concours judging

Mark,

Generally, the judges compare the car to how it looked when it left the factory. The more "aftermarket" components you have, the more points will be taken off. Each car, before judging, is assumed to be 100 points. Points are then taken off, sometimes in increments of 1/2 points, for wear and tear along with non-factory parts. One item that is often overlooked by owners but nailed by judges are "logo'd" tire valve stem caps. If you have 'em, take them off and put on plain, black rubber ones. License plate frames are another item. Go plain or with an authorized dealer's plate frame. Look underneath your car for parking lot curbstone scrapes. Touch them up. If you have the original pedals, shift knob, etc, and it isn't too much of a pain, swap them out. Or you could just "display" the car and forgo judging. Have your tool roll and owners manuals handy to show they are still with the car. Make sure all of the lights function and lenses aren't cracked. Before the show, take some compressed air to the engine compartment and displace any greasy film or dirt build-ups. I'll let others add their 2 cents now...

KevFla

 

None needed really. Kevin's summation is dead on from what I've read and been told about judging. It's all about being original and clean. Mark, need a hand ripping off the stonegard ??

Kenny

 

I'll chime in with .02 cents. Watch out for those often-forgotten areas like the fuel cap compartment, battery compartment, behind the license plate, inside the wheel wells, etc. In the BMW club (with which I am a judge) they even take off points for change left in their spots on the console... But we also don't look for originality. As long as it's clean and in excellent condition you stand of chance of placing well.

 

zan:

I think everything has pretty much been covered in the above posts. I have prepped some BMWs and Porsche for concours and it always ends up being a waste. You are all excited after you drive your emaculate car to the place, and then the annoying person pulls their car in on a trailer and drops the car with 10 miles on the odometer onto the lawn. If you are lucky, judges will compensate for mileage, but many do not. That being said, it is fun to go and show your car. You meet a lot of cool people and get to "car network" . I would not even bother removing aftermarket items unless you really think you can prep the Lambo for about three weeks. Hope this helps.

 

Does FCA not have different classes for different amounts of car usage? Other car clubs usually have a "daily driver" class for cars that get driven a significant amount (there are mileage limits), and sometimes other classes like "modified" and "ultramodified" cars where aftermarket parts are allowed, etc. In my club (ZCCNA for Nissan/Datsun Z cars) , the "stock" class is closest to the type of judging you're describing.

I entered a stock class competition the first year I had my car. After losing points for fingerprint smudges on the passengers' vanity mirror, a non-detailed gas cap, and the philips screws on my muffler tips not being lined up at the same angles, I never entered another one of those competitions again.

Fun to go and watch the guys with the trailer queens walking around the car with cans of touch-up paint just prior to judging, though.

-Gio P

 

I have a fairly original 308 QV- but it is a driver- door dings, underbody scrapes, couple paint chips, cracked and visibly repaired front spoiler, worn steering wheel, etc. I signed up to be judged at Tutto Italiano, because it sounds fun- no intention of winning anything. I think it would be interesting to get someones opinion that really has an eye for originality. Would this just be looked at like a waste of time to the judges? I'm sure they are busy- and I wouldn't want to do that.

Any opinions?

It looks everyone that is bringing their car is only going to show- so it got me thinking.

thanks, John

 

Hi John,
Unless you have pretty thick skin, I would recommend you forgo judging and just "display only" the car. You will have less stress day of the show and more time to walk around and enjoy yourself. If you really want to know what it will take to put the car in 'concours condition," go ahead and have it judged. Judges could have alot on their plate given the number of cars to evaluate, so I'm sure they would appreciate your honesty if you think your car isn't in concours condition. Besides, you seldom hear of owners bragging about their 83-point cars. Have fun regardless!

KevFla

 

If you think this is bad, try a Porsche meet. Can you say anal? I lost points because the wheel caps with the Porsche creast where not alined with the value stems...

Dr "I drive em, not detail em" Tax

 

YIPES!!! i'll enjoy my car with its "natural patina", ThankYouVeryMuch

 

Does any one know the style of Judging they use at Greenwich Concours. I have entered my Boxer for june 6th. the only thing not original are the self colored Keith Collins mats, leave them in or take them out.
Thanks Michael

 

Michael
I've been there many times and I'll be there again with my Lola this year. Unlike other events they judge much more on total effect of car. I wouldn't worry about mats I'd worry about me.
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17123

 

Hey Jim
I will be happy to know someone else attending Greenwich, We will be sure to see each other, I had showed at a few FCA events in the past 15 years and remember the guy next to me telling me to leave the mats out in the bushes.I suspected that greenwich was more Lax. 3 weeks to go. If I dont see you at wwc this weekend, see you at GC.
pics of LOLA.......OWWWWWWWWWWTRAGEOUS.