Classic cars are judged according to the rules of their specific concours and class—not by one universal scoring formula. Depending on the event, judges may assess originality, authenticity, preservation or restoration, cleanliness, workmanship, function, and presentation. Before preparing a car, get the current rules and judging sheet for its exact class.
What do concours judges look for?
The criteria depend on the event and the class. A cleanliness-focused class can reward different qualities from a preservation class, so a polished finish alone does not guarantee a strong result.
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- Originality and authenticity: Whether components and details match the car’s original or documented specification.
- Preservation or restoration: Whether the car has been appropriately preserved or accurately restored for its class.
- Condition and presentation: Cleanliness and condition in the specific areas named in the rules.
- Workmanship, fit, finish, and function: Some events assess how components fit and operate as well as how they look.
- Elegance, history, and significance: Some events include a broader assessment of the car as a whole, separate from technical class judging.
These criteria are not interchangeable. In an original or preservation class, replacing worn material or repainting may not help; in another class, condition and presentation may carry more weight. The class rules determine what counts.
How does judging work at different concours?
Events use different judging structures and scoring systems. The examples below illustrate why entrants should not assume that another concours follows the same process.
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Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Pebble Beach says its Class Judges focus first on originality and authenticity, and whether cars are properly preserved or restored. Honorary Judges consider elegance and special awards. A car must win its class to be eligible for Best of Show, which is selected from the class winners. Pebble Beach’s judge information describes this event’s approach.
A 2025 Pebble Beach Insider publication describes a 100-point starting score, with deductions for faults, followed by a whole-car elegance assessment that can consider visual impact, history, or significance. It reports just over 100 technical Class Judges and 50 Honorary Judges on a Concours Sunday. Those details describe Pebble Beach’s 2025 process, not a standard for all concours. Read the event’s Insider publication.
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Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Cobble Beach describes its own 100-point deduction system, assessing authenticity, workmanship, fit and finish, and function. Its process includes having the owner or handler start the car while judges check the lights and gauges. Cobble Beach’s event materials explain that event-specific process.
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BMW CCA rules distinguish classes including Clean, Super Clean, Concours Original, and Preservation, with judged areas and authenticity expectations that vary by class. The rules show why it is important to check not only the class name but also which parts of the car judges will inspect. See BMW CCA concours information.
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Why do class rules matter so much?
Two cars at the same event may be assessed against different standards. A class might prioritize cleanliness and condition in specified areas; another may emphasize originality, authenticity, and preservation. The judging sheet can also identify whether the engine compartment, interior, trunk, chassis, or other areas are included.
Scoring varies too. Pebble Beach and Cobble Beach describe 100-point deduction systems for their respective events, but that does not establish a universal 100-point system. Some events combine technical inspection with more subjective judgments about elegance or presentation.
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How should you prepare a classic car for judging?
- Identify the exact event and class. Get the current rulebook and judging sheet from the event organizer. Confirm the class criteria, inspection areas, scoring method, and any operating checks.
- Document the car’s specification and history. Gather ownership and restoration records, period documentation, and credible marque references. Pebble Beach says its selection review considers provenance, history, and details. Ferrari owners, for example, can consult model checklists and judging resources from IAC/PFA.
- Ask a knowledgeable marque specialist to review the car. An expert can help identify specification or authenticity questions before you make changes. NAACC preparation guidance recommends an expert critique and cautions against casually repainting or replacing worn original items when preservation is the goal. Follow your class rules and seek qualified advice before altering the car. See NAACC guidance.
- Prepare the areas the class actually judges. Depending on the rules, that may include the exterior, interior, trunk, engine, chassis, or originality. Avoid spending effort on areas that are not part of your class while neglecting those that are.
- Check operation if required. If judges will ask you to start the car or operate its lights and gauges, confirm those systems work and that the car is safe to operate.
What should you compare when choosing a class?
Use the event’s own rules to answer these questions before entering:
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- Is its philosophy based on restoration, preservation, or either?
- Which areas of the vehicle are inspected?
- Will judges check that the car starts or that its equipment works?
- Is scoring based on deductions, subjective evaluation, or a combination?
- Are history, elegance, or special awards judged separately?
Ask the organizer if a rule or class description is unclear. The same preparation choice can help in one class and count against the intent of another.
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