When you visit Carlisle’s Winter Auto fest for the first time, you quickly discover that seeing everything in one day is a monumental task. Fortunately, I learned this lesson years ago, and with a map in hand, I set out to capture everything.

Note to self, bring more memory cards for the camera next year.

It’s never easy to wander through rows of great cars and then select which one is a favorite. However, as a car guy who appreciates anything cool, I set my sights on this year’s Corvette field and was once again yearning to make one of these my own.

Maybe next year.

Art Saunderlin’s ’59

I couldn’t locate Art but I’m pretty sure he would have had none of my foolishness when I pitched him on taking his “Lil’ red Corvette” for a cruise. This sweet ’59 looked every bit as nice up close as it does here and we wanted it!

At first glance, this C1 is as gorgeous as you can imagine. Take a longer look, and your initial thoughts are confirmed. The lustrous Roman Red paint is flawless, and we were hoping Art would be around to give us a more in-depth look at this factory sports car. Unfortunately, we needed to conserve time in order to see everything and couldn’t wait around.

Randy Losch’s Mile-Deep 2019

Randy’s 2019 ‘Vette looked wet all day long. It’s deep-blue hue went on for miles, inviting us to dive in.

If you like your Corvettes to be the late-model variety, Randy Losch’s 2019 model is definitely up your alley. The Corvettes took-up a large portion of the show field, and enthusiasts could certainly find a car to fit their desires.

’65 Fuelie

No introduction was necessary with this fuelie Vette. The 327 small-block is the 375hp version. Sporting Milano Maroon paint, knockoff’s and a four-speed, it didn’t have to say anything to catch our eye.

Doug White’s 2016 Lingenfelter Z51

This impeccably clean 2016 Lingenfelter 700hp Z51 was rivaled only by the heat of the Florida sun. A few trips past this screamer had us reaching for the sunscreen.

Is there anything better than a high-horsepower Corvette? Yes, there is. One that has been “tuned” at the legendary Lingenfelter facility. The color is Sebring Tintcoat, and sunglasses are required when checking out this factory hot rod.

Brad Bean’s 1960 Solid Axle dream.

As if ripped from the pages of your vintage road atlas, this solid axle slice of the American dream had us itching to see the USA in this Chevrolet. Life is a highway indeed!

Held at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus just off Florida’s interstate 4, Carlisle Events’ Winter Autofest isn’t just about showing and selling cars, “we’re about sharing information and stories which unite the automotive community” said Mike Garland, Carlisle’s public relations manager.

Regardless of brand, Carlisle’s first-class facilities and events are the place to find, show, or just dream about your next collector car.