In a message dated 12/21/2005 5:29:51 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jimjcmo@yahoo.com writes:
Today, I tend to avoid Concours displays at all UK Club meetings. The
majority are really nothing more (to my mind) than an opportunity for the more
financially well-heeled members to display how much money they have spent on
their cars - and to hell with everyone else. Is it the same in the US?
I will comment on this statement. I too do not want to do not want to fall
off a soapbox too far. Still looking for that 6-PACK Chief Judge Too. Where
are you Jim when I need you the most?
There really are two if not more groups of owners showing Concours Cars.
Yes, there are ones that bar no expense, and create over-restored, museum
quality, master pieces of fine jewelry as Bill said. However, there are others
who
really understand what a Triumph was and painstakingly restore them properly
and in some cases drive the wheels off them while spending countless hours
maintaining them to a high standard. I think most of you guys must know Pat
Pinkston don't you? He and his 76 Minosa yellow TR6 fall into that category.
You have these two ends of the spectrum. In between there are other groups.
You cannot stereotype all Concours cars into one group.
I as VTR Chief Judge deal with this by instructing Judges to NOT use the
over restored car as the Standard. The VTR Standard is "How the Car Appeared
and Functioned as it left the dealer showroom as a New Vehicle". This is not
to
say that we are going to hammer any so called over restored cars. They will
not receive extra bonus points either. We are allowing all to compete on
equal ground to the Standard.
I have many very dedicated volunteer field Judges that understand this
principle very well and are experts as much as one can be in the particular
model
they are judging. Someone said they know their car best and yes I have 11
Triumphs and I know them inside and out. But that does not make me an expert
on every model year of every Triumph. I am literally learning every day.
Trouble is I can't remember everything therefore I will continue to rely on my
volunteers.
Off the Soapbox for Now,
Darrell
62 TR4, 63 TR3B, 63 TR4, 68 TR250, 70 GT6+, 70 Spitfire MK3, 71 TR6, 76
Spitfire 1500, 76 VE TR7, 80 TR8, 81 TR7
8 of them are Original Concours Cars, one is Modified Concours, one is a
Project and one is purpose built for autocross. All are driven as much as
possible with the use of multiple drivers. None have ever been accused of
being
over restored. They have received many 1st place awards, many 2nd place
awards,
many 3rd place awards and sometimes they get zipped in Concours competition,
Rally competition and Autocross. BOS awards at 6-PACK, TRA and VTR. There I
Have Said It!
Merry Christmas Guys
|