Classic Car Show Preparation

Some shows also give special awards to car clubs that put on great displays. Corvette, Mustang, Mopar and other popular marque clubs find that a dynamite display at a local show results in new members as well as a chance to get to know each other better. One idea is to show a very rough example of an "as found" car next to a number of beautifully finished examples. Cruiser clubs may opt to dress in Fifties clothing when manning their booth. Have some fun with it. Although the trophies are frosting on the cake, just taking part in a show is worth the usually small entry fee (sometimes clubs members get in free).

Concours
Most auto enthusiasts have heard the term "concours condition." This expression can mean anything from a meticulous restoration to a fresh coat of primer over the bondo. Although many sports and classic car clubs put on concours events, the judging standards vary widely. The correct term is "Concours de Elegance," and the one that usually comes to mind is the superb event at Pebble Beach in California each year. Here the top million-dollar-plus restorations compete for prestigious titles.


However, unless you just happen to have a Ferrari racecar or a Duesenberg in your garage, you are more likely to be competing in local club events with far less stringent requirements. Most one-marque clubs, like the Porsche Club of America (PCA) and the various Corvette clubs, have classes that cater to their members' special requirements.


There are classes for cars in exact original condition, with other classes for modified cars. These clubs define originality in very strict terms. All part numbers on the engine, running gear, trim and electrical parts must be original. The paint must be the original color and type (lacquer, enamel, etc.). No clear-coat paints unless it was original, even if it looks better. Even a bit of "orange peel" texture in the paint is better than a marble-smooth surface for certain makes of cars.


In some cases, clever restorers will imitate the look of a factory-original part, but use modern materials for the sake of durability, such as on the brake lines or frame coating. Throwing a little grit into a fresh underbody coating is not unusual in order to re-create how the car looked when it first left the factory.