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

[orthobiz]

I think this question fits into this thread as it deals with flaws.

My 1974 has original paint and as I go through the car I see lots of little blems, little chips, some areas where it has been carefully touched up.

Is there some kind of "positive" in the eyes of the judges for originality with all of its warts and blemishes when compared to a car that has had a rotisserie restoration? Is it considered "character?"

Paul

BTW I bought a set of Fuchs and put 195/65's on it. The original steel wheels with skinny tires can be for shows (if I ever go to a show!).

[Jasfsmith]

I think this question fits into this thread as it deals with flaws.

My 1974 has original paint and as I go through the car I see lots of little blems, little chips, some areas where it has been carefully touched up.

Is there some kind of "positive" in the eyes of the judges for originality with all of its warts and blemishes when compared to a car that has had a rotisserie restoration? Is it considered "character?"

Paul

BTW I bought a set of Fuchs and put 195/65's on it. The original steel wheels with skinny tires can be for shows (if I ever go to a show!).

At least as far as PCA is concerned, for the 914, there's Restoration Full, Restoration Touring (no underside judging) and Preservation (also no underside judging). All Preservation classes are Touring only.

Pat's scenario above deals with the Restoration classes, where points are involved. The Preservation scoring does not involve a score, rather whether the car warrants a "rating" of "Fault", "Demerit", "Endorsement", "Compliment" or "Commendation" for 6 areas (Kardex, Utilization, Exterior, Interior, Engine and Storage.

In Preservation, original paint with warts and blemishes would not receive a Demerit. Most likely a Compliment. Obviously original paint in excellent condition would get a Commendation. A Partitial repaint (as I have two fenders, and rockers that have been repainted over the past 20 years) garnered me a Endorsement rating. I suspect a complete repaint would receive a Dermit or Endorsement depending on condition.

Touchups of paint chips and blems are not counted against you according to on judge I had. It could spell the difference between a Endorsement and a Compliment rating.

One thing to remember, there are several items in each of the areas that the judges are supposed to inspect.

In the Exterior portion they include the coachwork, exterior surfaces, glass and lights, metal and rubber trim, bumpers, wheels, coverings & tires. They are viewed for originality, condition and cleanilness in that order (at least from my observation and comments that the judges have written on my score sheets). How the judges finally arrives at one rating for each of the areas is certainly more subjective in Preservation than Restoration.

Download the PCA Concours score sheets and you'll see what I mean.