13 tips for elevating your driver into a concours winner

By Tim Suddard
Jul 20, 2024 | Concours d'Elegance, Detailing

At their core, concours events are acts of rebellion. Think about it: row after row of decades-old machinery gleaming in defiance of the passage of time, as vibrant and manicured as the showfield grass underneath their treated tires. Where other cars succumb to entropy and the elements, these cars fight back. The goal is to make each machine as clean, correct and complete as it can be.

We’ve taken on this challenge with our Mini Cooper S project. After a full restoration in the Classic Motorsports shop, the car did well on its first concours outing. It received Gold Status at the Winter Park Concours, meaning it earned 98 points or more out of a possible 100. That wasn’t our only concours experience. We’ve taken home awards from Amelia Island, and we’ve been on the other side of the process as judges at Pinehurst, Hilton Head and, yes, even Amelia Island. We have built some losers as well, we admit, but we’re always learning from our mistakes. Here are 13 easy, inexpensive tips for concours success.

1. FIND AND FIX ISSUES

Walk around the car and look at it carefully. Any blemished trim, visible nicks or obvious flaws must be corrected. If you can see the problem, so can the judges. Our initial inspection revealed a dinged, scratched chrome strip. Replacing it cost less than $100 and took only a few minutes.

2. GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

Start with a good, multiple-speed orbital buffer. Our lightweight unit sourced from Griots Garage has served us well. We use modern foam pads: orange (firm) for serious buffing work, black (medium) for general polishing work, and red (soft) for delicate jobs like applying wax and fine polishing finishes. You’ll also need plastic polish, quick detailer, glass cleaner and a good general-purpose cleaner wax. For years we have used Pro Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish; it does the job and costs less than $5 per can. Finally, gather up some soft microfiber cloths and bamboo sticks.

3. KNOW THE SCORE

Before the event, we got a judges’ sheet and scored our Mini ourselves Why? To identify any issues before the big show. Concours judging can sometimes involve unpredictable politics, but it’s nice to know what the judges will actually be looking for ahead of time.

4. GET YOUR PAINT IN ORDER

Assuming you’re preparing a recently painted car and not a barn find, start the process with a clay bar. Rubbing one across the paint surface should remove overspray, sap, heavy dirt and other contaminants. Use a quick detailer to lubricate the bar.