A definitive classification/scoring system -does one exist? Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Besides the conundrum that seems to persist with regards to how and where our 914s are classified within PCA Concours (Preservation, Restoration, Improved/Modified), does a hard and fast guideline exist for determining specific faults, infractions or demerits and their exact impact on scoring? Cleanliness and originality can be pretty much quantified but what about the severity of our "flaws"? To wit, will I lose the same amount of points for Euro T/L lenses as I would for 195/60 series tires? Does an aftermarket radio amass the same penalty as an aftermarket steering wheel? Will a radio installation w/o an antenna be deemed as significant a flaw as the fitment of H-4 H/Ls in place of sealed beam items? Does a fire extinguisher mounting bracket precipitate the loss of points equivalent to a cracked dashboard top? And speaking of dashboard tops, does one crack carry the same burden of point loss as one with three or four flaws perhaps? Does a missing engine bay sticker burden the car as much as the wrong ignition coil might?

I'm sure the pat answer (pun intended), would be "original always trumps all else", but if a person were to concede a point loss on an item, the question is, is there a specific value assigned or is it all broadly categorized into "wheels and tires", "interior", "exterior trim", etc., etc.?

Paul

[Pat Garvey]

Besides the conundrum that seems to persist with regards to how and where our 914s are classified within PCA Concours (Preservation, Restoration, Improved/Modified), does a hard and fast guideline exist for determining specific faults, infractions or demerits and their exact impact on scoring? Cleanliness and originality can be pretty much quantified but what about the severity of our "flaws"? To wit, will I lose the same amount of points for Euro T/L lenses as I would for 195/60 series tires? Does an aftermarket radio amass the same penalty as an aftermarket steering wheel? Will a radio installation w/o an antenna be deemed as significant a flaw as the fitment of H-4 H/Ls in place of sealed beam items? Does a fire extinguisher mounting bracket precipitate the loss of points equivalent to a cracked dashboard top? And speaking of dashboard tops, does one crack carry the same burden of point loss as one with three or four flaws perhaps? Does a missing engine bay sticker burden the car as much as the wrong ignition coil might?

I'm sure the pat answer (pun intended), would be "original always trumps all else", but if a person were to concede a point loss on an item, the question is, is there a specific value assigned or is it all broadly categorized into "wheels and tires", "interior", "exterior trim", etc., etc.?

Paul

Well, though I think you may be picking on me (and no harm done), I'll post my opinions (and They ARE mine, and Iim tired of making excuses for them) to the questions you've posed (remember, MY opinions & I'll NOT make apologies - not because I'm arrogant, because I'm sick od the SHIT I take for it):
1. You Will lose points for Euro signal lights - why? Because you're COA does not show your 914 as a Euro car. From a Preservation or restoration point of view, they are incorrect, unless your COA can substantiate them. I figure a loss of 3-5 points.
2. Regardless of class, you WILL lose points for the oversized tires. You know it. we've discussed it. Unlesss the judge is a bonehead (not likely), you will probably lose at least 3 points for your tires & wheels (been there, done that).

OK, wih that said, you're down 6-8 points as I see it. Even with a gorgeous restored 914 - you're out od the winning circle. Think this isn't hardcore - think again. This is for the all the marbles. This is for bragging rights. This is for respect. Are you going to blow all that money on serious restoration just because your ego won't let you unbolt the taillight lenses & put domestics in there. Why? Because you like how they look? I like 'em too, but for 4 hours I can like the car without them.

I do't get it!

Pat

I seem to recall that you have a "proper" radio for the period. That's good. But where does it say that someone MUST have a hole & antenna mounted in a 914, since they didn't come from the factory with either (other than special options).

Headlights - they all (at least early) came with sealed beam lights. Not the best, but what they came with.

Fire extinguisher - lose it! Get over your fear of fire. If it happens, your puny fire extinguisher won't help. And, it probably won't stop the fire. Sit back & watch all those bucks melt down! Just kidding, but don't display it.

Dashboard cracks - not the end of the world IMHO, unless you have multiples. If so, the parts is easily replaced - so why have them.

Wrong ignition coil? I still have mone & it will be on.

Steering wheel change - you still have your original & it can be bolted on.

OK, look - do you want to win or not? Are you going to let your little bolt-on - bolt-off idoisyncrasies keep you from scoring a place in Porsche history? C'mon, that just doesn't make sense to me. You, if any others, are poised to take this thing.

Lose the lenses. Lose the wheels. Lose the steering wheel. Take your chances with the others. It's ONE day. In fact, it's a couple of hours. Take the things off that will lose the thing for you & bolt them back on in the afternon. I just don't understand why you'd fight the rules in effect, when you can so easily get around them.

What am I missing here?
Pat