Car show n shine's and awards?

[RAPID_BA]

There are plenty of car shows about the place to display your pride and joy.

But whats required to win an award? What are judges looking for? What are the rules to being competitive at a show n shine?

1. Does the type of car largely prevent you from winning? If you have a FG XT and its displayed next to a FG F6, are you out of the game before it began? your car could be the cleanest XT around? Do certain models prevent you from an award? Does the model need to be an upper spec model??

2. Does your car need to be unique? If you turn up with a BA GT that is factory stock and in mint condition can you win if a twin turbo BA GT is displayed next to you? Does the car need be unique?

3. Does a late model car put you out of the running? If a mint XA falcon is displayed its much less commonplace than seeing a mint b series falcon displayed, Do you need a rare car to generate more interest?

4. Does the car need something quirky about it? a theme, story, a wild modification or upgrade? A quick time or big dyno claim?

5. Other suggestions/observations.... please contribute..

[xisled]

It all depends on what type of show it is.

All depends on what category you are in.

There are many factors. Different judges have different taste.

Hard to say what would give you a greater advantage.

I would say a car that stands out would have a good chance to win.

[jpblue1000]

all of the above!
In my limited experience (racer not show-er) winning cars are firstly eye catching and secondly immaculately prepared. A nicely polished road car is always going to find it hard to compete against a highly detailed show car.
Of course there are classes and categories, that's why an averagely detailed show car has plates screwed on to compete in the road car class.
Everyone likes to win!
There is also a bit of snobbery. A stunning current spec car is always going to be easier to prepare and build than a similarly quality 30 year old car whose parts are no longer available. Of course different classes at different shows may not compare these two cars?
Last show my car was entered, purely to support the local community club, its a race car not show car, it actually won best post classic rod 1956-1976. it wasn't taken off the trailer either...so the show size, location and seriousness also makes a difference.

JP

[The Yeti]

I dont know, Ive won a few things but as a rule I dont tick the "do you want your car judged" box, I mostly go to charity events or club days, and I'm not interested in a trophy, I go for the social aspect and or to suport the casue if by some act of god I take home a trophy well thats cool but I'm not chaseing them.

[xboss]

It really depends on the sort of show. The majority of people going to a show expecting to win a trophy go home disappointed.
My best advice is to drive or build a car how you want it. That way, you can still drive home from a show with a smile on your face, regardless of whether or not you have a trophy sitting on the seat next to you.
Entering car shows is a great way to meet like minded people. In fact many of my closest friends are people who I have met as part of showing a car or helping organise car shows.
Having judged at some shows, I place the greatest importance on detail, cleanliness and preparation that represents personal effort on the car. There is a lot that can be done to improve appearance without necessarily blowing the bank.

[b2tf]

Having been on both sides of the fence as both an organiser/promoter and also an entrant, the only thing I have to say about trophies and awards at car shows is that most of the people who lust after them and get caught up in all the hype typically go to the shows for the wrong reason. They are quite often whingers and never satisfied unless they win the lot, and if they dont it's because it's 'rigged' or the judges are 'biased'.

Real enthusiasts do not need a $5 trophy on the shelf to feel good about their car.

[Turboconvert]

^^^^^^
agreed, thou I have never organised a show and shine. Thou I have been to a couple of ute musters and some of the things I have heard make me think that people expect to win and when they dont, well a green monster can be seen in their pupils. Also just listening to some of the people going past makes me think that they dont respect other peoples catergories. Enter for the fun and you might just suprise yourself. In a few shows I have entered I've found despite not winning a thing, I have still got a couple of complements from other people.

[Auslandau]

To build a car just to be judged, as said above, you will walk away disappointed more times than you win and can take the shine away from what are usually a fun day.

To answer one of your questions, a well done XT can win against an F6. The criteria for judging does not ever have a section that says 'Badge' There are different classes for different models and makes but once in that section, that is it.

In some cases, the XT would not be up against an F6, sometimes it will depending on the type of Show it is. A mixed show of different breeds could have 'Best Ford' ...... a Ford show could have best FPV, Best B series best AU .... etc. But they still do not judge by badge. There isn't a box to tick!

Some shows are more serious and have a massive check list, some are a bit more relaxed and fun.

Those who show seriously, some can get cut when they don't win because that is why they are there. Some do it for fun and take it on the chin ..... same as everything, some are good sports some are not.

I have only entered a few shows as I didn't build it to be judged by a panel. I get absolutely chuffed if some random bloke comes up to me and says love your car! Thats a bonus as I built it for me and if it makes others appreciate it, well great

By the way ..... of the ones I have entered (probably 5 ish shows out of the 'god knows' I have been to) The ones I was surprised about was Runner up Best Coupe, Cobra, Landau at the Geelong All Ford day and Winner Drags Outright .... I beat Gary Myers!!! ......

While its great to have some trophies in the cabinet, take them as an absolute bonus. To me, its all about the enjoyment with the car, driving to and from events with mates, looking at other cars and having others look at yours. I don't need a medal to prove how much I enjoy my car

Thats just me though and can appreciate the amount of work that goes into awarding winning cars but I like stone chips on mine

[Road Games]

^^^ AMEN ^^^ Brother

[Bucknaked]

I've won trophies in local car shows before, and the trophies end up in land fill. Trophies are just dust collectors and as nice as it is that someone liked my car, i don't need a trophy to show for it. I've started in the last few years putting on my entry "for show only, not for judging". I'm there to support the event, not to win a trophy.

Never liked the idea of trophies. I think a certificate of appreciation is a better idea, and money that would be spent on trophies should go to a charity.

I've always seen trophies as something given to sports people . Not to a bloke who put a nice set of 22's, lowered their car and did a boot install.

But that's just me.

[RAPID_BA]

A bit hard to judge. I last entered my car in the afd at eastern creek last year.

Then I looked around and a b series is a b series is a b series.. So common and nothing really too unique to see. I much preferred the older cars to see at a ford show.

I love b series but just hard to make them unique when they are so so common.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by RAPID_BA

A bit hard to judge. I last entered my car in the afd at eastern creek last year.

Then I looked around and a b series is a b series is a b series.. So common and nothing really too unique to see. I much preferred the older cars to see at a ford show.

I love b series but just hard to make them unique when they are so so common.

You are looking at is so wrong in the aspect of judging.

It is broken down to things such as Paint, Interior, Exterior, Boot, Engine bay. Points given for the condition of each item. Get 10 out of 10 on each item and it will win. A Yellow taxi could win if all sections was good enough.

Break it up into these sections with some modest mods to give the extra bits and you will be surprised. To look at a B series as just a B series is fine but look at the individual aspects and things change.

Have seen some outstanding examples. There is a certain FG purple XR8 ute that wins its fair share of gongs that floats around these pages for example. Also another Yellow B series Ute that has an interior that sets it apart from everything else ..... along with a very shiney engine bay! Also a certain orange Focus that has its cabinet full ...... and its 'just a Focus'!