words and photos: George Achorn
Editor’s Note: This article originally ran in the Q3_2022 issue of quattro Magazine. If you would like to subscribe to quattro Magazine, please join Audi Club here.
For East Coast owners of vintage Audi models, the Carlisle Import Nationals is a bit of an institution. This small-town fairground plays home to car shows over various ilks throughout the summer, and it’s mid-May catch-all import event has been a popular spot for a large group of owners and an eclectic mix of Audi models.
Some of the formula has changed. Whereas years past covered the typical weekend days with a giveaway car meant to keep attendees inside the gates through 4PM Sunday, the modern focus for the event is now Friday and Saturday of event weekend. These changes appear to have resonated, because even with the threat of rain throughout the weekend, the event saw its third best show field turnout ever.
On the Audi front, the crew of regulars who organize on Facebook always plan a solid showing, from a packed group tent that includes games and food, to the wide mix of cars. And while examples of the latest Audi models definitely show up, it’s the healthy mix of the truly obscure that tends to get the most attention. This included everything from a DKW Junior and Auto Union 1000 SP to a 4.0T-swapped B3 Coupe quattro. Increasingly visible in the space, U2R Classics brought out their uber rare B2 Audi 80 quattro 2-door, an ur quattro, and their latest acquisition, a low mileage Zermatt Silver 4000S quattro. Brian Skorsky, one of the foremost collectors and maintainers of 80s/90s Audis also brought a new acquisition, an early Avus Silver D2 S8. Of course there were many, many more.
For Audi Club, Carlisle offered an opportunity to display our 1985 Audi quattro that is subject to the organization’s spring fundraising sweepstakes. Fresh back from New German Performance, the car sported a fresh detailing from Dominion Auto Detailing and installation of the Porsche Classic single DIN navigation unit with CarPlay functionality. This gave members a chance to take a closer look at the car and its various upgrades. A winner for that car will have been chosen by the time you read this.
If you missed Carlisle, consider attending next year; Audi will be the featured marque. Whether it’s the social interaction, camping on the grounds for the most ardent, or an appreciation for an eclectic mix of Audi models, it’s an event you really shouldn’t miss.
