What are the top five things to remember to bring to the Parade Concours prep?

[JH0524]

Agreed, Joe but a full prep preservation will win over a street prep preservation (I don't know why one would do that but they do) by judging points available alone. Of course "not perfectly pristine" in some circles is interpreted differently.
H

Harvey,

There are no points in Parade Preservation Group (check out the score sheets in the PCRs). It is strictly subjective judging. The various areas judged are awarded a descriptive appraisal such as 'demerit'. The winner is determined by ranking the cars in each class, division, and finally the group.

You are correct however that a moderate level of clean is a good thing. The judges will look more favorably on a well presented car. But, cleaning to the point of a perfect car is not necessary; in fact, the judges are instructed to not even touch the car or look for hidden dirt or dust. We have however had a few judges in this group that just don't get the concept of the preservation class and continue to judge in the traditional 'clean' car is better mode.

One area in the preservation group that is sometimes overlooked by the entrant is the need to 'sell' their car to the judging team. The judges want to hear about the unique features of the car and anything that supports the usage of the car in various activities.

Finally the rules for preservation group are very clear that the cars will be judged on both preservation and utilization. A low mileage car in perfect preserved condition will not necessarily win if a competing car in reasonable condition with substantial mileage is judged to more closely meet the spirit of the preservation group. Put another way, in a situation with two cars of equal preserved condition, the car with greater utilization (usually indicated by greater mileage) will be ranked higher.

[xpensivewino]

Thick skin!! My brother and I competed in the parade concourse and the judges didn't know what they were talking about. The 914-6 they voted for over my brothers car didn't have magnesium valve covers, had a four cylinder rear bumper, and the horns behind the grills were rattlecan silver. When we questioned the judgement they told us, that the winning car had a lot of history, and this was our first time out ??? We never competed ever again, it is all politics.

[rstrahota]

All good suggestions-- the last one is the best- trying to do as much as possible before setting out- but the list is getting longer, not shorter! (Although to be true, the items are getting smaller and smaller-- things like, "Koni decals" vs. "Rebuild Motor")

And I appreciate your advice in particular-- seeing your car first at a club race, and then at the 05 parade, has been a real inspiration to finish my own!

Thanks for the photo and the flattering comments. Certainly brings back some memories. I am happy my car gave you some inspiration, but "blame" might be a better word. It's interesting to see a few things on the car that were wrong then, but since corrected. (Wipers parked wrong and fresh air intake not black anodized, for example). But it was still good enough to win back then. Part of the deal is figuring out where your car is strong and maximize those aspects. Where it might be weak, just be sure its clean in those areas and don't spend any more time fretting about them. Comes a point where it is what it is.
Have fun and hope to see the car soon. (Maybe you should being it to cvr concours on Father's Day? People's choice judging only, which is the best.)
Ds

[edmayo]

Thick skin!! My brother and I competed in the parade concourse and the judges didn't know what they were talking about. The 914-6 they voted for over my brothers car didn't have magnesium valve covers, had a four cylinder rear bumper, and the horns behind the grills were rattlecan silver. When we questioned the judgement they told us, that the winning car had a lot of history, and this was our first time out ??? We never competed ever again, it is all politics.

And this illustrates exactly what Parade concours needs, more qualified people like yourself to be judges !

[304065]

Thick skin!! My brother and I competed in the parade concourse and the judges didn't know what they were talking about. The 914-6 they voted for over my brothers car didn't have magnesium valve covers, had a four cylinder rear bumper, and the horns behind the grills were rattlecan silver. When we questioned the judgement they told us, that the winning car had a lot of history, and this was our first time out ??? We never competed ever again, it is all politics.

It is about your OWN car. Much like human beings, every car starts out perfect and goes downhill from there. If you feel that your OWN car has been misjudged, the Parade Competition Rules set forth a protest procedure. If the event turns into cross-examination of the judges on their review of competitive cars then too many Lawyers will bring home the trophy

[304065]

Thanks for the photo and the flattering comments. Certainly brings back some memories. I am happy my car gave you some inspiration, but "blame" might be a better word. It's interesting to see a few things on the car that were wrong then, but since corrected. (Wipers parked wrong and fresh air intake not black anodized, for example). But it was still good enough to win back then. Part of the deal is figuring out where your car is strong and maximize those aspects. Where it might be weak, just be sure its clean in those areas and don't spend any more time fretting about them. Comes a point where it is what it is.
Have fun and hope to see the car soon. (Maybe you should being it to cvr concours on Father's Day? People's choice judging only, which is the best.)
Ds

D--

Nah, but I do "blame" you for fanning the flames of my Club Racing bug

I wish I could make CVR- I will be in the final push to finish everything before setting out for Parade. I should make it to Old Westbury though.

[Peanut]

Good luck. Hopefully we can see some photos of your hard work.

[sithot]

I've seen Manhattan cars and clean isn't a fair description. It's hyper-obsessive cleanliness. There are very few people willing to go this far as it is no mean feat.

They have a new class at the Parade this year which has created a lot of interest which was the intent of the PCA. (Over 200 entries!)

"New this year: we are introducing a Concours “Street” Class; a new Concours entry level class. In the new Street Class, only the exterior, including wheels and tires, and interior will be judged."

More participants, more people interested in concours. It's a win-win for everyone.

Tom

[Frank Beck]

Thick skin!! My brother and I competed in the parade concourse and the judges didn't know what they were talking about. The 914-6 they voted for over my brothers car didn't have magnesium valve covers, had a four cylinder rear bumper, and the horns behind the grills were rattlecan silver. When we questioned the judgement they told us, that the winning car had a lot of history, and this was our first time out ??? We never competed ever again, it is all politics.

Concours: "Not only are we going to tell you how ugly you are in this beauty pageant, we're going to point out all of your warts, birthmarks, and scars. Oh, and we're going to do it with subjective judging. By the way, that car over there belongs to the CEO of our company. I have a feeling he's going to win his class again."

Pass.

[sithot]

I don't do bike shows or car shows. I have 2 trophies. One I inherited with a bike and the other I won by accident while parked at Daytona in 1997. I didn't realize the bike I was riding was parked in an area where vintage bikes were being judged. Came back from the infield to find a trophy sitting by it. Funny...

My stuff is clean but I'm not inclined to have a bunch of guys I don't know crawling all over it and perhaps taking the loose change under the seats.

Tom