- EXCELLENT:
Restored to the current maximum professional
standards of quality in every area, or perfect original with
components operating and appearing as new. This is a 95-plus point
show car that is not driven. In national show judging, a car in
No. 1 condition is likely to win top honors in its class. In a sense,
it has ceased to be an automobile and has become an object of art. It
is likely to transported to shows in an enclosed trailer, and, when
not being shown, it is stored in a climate-controlled facility.
It is not driven. There are very few No. 1 cars.
- FINE:
Well-restored, or a combination of superior restoration
and excellent original. Also, an extremely
well-maintained original showing very minimal wear. Except for the
very closest inspection, a No. 2 vehicle may appear as a No. 1.
The No. 2 vehicle will take the top award in many judged shows, except
when squared off against a No. 1 example in its own class. It
may also be driven 800-1,000 miles each year to shows, on tours, and
simply for pleasure.
- VERY GOOD: Completely operable original or "older
restoration" showing wear. Also, a good amateur restoration,
all presentable and serviceable inside and out. Plus, combinations
of well-done restoration and good operable components; or a
partially restored car with all parts necessary to complete it
and/or valuable NOS parts. This is a "20-footer." That is,
from 20 feet away it may look perfect. But as we approach it, we
begin to notice that the paint may be getting a little thin in spots
from frequent washing and polishing. Looking inside we might detect
some wear on the driverıs seat, foot pedals, and carpeting. The
chrome trim, while still quite presentable, may have lost the sharp,
mirror-like reflective quality it had when new. All systems and
equipment are in good operating order. In general, most of the
vehicles seen at car shows are No. 3s.
- GOOD: A drivable vehicle needing no, or only minor, work
to be functional. Also, a deteriorated restoration or a very poor
amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be
"excellent," but the car is mostly usable "as
is." This is a driver. It may be in the process of restoration,
or its owner may have big plans, but even from 20 feet away,
there is no doubt that it needs a lot of help.
- RESTORABLE: Needs complete restoration of
body, chassis, and interior. May or may not be running, but isnıt
weathered, wrecked, and/or stripped to the point of being useful
only for parts. This car needs everything. It may not be operable,
but it is essentially all there and has only minor surface rust, if
any rust at all. While presenting a real challenge to the restorer,
it wonıt have him chasing for a lot of missing parts.
- PARTS CAR: May or may not be running, but is
weathered, wrecked, and/or stripped to the point of being
useful primarily for parts. This is an incomplete or greatly
deteriorated, perhaps rusty, vehicle that has value only as a parts
donor for other restoration projects.
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