According to their website, Allentown, PA’s “Auto Mania” has been held since 1990. My earliest recollection of attending was in 1997, and I’ve gone back sporadically since then. As classic auto flea markets go, this may be the smallest one out there. (It is worth noting that a few years ago, Carlisle Events purchased Auto Mania, although to my eye, the only thing it changed was adding the Carlisle name to the signage.) Its primary function has been to serve as an excuse to get to a show during the winter. And that was the rationale for three of my besties and me to head there on Friday, January 16.
Thankfully, Larry noticed that the doors didn’t unlock until noon on Friday, so we met for a mid-morning breakfast, filled our bellies, and arrived at the Agri-Plex Expo Center around 12:15. We should not have been shocked at the sight, but we were: the line to get into the place snaked up and down in front of the building, so much so that we stood in the windy and chilly air…..