had planned, complete with turn-by-turn route sheets. Even in the fog the Pennsylvania countryside was beautiful. The drive ended at the historic U.S. Army War College.at Carlisle Barracks, where the group toured the exhibits and grounds.
If you haven’t attend Citroëns at Carlisle yet, check bradnaussauto.com for the dates and mark it on your calendar for next year. It will be worth the drive!
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Citroëns at Carlisle – Peoples Choice Awards, 2013
Best early D series: George Lois, Mechanicsburg, PA 1967 DS21
Best late D series: Robert Monteleone, Jackson Heights, NY 1968 DS19
Best Deux Cheavau sedan: Donand & Suzanne Kopczynski, Harborton, VA 1960 2CV
Best A series Truckette: Judith Reiter, S ilver Springs, MD 1972 Truckette
Best Dyane: Martin Gambony, Basking Ridge, NJ 1969 Dyane
Best Series One CX: Brian Peters, Washington, DC 1981 CX
Best Series Two CX: Lou Bevier, Canonsburg, PA 1987 CX25GTI
Best SM: Peter Bandy, Taylor, MI 1972 SM
Best GS: Ronald Straub, Lodi, NJ 1973 GS1220
Best Traction Avant 11CV: Rich Pazar, Watkins Glen, NY 1953 Normale
Best Citroën: Special Category: Erik Dewidt, Mt. Airy, MD Burton
Best French car that is not a Citroën: Jim Schlick, Bloomington, IN 1966 Peugeot 403B
Hard Luck Award: Carl Erb Traction 15/6
Longest Distance Driven in a Citroen to Attend: Dale Martin, Midland, MI 1972 D Super
Best of Show…TIE:
- George Lois, Mechanicsburg, PA 1967 DS21
- Brian Peters, Washington, DC 1981 CX