Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/108534
Figure 1. 2011 PCA Parade Concours Classification Groups The Preparation Group is the category for the newest produc‑ tion cars less than 20 years old. The Divisions in Preparation Group are by time period only; the first Division, CI, is for production cars less than 10 years old and the second Division, CII, is for cars 10 to 20 years old. All model variations within each Division are mixed together. The primary judging emphasis in Preparation group is on presentation and cleanliness; originality is not judged. There are both Full and Touring categories and the judging procedure uses a similar approach to the Restoration Group with numerical score sheets (without any originality deductions), fixed judging time and each judge evaluating only one part of the car. When used at the Parade, bonus mileage points for driving to the Parade are also awarded in this group. Upon completion, the owner receives score sheets showing numerical scores on the individual components of each of the six sections being judged (just four sections if the car is Touring) along with explanations of the score and helpful comments from the judge. 1. Preparation Group. The Preservation Group for cars at least 21 years old was first introduced in 1996 and brings with it a whole new set of require‑ ments, criteria and judging standards. There is only one class called "Touring." Entrants are encouraged to drive their car to the Parade and can, if they desire, exclude the chassis, underside or some other part of the car from being inspected by the judges. However, owners wishing to compete for class or division awards must allow all com‑ ponents to be inspected. Primary emphasis is on preservation of the car as the factory built it with secondary emphasis on presentation. The car is expected to have most, if not all, of its original parts and surfaces (paint, upholstery, carpeting, etc.). The engine and transaxle must be original. An official factory build record for the car (Kardex, Certificate of Authenticity, etc.) must be presented by the owner at 3. Preservation Group. May 2011 37 www.pnwr.org The Restoration Group for cars over 11 years old is similar to our traditional Concours events with numerical scoring as was previously used for PCA events, except that the old Top Only class, in which the underside of the car is not judged, is now called Touring class. Cars in Restoration Group are judged for originality, but can have any degree of restoration from minor refinishing to a full, ground‑up rebuild. Paint color, fabrics, carpet and trim may be 2. Restoration Group. restored and completely changed from the original factory built configuration, but must use an original color, texture and type for the model and year. The engine and/or transaxle may even be replaced or upgraded for the specific model year. Judging emphasis is on authenticity of the restoration with secondary emphasis on presentation. However, cleanliness and condition are important considerations, just as they have always been in this type of judging. Cars entered in this group will include those with major changes or rebuilding since new as well as professionally restored cars. Each judge evaluates and scores one part of the car and the judging is limited to a fixed time (typically five or six minutes). Each section of the car is divided up into major components and each component is assigned a maximum numerical score representing a perfect car. The judge deducts points from the perfect score for any deficiencies found on the judged car. The biggest recent change in the restoration group rules was an increased emphasis on originality in 2008, which now makes up 50% of the score rather than the previous 40%. This change makes it important for the owner to understand the original parts, materials, colors and finishes that his car was built with since the penalty for incorrect substitutions is higher than in the past.