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  • Top 10 rules for showing your collector car at a concours event

    There is a difference between showing your collector car at a car show versus a concours event. A standard local or regional car show is more of a get-together and if it’s judged, it’s usually done casually, with the winning car usually being a people’s choice award.

    Also at local car shows, there are often awards given in so many categories that practically everyone can eventually win one. That’s not a negative, but a reality. I say this having won a few awards when all I did was drive there after quickly wiping down my car.

    Racing legend Derek Bell judging at Pebble Beach | Bob Golfen photo

    Racing legend Derek Bell judging at Pebble Beach | Bob Golfen photo

    Showing and possibly winning at a top-tier concours event such as Amelia Island or Pebble Beach is a whole different story. These events invite only the finest cars for each of their classes and are judged by the top experts in the collector car world, including designers, marque experts, legendary racing drivers, and even collector car journalists.

    The stakes at a concours event are a bit higher as just being invited to show your collector car at Amelia can add value to the vehicle and will be considered by many to be vetted as a top-tier example.

    The first thing to understand about showing a car at a concours is if your car is accepted, that is a win in itself. Sure, you want to win but enjoy the experience because just being invited to display your vehicle is a very big deal.

    The scene at the 14th annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance | Boca Raton Concours photo

    The scene at the 14th annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance | Boca Raton Concours photo

    These events receive many hopeful entries each year. Of those that apply, more than half get turned down and not because of their car’s quality but due to the large number of excellent entries.

    In the words of Chris Brewer, director of communications at Amelia:

    “Every car that is on the field has already won just by being there and their car on the field is super significant.”

    The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance | Deremer Studios LLC photo

    The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance | Deremer Studios LLC photo

    So, what does it take to make one car rise above the others in the eyes of a concours judge? What you think matters might not, so keep reading.

    Rule 1: Do not put the hood up on your car at a concours until you are asked. Car bodies are designed with the hood down. You may be proud of your engine, but the judges want to see the car as the designer envisioned it.

    At some concours events, the judges will never even look at the engine. If they do ask, open your hood to show them the engine and other under-hood components. After that, close it again.

    Bob Jepson with his 1929 Cord L29 | Andy Reid photo

    Bob Jepson with his 1929 Cord L29 | Andy Reid photo

    There are usually scores of photographers shooting for national and international publications at these events and they are not likely to shoot a picture of your car with the hood up because it looks terrible, design-wise. So, if you want to see your car in a magazine or on a bunch of websites, close your hood.

    Rule 2: Do not ever bring props with you to “add” to the car. If it did not come from the factory as standard equipment or as a factory accessory, leave it at home.

    Rule 3: Do not bring a big sign that tells the history of your car. This looks terrible and will count against you.

    Best of Show winner at the Edison Concours d’Elegance | Andy Reid photo

    Best of Show winner at the Edison Concours d’Elegance | Andy Reid photo

    Rule 4: Do bring a detailed binder/book concerning the history of the car. What is most important is not the pictures of your restoration but period pictures, build sheets, order sheets and magazine articles about your specific car.

    When I say your specific car, I mean stories about the exact VIN that you own, not general overviews of the model.

    Leave out appraisal documents as the judges are likely to know what your car is worth more than you do, and this ultimately does not matter.

    Do include any factory authenticity documents such as a Porsche Certificate of authenticity, British Heritage certificate, or other such documents.

    Rule 5: Never answer a question that was not asked. If your car was damaged and rebuilt from two cars, this is not something a judge needs to be told unless asked directly. It is the judges’ job to find these flaws, and you do not need to help them.

    A concours Judge inspects a Mercedes-Benz 190SL | Bob Golfen photo

    A concours Judge inspects a Mercedes-Benz 190SL | Bob Golfen photo

    Rule 6: Never misrepresent your car as something it is not. Do not tell the team of judges your car was personally owned by a celebrity unless it actually was. If it was, it is your job to prove that.

    Also, do not try to represent your car as a rarer model than it is. You are likely to get found out and if this happens, you are not likely to be invited again to any top-tier concours.

    Rule 7: Clean your car perfectly. If your car is a preservation car being shown in a preservation class, clean the car. No concours judge that I have ever worked with is impressed by dirt, even 50-year-old dirt.

    The car you bring to a concours should be as clean as possible, with every detail attended to. If you cannot do this yourself, there are a number of people who do this for a living. Invest in one of them, and you will come away amazed at how incredible these professionals can make your car look.

    Rule 8: Tell the story of your car and what it means to you. Did you buy the car because it was your dream to have one since you were 13 years old? Then tell the judges that. Did you take the car on the Colorado Grand and the Mille Miglia? Tell that story. Did you restore the car yourself? Did a facility such as Mann’s Restoration or Paul Russell and Company restore the car? Do not leave that out.

