Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1404782
45 Spiel – August 2021 from 10-15 feet away. You may get some compliments from time to time from strangers. A CLEAN car is one that you can stand next to in your garage and not find a speck of dirt or even a mote of dust on. But I knew that a judged Concours would be in a different realm. My first Concours event, held at Denny Aker's beautiful facility in Bothell on June 12, 2021, was a wonderful experience. On the day of the event, I learned that the judges (one each for the interior and the exterior) would scrutinize my car for five (GULP!) full, uninterrupted minutes! From sunroof to tire treads! Front license plate frame to rear bumper guard! It felt like an hour! I saw them looking from angles that I never did, and I felt very vulnerable. I had no idea how this was going to turn out. I thought my car was looking pretty good that day, but I never looked THAT closely! I also knew that there were some things that I wished I had more time to address. In the end, I learned a ton about what "Concours clean" means. I even began thinking of additional techniques I could use in order to achieve it (which led to the immediate purchase of even more sprays, soaps, tools, wands, scrubbers, and brushes). I finished in second place in my class behind a very special 2004 "40 Jahre" Anniversary Carrera Coupe, and just ahead of a beautiful Guards Red 993 Cabriolet. Fantastic company for my 20 year old machine, for sure. I have proudly displayed my plaque on my garage wall. This was an absolutely fantastic experience! The facility was beautiful (a BIG thank you to the Aker family), the weather was perfect, we were all treated to some absolutely breathtaking cars, and above all, we got to meet and hang out with like- minded folks. It was a perfect day, for sure! If you are considering whether to participate in a Concours with your car, consider no more… Do it! You will learn so much about your car, how it is judged, and how to do better next time than you ever could imagine. On top of it all, you will meet some amazing people that share your new-found passion! Like with most sicknesses, we will hit herd immunity sooner with more people exposed, so get out there and get the "Concours clean" bug! Hope to see you on the lawn soon!