Ok, now this is the definition of a must-see car show. The first ever Hurst Nationals are coming to Carlisle and they are coming in hot! The 60 year history of the Hurst brand will be on full display through the owners of the cars that they had their hands in over the years, representatives from the company’s past and present, and of course the first lady of motorsports Linda Vaughn will be there as well.
How fitting to have this show in Pennsylvania where the Hurst legend was born and George Hurst launched a company that would turn into an American icon all these years later.
The fun there for us will be seeing how many of the “off-brand” Hurst vehicles show up. Everyone knows the Hurst Oldsmobiles but the Rambler SC/Rambler examples, the Pontiacs, the Jeeps, and others that people have either forgotten or didn’t know about will be totally awesome.
If you love the Hurst brand and not only its history but its present day standing you NEED to get to Carlisle July 14-15. Here’s the full story!
Carlisle Events Proudly Announces the Inaugural Hurst Nationals
In 2017 all Hurst-Prepared Vehicles will be Celebrated for the First Time Ever
Carlisle, PA – The Hurst brand has been around for nearly 60 years and in that time there have been clubs and shows but they’ve always been built around a single vehicle manufacturer. The Carlisle Hurst Nationals marks the first time that all Hurst-prepared vehicles will evenly share the spotlight. AMC, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors vehicles that were modified by Hurst will receive equal treatment at this first-ever show.
The Hurst Nationals will be held July 14-15, 2017 at the Carlisle Expo Center. The show will be complemented by the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds just one block away. To further enhance this experience, one admission price covers both events. That means, in addition to the expected 400 Hurst-prepared vehicles, attendees will have access to an additional 2,700+ Mopar show vehicles, activities, OEM displays, the world’s largest Mopar swap meet and more.
The Carlisle Expo Center will showcase approximately 40 extraordinary Hurst models in air-conditioned comfort inside of the 30,000 square foot facility plus select vendors, seminars, special guests and memorabilia. Outside of the building, attendees can expect to find an additional 350 cars as well as other Hurst-themed displays. Food vendors will complete the event creating an environment that will offer guests everything they need.
Many people think of the Olds 442 when identifying the “Gentleman’s” hot rods that Hurst became so well-known for, and rightfully so since they were built almost continuously from 1968 to 1988. But when it comes to hot street cars, Hurst was involved in the creation of many more. The SC/Rambler, Rebel Machine and even the Hurst Jeepster were all done by Hurst. Hurst also built Mopars like the fearsome ’68 GSS 440 M-CODE Darts for Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge, and the ’70 Chrysler 300 Hurst, along with the Hurst Pontiac Grand Prix SSJ.
In addition, Hurst was also the builder of choice for some of the hottest “factory” drag packages of the era. The 1968 Hemi Darts and Hemi Barracuda Super Stocks were contracted to Hurst by Chrysler. For 1969, Hurst built the Super Stock AMXs thus creating another dominant Super Stock package. Street and race vehicles like these will be welcome at the Hurst Nationals.
George Hurst didn’t just create great vehicles and products; he was also a pioneer in showmanship and marketing. He created the Hurst Girls and the Miss Hurst Golden Shifter (a title eventually bestowed upon the lovely Linda Vaughn). 
Two of the greatest exhibition drag cars ever built were the Hurst Hemi Under Glass and the Hurst Hairy Olds. Every effort is being made to acquire as many of the aforementioned cars, products and people as possible for the 2017 Hurst Nationals.
For fans of modern Motown muscle, Hurst vehicles returned in 2009 with the Hurst Edition supercharged Challenger. Mustangs and Camaros followed in 2010. Other late model Hurst vehicles included Rams, Chrysler 300s, Vipers and Chargers. The Hurst legacy continues today with the “Return of the Big Three” modern muscle car program. New Hurst “Gentleman’s” hot rods based on the latest from Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford are available from select dealers and will also be displayed at the Hurst Nationals.
For those who still want more than just the Hurst Nationals, a free shuttle will be available to transport guests to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds only one block away. Their paid admission to the Hurst Nationals will also include access to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals which is the largest Mopar event on the planet. Once onsite, spectators can enjoy all of the additional activities provided by the Chrysler event which include the Showfield, Burnout Contest, Beauty Contest, featured displays, special guests, Manufacturers Midway, massive swap meet and OEM exhibits (which typically include new vehicle test drives, Thrill Rides and more).
Sorry to say Linda may not make this show. She is at home awaiting major surgery at this time. I don’t think she will; be recovered enough in time for this show. But let’s hope she gets feeling better. Check her facebook page for more info.