What are Judges Looking For?

This is a somewhat difficult question to answer because many of the shows/concours each have their own criteria for what they are looking for. ie: Pebble Beach may have a more stringent approach than a local show or the Ferrari Club of America has a somewhat different set of standards than Amelia Island or Meadowbrook. I'm not sure if the Cavallino Classic uses the Ferrari Club's standards or not.
However there are probably some very general guidelines that may or may not be obvious. The car should be clean and presentable,and represent the marque as best as possible.In the case of shows like FCA Annual meet or Cavallino Classic where you would be competing with other cars exactly like yours,originality becomes more important.Some shows demand 100% originality,the Porsche and Corvette guys know all about this! Other shows are maybe a little more relaxed but still requiring as much originality as possible.
I would suggest entering various shows,and speak with the judges directly. Ask them for the criteria that they will be using. The process should be FUN for you and not too stressful.I've seen some owners get so worked up i felt bad for them.
Once you gain some experience you'll get to know the drill better,and figure out what needs to be done to be competitive.Understand that it can and will be VERY competitive between car owners all wanting to win their respective classes. But generally originality,presentation,and cleanliness are important.
Be thankful you don't have a rare classic where you have to compete with cars like Ralph Lauren's Bugatti. Now that can generate some serious stress.

 

Cavallino does use FCA standards. Check out www.ferrariclubofamerica.org under concourse briefings for info. Under FCA rules your car is not judged against others in your class but an independent standard of originality, condition and cleanliness. There are specified point deductions from 100 for the exterior, interior and engine area items.

There can be multiple 1st place, Platinum, awards for 95+ pts, a single gold, 90+ pts and a single silver, 85+ pts per class. The major awards are where your car is judged against others.

As mentioned above, start entering and ask questions. You are intitled to understand your deductions after the event so you can address the deductions and improve. Use this.

Make sure everything works, is super clean and original. Take off the Ferrari tire caps for example. Especially make sure the wheel insides are clean. Tubi's or other aftermarket exhausts are an automatic -2pts for example.

I've judged for years in the Northeast but mainly in Florida and try to have the participants have a good time and really understand what the judging team is looking for.

 

IAC-PFA Judging guidlines are on the web and those are the ones that are used in FCA events and are being adopted by other organizations as well. However there are different standards applied if those are not used and you should ask the organization conducting the show.

The short version of the overall intent of the IAC-PFA rules are to encourage you to preserve the car in an original form yet not penalize you for using the car. Originality is the key, normal wear and tear or patina if you like is not marked down for. Rock chips, seat bolster wear etc are OK within limits. Consumables like windshield wiper blades, tires, batteries etc need not be original as long as they are the correct size and type.

You should consider your first few times a learning experience and have fun.