In a message dated 1/16/2007 6:28:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
standardtriumph@btinternet.com writes:
The Monte Carlo Rally is an excellent example of cars that won outstanding
prizes in the Concours after driving several thousand miles against the clock
and in appalling winter conditions. Many got through without a scratch but
were only permitted a wash and polish before going into the Concours paddock.
I
don't think that sort of thing happens now and for that reason I feel that
Concours is an inappropriate name.
John,
That is an interesting story. I would love to be competing in that era with
either an original or factory prepared car. My goal would be to drive the
wheels off it during daylight and then spend all nite washing the heck out of
it for a Concours Presentation. I am not the only one.
I am going to say that sort of thing does happen here in the US. Maybe not
on such a grand scale but very similar in theory. Take for instance the
Annual VTR Ken Richardson's Award. This very prestigious award is given to
the
TR2 or TR3 that competes and places well in Autocross as well as Judged
Concours with the TSD Rally used as a tie breaker. There is the VTR Dennis
Reily/Bill Wood Award which uses the same scoring but is for TR7 & TR8's. Then
there
is the VTR Carolina's Cup. This is awarded to the car that participates and
does well in all the competitive driving events, Autocross, TSD & Fun Rally,
Gymkana and even includes the Photo, Model & Craft Contests along with
Judged Concours. Points are given for participation and placement in each
Event.
I and other Listers are the very proud winners of some these VTR Awards.
Although I have fallen a little short to stiff competition on the Ken
Richardson
and Dennis Reily/Bill Wood awards I have two Carolina's Cups on the Mantle.
My goal is to go for the Ken Richardson Cup this year, although I must put
the TR3B back together to have a shot at it. If I do you can bet that it will
be Prepared, Polished and Driven to the Max. So I say "The Glory Still
Exists!" All be it on a smaller scale.
As far as the term "Concours d'Elegance", I agree. I understand that it is
French for the "Gathering of the Elegant". It does not mean Gathering of the
Original! Please note Dave Massey's Post. VTR now offers two Modified
Judged Concours Classes which do not require originality. TRA has a Modified
judged class too. At VTR all of the competitive awards are available to these
types of cars if they compete in the driving events.
In conclusion, I have heard the stories of what really came off the line in
England. Great care is taken to recognize that at VTR and TRA. I have
always said one cannot simply go by the strict guidelines set forth in SPC's
or
reference books. There is always going to be exceptions and variances.
Usually one can tell where to draw the line. I still say that a white top on
a US
TR6 is questionable but who am I to say it didn't come that way? Therefore,
It's all Good.
Cheers John,
Darrell
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