Modified - Judging criteria

[bbh]

Josef,

 In respect to the judging at the National concourse, I can understand the "normal" categories based on model where you can compare a car against concourse guidelines / originality.  However in respect to the Modified categories, how are these judged?  Are there any specific guidelines and / or limitations to the modifications which are seen as acceptable?

Andy

[josefeckert]

Hi Andy,
To answer your question I just copied the specific chapters of tthe National Concours Rules (easiest way to answer your question):

This applies for "normal (factory spec, not modifdied)" and "modified" categories:

• CARS MUST BE IN A ROAD WORTHY LEGAL CONDITION. (MOT to be inspected)

• MARKS MAY BE DEDUCTED BY DISCRETION OF THE
CONCOURS JUDGE WHERE ITEMS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
• MARKS WILL NOT BE DEDUCTED WHERE PARTS HAVE BEEN
FITTED FOR SAFETY REASONS, I.E. SEAT BELTS, FIRE EXTINGUISHER ETC.

This applies for "modified" categories:

MODIFIED CLASSES
TASTEFULLY MODIFIED TO ENHANCE THE
APPEARANCE AND SPECIFICATION BUT MAINTAIN
THE BASIC THEME OF HEALEY CARS.

As a summary, modifications, made to a professional standard, will be given no deductions as long as they are made tastefully and in good workmanship.
Or better, as long as your Healey doesn´t look like a Batmobile and is still recognisable as an Austin-Healey or Healey, almost all alterations from original are allowed. There is some freedom of decision given to the judge, when he/she thinks the modifications are much over the top.
Cheers,

Josef

Btw: We had several very modified cars who made Overall Winners in National Concours. Concours is not to stick to 150% originality. Its more for Healey enthusiast who restore their cars to top condition cars and to get some kind of appreciation for their many hours, money, excellent work and patience spent in the car.

[bbh]

Josef,

Many thanks.

Just one thought, with the change in the MOT rules, which makes them optional for our cars is this still required, or is it just the easiest way of proving that they are technically sound?

Andy

[josefeckert]

And
The MOT rule is an old rule we still keep, but only applies to those cars which still need to be MOT´d. Reason behind was to see the yearly milage done on the cars. In the past it wasn´t allowed to trailer the cars to the event. There were entrants who cheated and trailered the cars and then we could check the milage done on the cars compared to the mileage of the last years. We couldn´t stop the cheating, so we made it open how to come to the concours event, but class winners have to go into a Masters class at the next National Concours they booked in and have to book in for a planned drive where they have to use the cars.
Cheers,
Josef