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The Old Grey Whistle Test
Concours d’élégance [: French meaning a competition of elegance] dates back to 17th Century French aristocracy, who paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer weekends and holidays.
Over time, carriages became horseless and the gatherings became a competition among automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles. These commonly are held at automobile shows or after racing competitions.
Notable Concours d’élégance includes Pebble Beach Concours d’élégance, Meadow Brook Concours d’élégance, Amelia Island Concours d’élégance, and Louis Vuitton Classic in midtown Manhattan Concours exist for motorcycles as well.
Numerous local organizations sponsor 'Concours' events; i.e. PCA Concours , traditionally vehicle judging at a Concours d’élégance is much more demanding than that of a neighbourhood or general automobile show.
Trained judges examine the vehicle thoroughly and in its entirety. They rate each and every component. Only those vehicles that are judged perfectly original (or very nearly so) in every way, are considered eligible for trophy class.
The original concept behind Concours d’élégance in most instances is about the vehicles originality The judges are assessing the vehicle for authenticity, correct restoration, and historic significance; .so it wouldn't have anything to do with the wax, it would have nothing to do with the paint finish, or what was used to polish or protect it. But most owners who own and show Concours d’élégance vehicle also take pride in how they look and would naturally want their paint etc to be protected against the elements. I know when I used to enter cars I’d always present them to look the best I could, did it win BOS because of its shine, doubtful but I think it had something to do with the overall marks, I know later on as a judge I took it into account when awarding a score
Concours d’élégance competitions preparation is a perfect demonstration of a detailers skill; often the competitiveness of a Concours d’élégance forces restoration of a vehicle to surpass 'mint' condition, which would be the state of the vehicle when it originally left the factory. Concours-quality cars often are given upholstery, paint, chrome (or nickel) plating, and mechanical restoration far exceeding that of the car when new.
Concours d’élégance competitions also are run for classic cars. Here, the emphasis is as much on originality as the condition, although this also is very important.
The general aim is to present a vehicle that is in the same, or better, condition than it was in when it left the production line. Unless original, modifications are not allowed, and components must be suitable for the year and model of the automobile. Even components or features fitted to automobiles of the same type, but in a different production year or trim level, are not allowed. Original-equipment-accessories from the manufacturers own ranges are allowed and some competitions allow after-market equipment and accessories, provided they are of the correct period. On top of this, automobiles must be presented in flawless visual condition, as with other Concours d’élégance -grade cars.
There are many classes that you can enter into; it all depends on the event. Often the winning car will be one that is better detailed than the others and the history of the car is unique, or has had a famous previous owner complete with all service records and perhaps even a leather-bound book documenting everything.
Preparation for this type of event usually begins weeks or months beforehand, as the judges will be checking everything, so this often means removing parts that that can only be detailed after they are they have been removed. One of the biggest problem is at owners club events the cars usually have to be driven to the event as if trailered they may be disqualified. Yes, they will check the chassis and under side of the car, they will also check that the tyre treads are clean. It's a lot of work even the tool kit is often checked along with the lifting jack. Items that may have been replaced over the years must also be to OEM standards; this may include the thickness of the carpets.
So find out the actual classes available, see if there's one that would meet your interest and time constraints, and then have fun with it. Very often everyone thinks it's about the cleanliness and detailing of the car. Even at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’élégance that may be 30-40% of the total, the rest is how unique and special the car is, its restoration and documentation, and the STORY behind what makes YOUR car special.
Do not get discouraged if you don't win. Ask the judges to provide suggestions on how to improve your car and you will do much better the next time. Also ask them to provide the score sheets so you can see where they deducted points, then you can focus on improving these areas for next time.
The Chicago Region of PCA starts their competitive Concours competition season on 05/06/2012 at the Promenade Mall in Bolingbrook, IL
Salon Privé Concours de ‘elegance - September -Salon Privé preview - Telegraph
.
Over time, carriages became horseless and the gatherings became a competition among automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles. These commonly are held at automobile shows or after racing competitions.
Notable Concours d’élégance includes Pebble Beach Concours d’élégance, Meadow Brook Concours d’élégance, Amelia Island Concours d’élégance, and Louis Vuitton Classic in midtown Manhattan Concours exist for motorcycles as well.
Numerous local organizations sponsor 'Concours' events; i.e. PCA Concours , traditionally vehicle judging at a Concours d’élégance is much more demanding than that of a neighbourhood or general automobile show.
Trained judges examine the vehicle thoroughly and in its entirety. They rate each and every component. Only those vehicles that are judged perfectly original (or very nearly so) in every way, are considered eligible for trophy class.
The original concept behind Concours d’élégance in most instances is about the vehicles originality The judges are assessing the vehicle for authenticity, correct restoration, and historic significance; .so it wouldn't have anything to do with the wax, it would have nothing to do with the paint finish, or what was used to polish or protect it. But most owners who own and show Concours d’élégance vehicle also take pride in how they look and would naturally want their paint etc to be protected against the elements. I know when I used to enter cars I’d always present them to look the best I could, did it win BOS because of its shine, doubtful but I think it had something to do with the overall marks, I know later on as a judge I took it into account when awarding a score
Concours d’élégance competitions preparation is a perfect demonstration of a detailers skill; often the competitiveness of a Concours d’élégance forces restoration of a vehicle to surpass 'mint' condition, which would be the state of the vehicle when it originally left the factory. Concours-quality cars often are given upholstery, paint, chrome (or nickel) plating, and mechanical restoration far exceeding that of the car when new.
Concours d’élégance competitions also are run for classic cars. Here, the emphasis is as much on originality as the condition, although this also is very important.
The general aim is to present a vehicle that is in the same, or better, condition than it was in when it left the production line. Unless original, modifications are not allowed, and components must be suitable for the year and model of the automobile. Even components or features fitted to automobiles of the same type, but in a different production year or trim level, are not allowed. Original-equipment-accessories from the manufacturers own ranges are allowed and some competitions allow after-market equipment and accessories, provided they are of the correct period. On top of this, automobiles must be presented in flawless visual condition, as with other Concours d’élégance -grade cars.
There are many classes that you can enter into; it all depends on the event. Often the winning car will be one that is better detailed than the others and the history of the car is unique, or has had a famous previous owner complete with all service records and perhaps even a leather-bound book documenting everything.
Preparation for this type of event usually begins weeks or months beforehand, as the judges will be checking everything, so this often means removing parts that that can only be detailed after they are they have been removed. One of the biggest problem is at owners club events the cars usually have to be driven to the event as if trailered they may be disqualified. Yes, they will check the chassis and under side of the car, they will also check that the tyre treads are clean. It's a lot of work even the tool kit is often checked along with the lifting jack. Items that may have been replaced over the years must also be to OEM standards; this may include the thickness of the carpets.
So find out the actual classes available, see if there's one that would meet your interest and time constraints, and then have fun with it. Very often everyone thinks it's about the cleanliness and detailing of the car. Even at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’élégance that may be 30-40% of the total, the rest is how unique and special the car is, its restoration and documentation, and the STORY behind what makes YOUR car special.
Do not get discouraged if you don't win. Ask the judges to provide suggestions on how to improve your car and you will do much better the next time. Also ask them to provide the score sheets so you can see where they deducted points, then you can focus on improving these areas for next time.
The Chicago Region of PCA starts their competitive Concours competition season on 05/06/2012 at the Promenade Mall in Bolingbrook, IL
Salon Privé Concours de ‘elegance - September -Salon Privé preview - Telegraph
.