Who here has taken their V8 car to judging at a local or regional / national concours? I have never done it but am considering it this year in Monterrey for the annual FCA meet. Anything you can share with the experience, what the judges value, etc. I bought my car to drive often and enjoy outside of the garage but think this would be fun to try for a year since my car will be so close to all original spec. Thanks. Robb
Bob, didn't you do a concours in your F355? Would appreciate any feedback from what you experienced. Thanks much. Robb
Had my 348 Challenge two years ago at the Cavallino Classic in Palm beach and it was very well received
Jerome, Can you elaborate on what they dinged you for and any suggestions the judges had? Do they have trophy's for all cars above a certain point scale or is there a quota? How was the whole experience? Another member suggested that it would be a great experience for any F-car owner to experience it. Robb
I would recommend it. It is a great experience and you get to know every nook and cranny of your car. The scoring really varies between judges. One judge may find the car exceptional while another nitpicks. I had my F355 in 9 concours events and got questioned by one judge at an event on the after-market stereo and shields. I got points taken away at one concours by a newby judge for 'aftermarket stereo and non-factory shields' ... even though the shields were OEM. None of the other event judges questioned the shields or stereo. Mine has won 2 first place and 4 second place in various FCA and non-FCA concours car shows. It is allot of fun whether you win or don't.
If you drive your car alot , tell the judge , they like nowing its being used the way it was intended , and in my experience give the car a nod for for not being a trailer queen 1994 ferrari 348 spider , third owner purchased may 2013 w/ 27804 miles
This is the case at Bella Italia concours. If there is a tie, the older car or car with higher mileage wins. Here is my car show shrine. I put up something from every car show I enter whether I win or don't. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I was lucky enough to have my car judged by Dave North , he drives a 400i with over 100k so he really respects a driven car , told me he didnt care about the incorrect wheels , said ," i love that you get in that seat and drive it every ( nice) day" 1994 ferrari 348 spider , third owner purchased may 2013 w/ 27804 miles
I took my F355 Challenge to the Garden State Ferrari Fall Festival. They put my car with the racecars. I won a platinum award. That's an easy class to be in. The only extra things I have for the car is a pouch and owner's manual...and I forgot them at home! . Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Fantastic Barry. The Biltmore Concours here in AZ is only open to cars 1979 and older... So I'll have to see what other shows are nearby with Ferrari judging. The fountain Hills show is all mixed in with only 3 winners against corvettes, imports, etc. Will be driving to Monterrey though. That should be fun although I'm sure the competition fierce... Robb
Years ago I had a 1952 fully restored XK120 Jaguar replica model (to the one that won Lemans). I entered it in several concourse events and, except for the first year, won best Jag 3 years running. What I can recount from that is cleanliness is king. Ridiculous cleanliness!! Here's an example. The rules stated the cars had to be driven into the event. Most guys towed their cars to within a block and then drove in. Not me. In my ignorance, I drove it from home, maybe 15 miles. When the judges began inspecting my car, they found no issues in condition or originality so they put on white gloves and started going over the car to see if they could find some dirt. I knew this was important so I had spent a week with a friend cleaning everything everywhere....engine, wheel wells, underbody...everything!! You could eat off the car anywhere. But one judge stuck his finger up inside my exhaust pipe and found a bit of soot!?!? That made the difference and I missed first place that year. Learned my lesson though and always wiped the inside of that pipe after I had arrived and set up every year after that. True story.
The judges were lenient, Robb. They enjoy having some cars in the Competition Class to round out the show. It sounds like you've done everything to make sure your car is original and has all its extras. The judges at Monterey will appreciate that. You should do fine. Just have fun out there and remember that concours is a learning experience too. An experienced judge can teach you a lot about your car if you approach him or her afterward and ask about the judging process. Barry
