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One for your 2025 calendar.
Together with the Vintage Vehicle Group and Driving Exotic Cars, we are arranging a charity event for Sunday 16th March 2025 between 9 am and 3 pm at the Boulevard Banbridge. The event will consist of a static display with a run for those wishing to participate with the Driving Exotic Cars Group, more details to follow.
The Charity – Cancer Fund for Children will receive all proceeds.
Also, a presentation competition will be held for five vehicle categories with prizes and trophies for each winner. Entry to the competitions is for those who pay the £10 entry fee and retain their tickets as proof.
More details to follow.
In the UK, while the official designation for a classic car is typically one that is 40 years old or older, many enthusiasts and organizations consider cars that are over 20 years old to be classic. This perspective stems from a few reasons:
- Historical Significance: Cars that are 20 years old can represent a significant part of automotive history, showcasing technological advancements and design trends from their time.
- Nostalgia: These vehicles often hold sentimental value for people, reminding them of their past or significant moments in automotive culture.
- Preservation and Maintenance: Cars that are 20 years old may require special care, preservation, and maintenance, similar to older classic cars.
- Recognition by Enthusiast Groups: Many car clubs and enthusiasts acknowledge vehicles that are 20 years old as classics, often organizing events and shows for them.
This broader definition allows more recent models to be appreciated and preserved as part of the automotive heritage. It is also the definition Classics at the Boulevard will be following.
Classics at the Boulevard
Entry Rules to participate in the five category Competitions
The categories
- American Saloon/Coupe Classic win £25 Amazon Voucher + trophy
- British & European Saloon/Coupe Classic win £25 Amazon Voucher + trophy
- British & European Sportscar win £25 Amazon Voucher + trophy
- All World Supercar & Fast Road Car win £25 Amazon Voucher + trophy
- All World Estate/Van/Multi-Purpose Vehicle/Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) win £25 Amazon Voucher + trophy
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When making a judgment call about the best car presentation at a competition, several key factors need to be included in the overall evaluation of each vehicle. These factors can vary depending on whether the competition is a professional-level concourse event or a more casual local car show. Below is a detailed breakdown of what should be considered:
Vehicles will be judged on the following:
1. Authenticity and Originality
- Restoration Accuracy: For professional competitions, judges often evaluate how closely the vehicle matches its original factory specifications. This includes ensuring that all parts, materials, and finishes are authentic to the era in which the car was manufactured.
- Examples include correct hose clamps, upholstery materials, paint finishes (e.g., no chrome where it wasn’t originally used), and even details like wiring insulation.
- Non-Authentic Modifications: Points are deducted for non-authentic modifications such as modern air conditioning systems, power steering, sealed beam headlights (if not original), or synthetic upholstery unless these were factory options.
2. Quality of Workmanship
- Exterior Condition: The paintwork should be flawless with no visible scratches, chips, or imperfections. The body panels should align perfectly without gaps or uneven surfaces.
- Interior Condition: Judges look for clean and well-maintained interiors with attention to detail in stitching, upholstery material quality, dashboard condition, and overall cleanliness.
- Engine Bay Presentation: A clean and well-organized engine bay is critical. Judges assess whether components are polished or painted correctly and if everything appears functional and authentic.
- Undercarriage Condition: In highly competitive shows, judges may inspect the undercarriage for cleanliness and proper restoration work.
3. Functionality
- All mechanical systems must function as intended:
- Lights (headlights, turn signals)
- Wipers
- Horn
- Brakes
- Engine operation
- Windows (if powered) Judges may test these features during their evaluation.
4. Cleanliness
- Vehicles must be spotless inside and out:
- No dirt or grease in hard-to-reach areas like door jambs or undercarriages.
- Tires should be clean and free of debris.
- Glass surfaces must be streak-free.
5. Presentation Style
- Staging Creativity: Especially at casual shows, how the car is presented can influence judging. For example:
- Props like vintage picnic baskets or drive-in trays can enhance period authenticity.
- Clever displays that highlight unique features of the car can make it stand out.
6. Overall Composition
- Judges consider how all elements come together harmoniously:
- Colour combinations (exterior vs interior) should complement each other.
- The vehicle’s design flow should feel cohesive rather than disjointed.
7. Owner Contribution
- At some events, judges may take into account how much effort the owner personally contributed to restoring or maintaining the vehicle versus outsourcing work to professionals.
8. Crowd Appeal (for Casual Shows)
- At local shows judged by amateurs or influenced by public opinion:
- Popularity among attendees can sway decisions.
- Unique vehicles with eye-catching designs often gain an edge.
9. Adherence to Safety Standards
For professional competitions:
- Cars must meet safety requirements such as having an approved fire extinguisher onboard and using safety glass in windows.
Summary
In conclusion, judging a car’s presentation involves evaluating its authenticity to original specifications (if applicable), quality of workmanship across all areas (exterior, interior, engine bay), functionality of mechanical systems, cleanliness throughout the vehicle, creative staging/presentation style (especially at casual shows), overall composition including colour harmony and design flow, owner contribution to restoration efforts when relevant, crowd appeal at informal events, and adherence to safety standards at professional competitions.
