I don't think the Concours Committee should be able to hand out Gold
certificates to cars which aren't correct in areas which define the main
characteristics of a given model.
In the same way that an early BN 1 should have inconveniently weak "flat" wire
wheel hubs, a Longbridge BN 4 should have the inconvenient fixed sliding roof
bows, an early 3000 should have inconvenient un-servoed disc brakes, a BJ 7
should have the correct top with its two back window latches and lack of rain
gutter flap around the side windows which will inconveniently allow rain to
run onto the occupants. This, as well as the distinguishing interior bits,
are the chief characteristics of the BJ 7 model, which a Gold certificate
should recognize and hold up as an example for following restorers.
Each new model of Healey followed the previous one with a series of
Improvements to increase performance or comfort. A Concours category is
supposed to draw a very firm line at the end of that particular model
category, in effect "freezing" it in time, and separating it from the next
series of improvements introduced with the following model.
The Gold certificate is supposed to be the guardian of the highest standards
of originality. Otherwise there would be a 'fill in the blank' section at the
bottom for the Exceptions- ie: "this is a Gold level BJ 7 except that it has
a BJ 8 top on it". The other certificate levels are for this sort of thing.
And you shouldn't be able to "fiddle it on points", ie: have really nice shiny
top bows and braided cloth seals to make up the lost points for having a wrong
top. Other categories on the judging sheet have an automatic deduction for a
wrong item.
The Concours judges take their job pretty seriously, and the title for this
thread "hey, what's the big deal anyways" shows a casual attitude not in
keeping with a Gold certificate. No doubt a lot of time has been spent on the
car to bring it this far. Not going with the inconvenience of the extra
money for the correct top, and that of reaching back and undoing two latches,
almost implies that the Gold certificate will soon be the first thing waved in
a potential buyers face.
Best regards
Peter
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