SUN Tech in New Berlin, PA to Prep Donated Cars for Auction – Sale Dollars Benefit First Responders

CARLISLE, PA – The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction returns to the Carlisle Expo Center April 23–24, 2026, bringing together the future of the automotive hobby and local first responders to support a great cause. With 400+ consignments anticipated, a few vehicles will cross the block for a special reason — Carlisle Auctions’ Fund the Firehouse program. Established in 2025, Fund the Firehouse features donated vehicles sold at auction, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting a pre-determined firehouse.

This time, a pair of partners are stepping up to ensure the New Berlin Fire Company in New Berlin, Pennsylvania, receives as generous a donation as possible. None of this would be possible without the vehicle donations made by the AACA Museum, Inc. in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Known as America’s Transportation Museum, the AACA Museum showcases an incredible collection of cars, trucks, buses, and other unique vehicles that celebrate automotive history. Beyond its public exhibits, the museum also maintains a warehouse filled with vehicles — some destined for future displays, others sold at auction, and a few donated specifically for charitable purposes.

From that collection, two such vehicles have found their way to a central Pennsylvania school for a refresh and auction prep. SUN Tech, a vocational and technical school in New Berlin, has taken possession of a 1938 Plymouth Sedan and a 1951 Dodge Sedan, both originally donated to the museum. Between now and the April auction, the school’s Collision Repair Technology class will refinish and repaint the cars, while other classes may handle light mechanical work as needed. Both vehicles are reportedly in sound mechanical condition.

This project isn’t a full restoration but rather practical, hands-on automotive work — a tune-up, if you will. It provides students with valuable real-world experience while benefiting a local fire company near their campus, at a time when community funding is more important than ever.

Join the AACA Museum, Inc., SUN Tech students, New Berlin Fire Company, and Carlisle Auctions on Wednesday, November 5 at 12 PM as the vehicles are delivered to the SUN Tech campus (815 Market St., New Berlin, PA). Representatives from each organization will be available for photos and comments, and all media are invited.

Fund the Firehouse isn’t limited to these cars or this project — it’s open to anyone who wishes to donate a vehicle on behalf of their local firehouse. Vehicle condition can vary, and all donations are tax deductible. Support the heroes you hope never to need — but are always grateful to have. To learn more about Fund the Firehouse or to donate, visit CarlisleAuctions.com/community or call 717-960-6400.

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Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA) and Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA). The season schedule includes automotive flea markets of varying sizes, multiple auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners, and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.