    Arizona Concours d’Elegance judges | Bob Golfen photo

    Arizona Concours d’Elegance judges | Bob Golfen photo

    Rule 9: Read the rules carefully. Do judged cars have to be started? Are things like lights and the horn checked? Some concours check these and others do not.

    The craziest thing I have seen as a judge was while judging motorcycles at Hilton Head. I had vintage BMWs to judge and the bike that would have won had no fuel in the tank and the owner refused to start it because, he stated, it would blue the pipes.

    There is no deduction for blued pipes at any concours on the planet, so this was silly. Also, the rules at Hilton Head state in the first paragraph that all bikes must demonstrate that they run in order to be judged. Again, read those rules and read them carefully.

    Rule 10: Have some humility. Having your car judged is not an opportunity to brag and feel like a big shot; it is an opportunity to have your car evaluated by true experts.

    In many cases, the judges have judged cars much rarer and more significant than yours, so be the person who thanks the judges for their time and effort and answers the questions asked in a polite and thoughtful manner.

    Aerial view of the Elegance at Hershey concours | Andy Reid photo

    Aerial view of the Elegance at Hershey concours | Andy Reid photo

    As I said at the beginning of this article, to have your car accepted and on the show field at events such as Pebble Beach, Amelia Island or Hilton Head is a win in itself.

    If you follow these rules, you may end up with a class award or a second and your entire experience of showing at a concours is likely to be that much more enjoyable. If you don’t follow them, you are more than likely to come home empty-handed.

    This article, written by Andy Reid, was originally published on ClassicCars.com, an editorial partner of Motor Authority.

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  • Review update: 2022 Infiniti QX55 delivers style without substance

    My mother always tells me it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

    She might feel differently about the 2021 Infiniti QX55.

    The 2021 Infiniti QX55 is a chic crossover SUV based on the more practical, less sexy, less expensive QX50. More expensive and less practical with the same compromised powertrain isn’t a compelling proposition. German rivals have filled this crossover coupe segment that Infiniti’s now joining late. Mom always says one should always arrive early or on time and heaven sakes, deliver the goods.

    I spent a week running the kids around town, picking up groceries, and hauling the family up to northern Minnesota to find where the 2021 Infiniti QX55 hits and misses.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Hit: It’s really pretty

    The best part about the QX55 is its gorgeous exterior design. The roofline has Infiniti FX vibes, the LED taillights have 45 individual LEDs in each cluster, and the subtle curves of the hood add dimension both from the driver’s viewpoint and for those looking at it on the road. This is easily the best-looking coupe-like crossover SUV and makes the Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X4 look dowdy.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Miss: Too many variables

    The QX55 is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in the QX50. The impressive bit about this engine is the variable compression technology that helps it churn out 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. The issue is the turbocharged engine and its variable compression are hooked to a continuously variable transmission. This powertrain doesn’t work together cohesively. The V-6-like power creates a surging sensation while the CVT tries to shift its non-existent gears. The members of my family that experience motion sickness weren’t pleased in the QX55 despite my best efforts to keep the power delivery smooth from stop sign to stop light.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Hit: At home on the highway

    While the QX55’s powertrain isn’t ideal for driving smoothly around town it levels out and drops into the background on the highway. The suspension is well sorted despite not featuring active dampers. The passive dampers deliver a firm, yet controlled ride with some lean around clover leafs that’s never too harsh even over highway seams, and this is while riding on 20-inch wheels and run-flat tires.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Hit and Miss: Rear seat is a mixed bag

    The rear seat isn’t a penalty box thanks to seat backs that recline for road trips. Despite the presence of three seat belts, three adults won’t fit across the bench comfortably. The seats slide fore and aft, allowing as much as 38.7 inches of leg room, which is great. But the seat bottom is a little too short and toe room is limited by the front seat frame. Head room is adequate for six-footers despite the roofline, but anyone taller is going to feel the roof.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Hit and Miss: Dueling infotainment screens

    The QX55 infotainment system could be mistaken for something that’s from 2014. The 8.0-inch touchscreen mounted above a 7.0-inch touchscreen look very similar to what debuted in the Q50 sedan in 2014, but they have been updated. The two-screen design is nice in concept, as Apple CarPlay can be used on the upper screen while the satellite radio presets and controls are displayed on the lower screen. But the top screen has a different resolution and finish than the glossy bottom screen, which can look pixelated when not using Apple CarPlay. Worse, the bottom screen’s interface, like other Nissan and Infiniti products, isn’t very useful without the built-in navigation system.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Hit: Lack of shiny black plastic

    In a time where automakers like Mercedes-Benz seem to believe shiny black plastic equates to luxury, it’s nice to see Infiniti use very little of it. There isn’t even a hint of the fingerprint-magnet finish on the center console. While there’s a smidge of the shiny black stuff used as the trim around the lower 7.0-inch touchscreen, it’s not a regular touchpoint, so it stays looking clean. The center console’s wrapped in leather and the plastic parts are covered in a matte finish that’s soft to the touch.

