FAQ: How do concours judging guidelines influence restoration decisions, and how can clients align their restoration goals with these standards?
Concours d'Elegance events are prestigious competitions where classic vehicles are evaluated based on criteria such as authenticity, condition, and presentation. As the popularity of concours-level restorations grows, understanding these guidelines is crucial for clients aiming to compete or preserve their vehicle’s historical accuracy.
Key Concours Judging Criteria:
- Authenticity: Judges assess how accurately a vehicle matches its original specifications, including factory-installed components, materials, and finishes. Certain concours events may allow safety-related modifications, such as seat belts or fire extinguishers, without significant point deductions. However, deviations from original specifications can typically result in score reductions.
- Condition: The overall state of the vehicle, including the quality of restoration work, cleanliness, and functionality of components, is scrutinised. Some concours competitions recognise period-correct patina, ensuring that original features are preserved rather than over-restored.
- Presentation: The vehicle’s visual appeal, including paint quality, panel alignment, chrome plating, and interior detailing, plays a significant role in judging.
Client Consultation and Alignment:
To ensure that restoration outcomes meet both client expectations and concours standards, a detailed consultation process is essential:
- Define Restoration Goals: Determine whether the client aims for a concours-level restoration, a "blue-printed" version exceeding factory standards, or a personalised restoration with modern upgrades. Some concours categories, such as "preservation class," emphasise originality with minimal intervention, while others require a full restoration.
- Educate on Judging Standards: Provide clients with information on how concours judges evaluate vehicles, emphasising the importance of authenticity. Judges often prefer factory-original imperfections, such as slight orange peel in original paint, over excessive refinishing that deviates from the period-correct look.
- Develop a Customised Restoration Plan: Based on the client’s goals, create a restoration plan that outlines the level of authenticity, acceptable deviations, and areas where modern improvements are desired. This includes sourcing period-correct materials, paint codes, and hardware to align with concours expectations.
- Utilise a Detailed Questionnaire: Implement a comprehensive questionnaire derived from established concours judging guidelines to document client preferences on aspects such as paint finish, panel alignment, interior materials, and mechanical components. Some concours events have their own score sheets, which can serve as a reference when defining project details.
By aligning restoration efforts with both concours standards and individual client preferences, restorers can achieve outcomes that satisfy judging criteria and personal expectations. Concours restorations demand meticulous attention to detail, extensive research, and access to authentic parts, making the expertise of an experienced restoration team invaluable.
