Judging Standards

 

Car Show Judging

Guidelines and Definitions

This document is meant to help contestants prepare for show competitions, and to help answer any questions, about shows that are sponsored or judged by the GTA car club.

There are two major types of car show competitions, Appearance judging and Concours judging.

Concours events usually are conducted with a specific type or make of automobile.Judging categories consist of authenticity and workmanship.Concours events depend upon judges who are experts in the type or make of automobile being shown.A large percentage of points may be awarded for such items as, options that match build sheets or the VIN, as well as such small items as correct trim screws or inspector markings in the correct locations.Many concours events require the owners to produce documentation to prove authenticity and provenance.

Appearance events mainly focus on the workmanship of the particular Automobile being shown, with a minimal regard for authenticity.Automobiles are grouped into classes composed of similar types, and years of production, to facilitate judging; comparing apples to apples.The authenticity of the automobiles is not in question, except when an automobile clearly falls outside the criteria of the specific class. This type of event is much easier to judge and is more compatible when cars of many different makes, models, and years are shown against each other. The GTA makes every effort to allow each contestant to choose the class which they feel their automobile should be shown.

All car shows hosted or judged by the GTA car club are of the appearance type event.It is beyond the scope and expertise of the GTA to sanction concours type events.

Each Judge only looks at one category per show, and categories are rotated among club members.The Head Judge Tallies individual category scores to arrive at a point total.Every effort is made to be fair, and all decisions are final.The GTA car club asks every contestant to display good sportsmanship.Judging sheets are given to each contestant at the end of every show.

Definitions for use in classification and judging for GTA shows.

Cars are judged in the following areas

1.Paint and exterior Chrome Judges will compare the condition, cleanliness, and appearance of

a. chromefor rust, dents, tarnish, peeling

b. weatherstrip for dry rot, torn,

c. Paintfor quality of body work, shine, dents, cracks, or other flaws

d. Body Panels for fit and finish

Cars that were not produced with or do not have chrome trim are judged on paint alone.

2. Interior Judges will compare the condition, cleanliness, and appearance of

a. carpetsfor wear, poor fitting, fading

b. seats and trim for tears, fading, fit, stains,

c. Dash and instrument panel for fit, finish,

3. Engine compartment Judges will compare the condition, cleanliness, and appearance of

a. enginefor leaks, discolored paint, rust, condition of belts and hoses, spark plug looms, wiring looms, and overall cleanliness

b. Firewall for condition of wiring looms, and accessories like regulators, wiper motors, master cylinders, Battery, etc.

4.UndercarriageJudges will compare the condition, cleanliness, and appearance of

  1. Mufflers, exhaust pipes, suspension components, brake lines, undercoating, shocks etc.

Best of classes are determined by point totals, Judges compare top pointed cars in each class and compare only those cars for best of awards.If points are similar, judges use general appearance and style as a criteria.

Rat Rod judging criteria special criteria will be used in Rat Rod Class

Paint :    on judging scale primer is low, rust is middle, and patina is High  Decals, stickers, painted lettering judged as it applies to the theme of the rat rod.

Engine:    newer engine IE small block chevy low,  older period engine High IE hemi, nail head etc.  period style induction high, holley carb low.  also look for craftsmenship of  brackets, headers,  points should be deducted for any modifications that do not appear to be safe vehicle operation.

Chassis:  new style frame low  orginal style frame high, suspension components the same criteria, straight axle higher than coil springs. points should be deducted for any modifications that do not appear to be safe vehicle operation.

Craftsmenship:  use of nonrelated items for replacement of normal automotive items High     normal worn or distressed automotive accessories low
Theme:  lack of theme of modifications low, continuity of theme in design High

Class Definitions

1. OriginalNo major visible modifications accepted, as produced paint, wheels, engine, etc.The GTA is depending upon participants to declare whether their cars are original.

2. Stock allowed three minor modifications, chrome wheels, chrome valve covers, chrome air cleaner, etc. Body should be as produced, no fender flares, aftermarket spoilers etc.

3. Muscle CarAny large cubic inch to weight ratio factory produced vehicle. GTO,442,Road Runner, Chevelle, etc. are a few examples.

4. Street machine Street legal heavily modified automobile, just about anything chrome or changes goes.

5. Pony Car Short deck, long hood style muscle car with back seat. Cuda, Mustang, Camaro, are examples

6. Custom Heavily modified auto or truck does not have to be street legal.

7. Street Rod Heavily modified auto or fiberglass replica produced pre war.

8. Lead sled Street rods produced after WWII

9. Sport Compact Small foreign or domestic cars with V-6 or smaller engines, may be modified

10. Competition/ special interest Race cars, hand built cars, or cars that just do not fit in any other class.

11. Mini Truck Small foreign or domestic trucks with V-6 or smaller engines, may be modified

12. Rat Rod  Rat Rod is a style of hot rod or custom that imitates or exaggerates the early hot rods of the 30’s 40’s, 50′ and 60‘s

Many vehicles may fit into more than one class, the GTA wants to give every competitor the option to choose a class they feel best reflects their concept of what kind of car they own.The Judges will only remove an automobile from a particular class if it is felt that it does not fit the spirit of the class at any given event.