Concours d'Elegance
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A Concours d'Elegance (from French meaning a concourse of elegance) is a competition between automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles. These are commonly held at auto shows or after racing competition. Notable Concours d'Elegances include Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance, Legend Of The Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance - the only current motorcycle Concours, and Scarsdale Concours d'Elegance.
Numerous local organizations sponsor 'Concours' events; traditionally vehicle judging at a Concours d'Elegance is much more demanding than that of a neighborhood or general car show. Trained judges examine the vehicle thoroughly and in its entirety and rate each and every component. Only those vehicles that are judged perfect (or very nearly so) in every way are considered trophy class.
Often the competitiveness of a Concours d'Elegance forces restoration of a vehicle to surpass 'mint' condition. Mint condition would be the state of the vehicle when it originally left the factory. Concours-quality cars are often given upholstery, paint, chrome (or nickel) plating and mechanical restoration far exceeding that of the car when new.
Concours d'Elegance competitions are also run for classic cars. Here, the emphasis is as much on originality as the condition, although this is also very important. The general aim is to produce a vehicle that is in the same (or better) condition it was in when it left the production line. Non-original modifications are not allowed, and components must be suitable for the year and model of the car. Even components or features fitted to cars of the same type but in a different production year or trim level are not allowed. Original-equipment accessories from the manufacturers own range are allowed, and some competitions allow after-market equipment and accessories provided they are of the correct period. On top of this, cars must be presented in flawless visual condition as with other Concourse-grade cars.
All too frequently Concours d'Elegance quality cars are not driven, except for short distances from their trailers to the show fields. They are not intended to be used as daily drivers and are often not seen outside of museums or private collections. Even after driving only the short distance to the show field, the car is 'staged'; errant bits of dirt or pebbles removed from the tire treads, bits of grass or mud wiped from the under-carriage, and the vehicle is constantly maintained, and frequently dusted to keep the absolutely flawless appearance while on display.
