DC to Reading

Who is driving up for the Reading Concours that Sunday morning from DC?

 

Not sure if I am going up Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Robert had talked about going up Saturday evening, but my kids have baseball games until around 8pm that evening. So if Robert doesn't want to wait that long to head up then I will be driving early Sunday morning. You have a meeting place in mind?

 

might want to meet up along the way with Jon and a few of the other guys. They're caravaning up from some central location in Del.

DM

 

^We are all meeting Francis from Algar it the Landhope Farms at rt82 and rt926 in Unionville/ Kennet Square. There will be a 430, 599, several 330's, Bob's 308, our 550, and Jon's new Barchetta amongst others. You guys should meet us there. Meeting at 8 and leaving NO later than 8:30. If anyone has any additionaly questions, give Francis a call.

 

How far is that from the Concours?

 

I am driving up the night before and staying in Harrisonburg, PA with a friend. How far is this meeting location from there??? Would be nice to meet up in the morning.

Robert

 

285 Ferrari The meeting location is an hour from Reading using a spirited backroad route.


E60M5.... Coming from Harrisburg is too far north to bother with this particular meeting place.

 

Yep. Hour and a half tops. Where can I get a black textless license plate frame? I heard we need one for the concours. Do I need the flashlight in the manual? I think everything else is ok.
Joe

 

i might be doing that too. pm me and we'll ride up together.

 

pep boys.....you should have all your tools and and owners packet available to inspect.

 

Your joking, right?? A license plate frame?? I can not imagine it came from Italy with a license plate frame..

 

older cars did.... not sure if yours did. No it's not a joke. I was penalized for it the first time I showed my car... my license plate frame was full of chromey goodness.

 

WOW----Had no idea. I guess I will find out on the 20th if I needed one or not...

 

Anything newer than a 308 did not come from the factory with a frame. If you have one on the car, take 'er off. It's a full point deduction, I think.

So 328 and newer, just hang the plate, take off the frame.

DM

 

No frame on mine anyway..

 

Most judges rely on the factory parts book to settle all such questions, if the book shows one it must be present, the book also drives the points off for non listed additions such as owner added valve caps or shift lever knobs. M

 

Thanks! I need to get a flashlight for the books... what about the leather pouch for the key fob? Ours is naked.

 

I checked the FCA official website for information on judging a concourse event and I don't remember seeing anything about license plate holders. This is not a problem for my 360, however, I would like to know if there is a accurate list of things judges will be looking to judge.

I am missing my flashlight, I asked FOW just for laugh how much one would cost, $85!!!!!! Yes, I know they don't set the price, just thought it was funny what Ferrari would charge! The recommendation was just get a mag light for $4.

Robert

 

I spent a day with the concours judges for this event.

They're going to follow FCA guidelines, more or less. I know that doesn't help much. Mostly what they intend to do is be consistent throughout the classes.

The rules do state something about originality, and not having modifications to the car. Technically, a license plate holder, if the car left the factory without one, is a modification, just like a tubi exhaust or stick on SF shields on a Dino.

Look at the brochure the factory used for your car. That's how it left, that's what the judges are gonna look for.

A 3M film on the front of the car is a deduction. Headlights that don't work is a deduction. Not having the manuals will cost you.

There's lots more, but this is more of a fun event than a hardcore scoring event. So bring what ya' got and show it, you won't get your asses kicked real bad by the judges, I promise.

DM

 

I don't think the judges are gonna get that into it. Fobs and the like are not deductions. They are however, tie breakers. Not gonna lose anything if you don't have the fob wrapper and the like.

DM

 

Does anyone know how important it is to have the car detailed to its best? I know certain car concours like Pebble Beach, overall presence such as a properly polished vehicle is important.

 

Thanks Dave.

 

Dave, My car came with Matching Luggage.If I display it does it help or does it not matter.(Rather not haul it along if it doesnt matter) Jon

 

Judging by what others have said... if it was delivered with luggage, I'd say bring the luggage. Although considering the headlights and exhaust won't be switched for this show (right?), I don't think you've got to worry much about the details.

And change your profile!

-Joe

 

FCA judging is all about how close the car is to "as built" in the details. Guys loose more points under the hood than on paint and rims. The books, tools and the paper bits also matter. Find the high scoring cars (there will be a green 308 and Buddys silver 330 that are killer correct) and decide what of them you would like for yours (and can afford!). If you like your car with horsey things on the valve stem covers and the sounds of your Tubi exhaust, then its more than worth the deductions. I painted my 365GTC4's front bumper, an automatic deduction, but I LIKE IT THAT WAY and the judges are absolutely correct to dock me points. Reading is a gathering of great cars and great owners who swap insights on how to get their cars better, faster, brighter. With that as your goal, it won't make you crazy!