Depending on the event, there may be several different categories for the competition. This ranges from a “Full Concours Prepared” category for those with the Q-tips who clean out the inside of the exhaust pipe (only a mild exaggeration), to a “Wash and Shine,” “Top Only,” or “Exhibit” category for the more casual car washer. The full concours cars are expected to look as though they just rolled off the line, with no discernible flaws, and could be described as the “perfect” example of the model or group. These cars are often trailered to the event in enclosed carriers, and then rolled on to the exhibit site. At the recent Zone 1 event in Newport RI, I witnessed competitors roll their cars out of the trailer, then commence to take the wheels off the car so that they could finish off those pesky last minute cleaning details.

As an option to these vehicles which some argue are over-restored (sometimes to a condition that is better than the typical car off the assembly line at the period), there can be a “Preservation” class where originality and long-term care are emphasized over perfection. The rules reflect the fact that they expect the cars to actually be driven (imagine that) and may require a minimum mileage, such as 2000 miles per year. The usual wear and tear from driving is expected, but it is also expected that that the owner has taken more than normal care of the vehicle, to keep it in like-new condition. This may be the proverbial “car found in the barn,” or a low-mileage vehicle which someone has really pampered.

Another category may be reserved for specialty or competition vehicles, such as factory race-prepped vehicles (“Cup” cars or the like), or full-on race cars like a 962.

Within the top categories, the cars can be separated into different classes so that like models or vintages can compete on a more level playing field. For example, there may be separate categories for 356’s; the 911’s and their derivatives, with perhaps further breakdowns for the various generations; the 914’s; and finally the water-coolers such as the 924’s, 928’s, 944’s and Boxsters. (I’m not sure what they’re going to do about this whole Cayenne thing.)

Finally what I would like to leave you with is a sense that you shouldn’t be afraid of the concours, even though I have good naturedly poked fun at some of the extreme efforts taken. Often the events have a novice or casual class, and some such as the annual show by the North Country region are for charity causes (their last benefactor was Toys-for-Tots). I have often been at shows where participants have tried to convince me to go ahead and put my car in the event, even though I had not specifically put any special preparation into it and was only intending to be a spectator. This even included the “Peoples Choice” category at the Newport Zone 1. So even if you don’t want to get little booties for your tires (so they don’t get dirt on them as you push you car out of it’s enclosed trailer and into position) I urge you to attend one of the regional events. Take a look at the wide offering of Porsches, meet some really nice people, possibly help out a charity, and you may even get the urge to do a little cleaning and get out there on the field yourself next time. See you in Saratoga, NY for the ‘04 Zone 1 Concours.

(Thanks to Zone 7, Golden Gate Region, whose concours rules I used extensively to develop this article.)