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 for thirty minutes before setting foot inside. The place was packed with both vendors and spectators, and so our wandering along the aisles began.

This is billed as an indoor-only, all weather event, and 99% of the vendors are selling parts, not cars. Anticipating that I would find the typical piles of stuff that would not interest me, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety. Old books and maps, two of my weaknesses, were easily found. Although I didn’t make any purchases in these categories, it wasn’t for lack of trying. A map vendor had some very interesting NYC maps dating back to the 1940s, and I spent more than a few minutes poring over the choices, ultimately deciding that there weren’t any maps I desperately needed. My favorite vendor was the one who had many tables meticulously arranged with various tools, supplies, and hardware, and he ended his day $15 richer thanks to me.

My three compatriots wandered the building on their own, while I took to strolling solo. I ran into five fellow AACA members, all doing the same thing I was: getting out of the house for a chance to enjoy the hobby inside a heated building. My travel companions and I reconvened around 3 p.m., and headed next door to the Allentown Farmer’s Market, where we found an open counter at a country-style luncheonette, and enjoyed a late afternoon meal. Having driven my own car there, we bid our farewells, and I was home before dark.

It’s nice to know that there is a January car show within an hour’s drive. Would I go every year? Not necessarily. A lot would depend on the weather, and my own level of desire to make the effort. But I enjoyed the day, and now I am even more anxious for April to arrive, so that I can welcome the unofficial start of the car show season.

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