    The 2021 Infiniti QX55 costs $47,525 while my top-spec Sensory model had a sticker price of $58,770. Aside from the exterior design it doesn’t feel worth the price with the same mess of a powertrain found in the less expensive and more practical QX50, but there were niceties such as a Bose 16-speaker audio system, Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist driver assist system, and a subpar navigation system. The exterior looks better than the German competition, but the substance is lacking. Mom was right, don’t judge based on looks alone.

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    2021 Infiniti QX55 Sensory

    Base price: $47,525
    Price as tested: $58,770
    EPA fuel economy: 22/28/25 mpg
    The hits: Chic design, rear seat legroom, reclining rear seat, dual screens for infotainment
    The misses: Complicated powertrain isn’t smooth, infotainment interface, rear seat bottom and toe room

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  • 10 OF THE BEST SOUNDING FORD RACE ENGINES

    There have been some glorious Ford engines over the years which made picking our top 10 best sounding Ford race engines wasn’t easy…

    10 of the best sounding Ford race engines

    Ford Cosworth YB

    The mighty Cosworth YB sounds pretty fantastic whatever it’s powering, from fast road cars to touring car champions. But for us the very best-sounding Cossies were Escort Cosworth rally cars. With hardcore anti-lag turned up to the max, these things sound angry and downright scary… and that’s just on the start line. As they head off onto the stage the roar of the YB is accompanied by anti-lag gunshots echoing off the surrounding trees and buildings as the driver rifles through the gears. Pure audio pornography!

    10 of the best sounding Ford race engines

    Ford Turbo BDA

    When Zakspeed decided to turbocharge the BDA and stick it into its Group 5 Capri, the tiny little 1.4-litre cars (eligible for 2.0-litre class) were knocking on the door of 500bhp, while the larger 1.7s were capable of well over 600bhp. They wail like a motorbike, and with your eyes closed you’d be forgiven for thinking one was an F1 car!

    Ford Zetec Turbo

    It may have never officially been called a Zetec Turbo by Ford, but the that’s effectively what powered the M-Sport Focus WRC cars at the end of the Nineties and into the 2000s. And they sound incredible! The chirps of anti-lag, the speed the revs increase, and the constant on/off throttle makes for a soundtrack synonymous with modern rallying.

    10 of the best sounding Ford race engines

    Ford BDT

    It’s hard to believe the BDT in the back of the RS200 is nearly 40 years old – it’s still one of the best-sounding engines we’ve ever heard. Screaming through the hills and bouncing off the rev limiter as the four-wheel-drive system scrambles for grip, the sound of a works BDT at full chat is pure mechanical majesty.

    Ford BDA

    If you’re a fan of a raw, uncut induction snarl then the BDA is for you. Coupled with a raspy exhaust note – which you won’t be able to hear over that the induction roar – this iconic 16-valver serves up simple, unadulterated mechanical acoustic bliss.

    10 of the best sounding Ford race engines

    Ford Zetec-R (EC)

    Everyone knows about the famous DFV Formula One engine, but often overlooked is the EC series – badged as Zetec-R – built by Ford/Cosworth during the mid-1990s. It was this 750bhp, 15,000rpm screamer of a V8 that powered a certain Michael Schumacher to his first driver’s world title in 1994.

    Ford DFV V8

    The sound of Formula One for over a decade, the DFV powered heroes to the F1 driver’s title 12 times in the 14 years between 1968 and 1982. Its story is something of motorsport legend, but it’s the sound we’re focussing on here, and nobody can deny the screeching 3.0-litre V8 is audio ecstasy – especially when there’s a packed F1 grid of them all hurtling past at the same time.

    10 of the best sounding Ford race engines

    Ford 7.0 FE V8

    You can’t have a list of greatest-sounding Ford engines without the Le Mans-winning GT40 involved. The mammoth 7.0-litre V8s may have their origins in 1960s’ trucks, but fettled for the GT40 race cars they sound like a god of engineering gargling thunder! It’s enough to make any petrolhead go weak at the knees.

    10 of the best sounding Ford race engines

    Ford GAA V6

    The Cologne-powered Capri RS2600 could have made this list, but in the end we went for the later, bigger, more powerful quad-cam, 3.4-litre Cosworth GAA based on the Essex V6. Churning out 420bhp-plus of sheer brute force, the GAA V6 provides a howling six-cylinder symphony that many consider automotive audio perfection.

    Ford Millington Diamond

    Roy Millington is something of a fast Ford hero, having had a hand in many race-winning engines over the years. But it’s without doubt the Millington Diamond series he’s most famous for: based on a Cosworth YB, this no-compromise alloy-block naturally-aspirated screamer became a popular replacement for ageing BDA engines, so naturally found a home in many Mk2 Escort rally cars. Just listen to that howl!

    From Fast Ford magazine.

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