CARLISLE, PA – Betty White was a national treasure to many. Her iconic career spanned decades and her passion for animals was as well known as her role on Golden Girls. In fact, for a career that started in 1939 (35 years before Carlisle Events), her fame and pop-culture status surged in the late 2000s and remained at a fever pitch until her passing in 2021 at age 99. Her legacy lives on and at the 2024 Carlisle GM Nationals (June 21-22), will be on display by way of a car she once owned; a 1977 Cadillac nicknamed the Parakeet.
White’s Cadillac will be part of a Cadillac-focused display in Building Y, honoring Cadillac’s luxury, style, and performance. These qualities helped make Cadillac America’s premier luxury brand and that elegance will be highlighted by way of “trip through time,” which amplifies the standard of the world that the brand has become.
The story of the Parakeet is a love story, both for the car and the man who gave it to her. White’s third husband, Allen Ludden, also regarded as the love of her life, gifted it to her as it was as elegant as he regarded her to be. The car earned its nickname due to its Sea-Mist Green paint scheme and White’s love for birds. All her vehicles were named after birds. The light green exterior is complimented by dark green striping and a cream/white interior. There’s a touch of Betty in it too, as she had an AT&T car phone installed and there’s also a nameplate on the console that reads “Betty,” complete with the Cadillac logo.
Parakeet comes to Carlisle by way of the AACA Museum, Inc. in nearby Hershey, Pennsylvania. The car has been with the museum since 2012, but before that, was personally donated by White in 2002 to raise money for the Los Angeles Humane Society.
“The 1977 Cadillac Seville once owned by Betty White always draws attention wherever it goes,” said Stan Sipko, Curator of the AACA Museum, Inc. “Betty was a pioneer of early television with a career spanning almost seven decades, she was known for her many television appearances acting in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows. That is why her car draws so much attention because everyone relates to her shows that they have watched over the years,” continued Sipko. “The museum family is proud to help Carlisle Events celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2024. Over the years we have done a lot together and look forward to being involved with the great people at Carlisle Events for many more years.”
The prominence of this car blends perfectly with other planned display themes, plus the nearly 1,000 show cars on the National Parts Depot Showfield. Celebration themes include the Solid Lifter Showroom, Corvettes for Chip, the 3rd Gen Nationals, Nova’s at Carlisle, and more. Gates open at 7 AM daily for the Carlisle GM Nationals and attending a car show at Carlisle has never been easier! Affordable family fun is readily available, with Kids 12 and under admitted free. For details on vendor or Showfield registration, event specifics, or to purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.
