Any Tips on Car Show Presentation? My 75 Vert, even though is a daily driver, is kept immaculate and in "show condition" whenever possible. If anything is broken, it is fixed immediately, correctly and not "bubbaized". But whenever I enter a show, it seems only the flashy cars (ie: red with a stinger hood) or "trailer queens" wins any trophies or recognition. I am not saying "sour grapes" but after a while it comes quite frustating.. ...I am sure a lot of you guys feel the same. I did see an idea, in this forum, for detailing the engine using Colgate toothpaste and a soft toothbrush....tried it....and it works! So, any other thoughts or comments or ideas that may help....

Thanks!

 

Car shows can be quite frustrating, especially those that are participant judged. They basically wind up to be a popularity contest, and if you are not a part of the cliche of regulars, you hardly stand a chance of winning anything. I enjoy going to the shows just to talk cars with the other owners, actually much prefer the cruise nights where there is no judging at all. People's choice and club-judged shows are always a little more on the fair side. Those kind of take away the popularity problem.

For your question, A few things that might help:

Have a information placard professionally made in full color. Include info like optional equipment, modifications (if any) and production info. Restoration photos are always good to display as well. Make them large so they stand out.

Make a really cool model identical to your car and display it on top of the air cleaner. I've seen some that are really well done on turntables, etc. Saw one today where the model was on a lift and there was minature shop equipment surrounding the lift.

Put an attention getter in or near the car, like a large purple gorilla in the driver's seat, or a midget leaning against the car or something like that.

Position full length mirrors in such a way so people can see underneath the car. The use of blocks to get the car a little off the ground may be required.

Get some license plates that are the same year as the car for the show use only.

Hang around by the car and make conversation with the other owners and those judging.

The last one is an idea I just thought of. Have a nice looking Corvette Babe handing out ice cold bottled water at your car. (well, maybe it's not the best idea)

 

Well.....first of all......don't give up. That is a super looking vette....as is yours Big fish. Attention to details were important at our local car show. Take out the floor mats and make sure there's not a speck on the carpet or interior. Detail the engine bay as best you can. Make it clean....tuck away any wires that look out of place.....and use 303 aerospace, sylglide....anything to dress up all the rubber hoses under hood. Use a good tire dressing. Tell the judges if the factory alarm still works....all the gauges...the cowl induction....the original radio.....anything they're not used to seeing work. Use the best show polish you can........Zaino usually gets the nod, but Meguires NXT is a new product getting alot of good reviews.
Again....don't give up.....your vette is a trophy winner in my eyes.

 

Here is what I do at car shows: "Please do not judge my car!" Actually, that's what I used to do at car shows. I haven't been to any in a while.

 

clean, clean, wax and clean some more

 

Yes...don't show up in one of these:



Your '75 is the exact color/interior I hope to convert mine to someday. Very nice! Don't worry about what the ninnies at car shows think.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

 

I'm actually quite shocked at a show when they hand me a form to fill out for judging. I guess they have to give a form to each entrant. The shows I've attended, the cars are so perfect, I feel like the red-headed stepchild. Out of place to say the least.

At the top of this page is one of my first "car show" visits.

That's why I usually only attend the "cruises" now.

 

Very nice 75 Vetteguy. You know it all depends ! That's what I figured out. Each show is judged differently and if your 75 is super clean and that's how the show you pick to go to is judged then you have a good chance of a high score and a win.

If they are looking for stock and no mods, then thats what it is right.

If they are looking for fresh paint and interior and that's what you got then your in the hunt.

One show I heard of took points OFF if you didn't have little dings in the windshield cause they were looking for original parts. Anything replaced and you lost points.

Pick the best shows in your area to go to. that way even if you dont win at least you got the opportunity to go to a nice show, see the other cars, talk to the other owners and have a nice time. and maybe pick up and idea or two along the way right..