Car shows - Debate Topic

[Blackbirdws6]

For those that attend car shows, do you get angry or frustrated if a new, mostly stock car wins an award?

[BonzoHansen]

Depends on the nature of the show and the nature of the award. Not angry or frustrated, probably since I don't care (nor expect) about trophies or such, but more of a SMH in some instances.

[sweetbmxrider]

Depends on the car I think and the reason for trophy.

[LTb1ow]

Yup, but as Bonzo said its more of a SMH kinda thing.

[NJ Torque]

I understand Brian's question and the reasoning behind it.

I think of it this way... All cars were once new. Whats the difference on a new Corvette/Mustang (in your case, Charger) but in 40 years if your car is all stock/original its wonderful/what cars shows are made up of now.

[Jersey Mike]

For those that attend car shows, do you get angry or frustrated if a new, mostly stock car wins an award?

You're biased, as am I.
However, if something incredible comes by that makes it move, and the owner has shown extreme attention to detail (I'm talking all the OCD nitpicking: Q-Tips, stoneless tires, flawless door jambs, blah blah blah) then I'm less bitter at the end of the day. Anyone can buy a car, drive it down the road and show it off. But if a guy takes an already amazing looking car & starts going OCD with detailing, then I'm okay with that owner getting recognition for his work. It's no longer equal to it's dealer-supplied counterparts at that point.

[ar0ck]

Geez, why do I feel like this thread was directed at me, after my Facebook post? :lol:

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that competition at car shows i’m sure can be as fierce as any professional sport out there. And each and every judge's interests and perspectives can vary, but everyone wants to win – and that drive is what makes for some of the most stunning vehicles we as enthusiasts have ever seen. But I believe a line must be drawn. I want to say I don’t care because right now I have nothing worth showing off, but I can relate to that feeling of disappointment when a car like yours which you recently purchased right off the showroom floor takes home a large trophy just because it’s nice and new.

We all started somewhere when it comes to this hobby, and there's generations after generations who are struggling to build second hand cars on part time jobs and college budgets. Hell I’m a grown adult still trying to build a project in my parents driveway for pennies, it would hurt my feelings too that my personal pride and joy whatever it may be (which to many may just be seen as a polished turd) lost to a $60k car I can go to the dealership and oogle over that has nothing more than a driveshaft and meticulous detailing. I’m not trying to make a personal jab at you Brian, but in the end I think it is kind of messed up.

I’m not saying “ban all new cars from car shows” I get that with the exception of Concours-level shows which apply point systems, most of this stuff is subjective. Again I just don't think it adds up. Personally, if I saw that happen regularly at any car show I frequent, I would lose interest real fast. It boils down to having fair and balanced classes for attendees, not for the sponsoring car club’s membership and that includes even and fair period/era/decade classes.

[BonzoHansen]

I understand Brian's question and the reasoning behind it.

I think of it this way... All cars were once new. Whats the difference on a new Corvette/Mustang (in your case, Charger) but in 40 years if your car is all stock/original its wonderful/what cars shows are made up of now.

I'll take this particular aspect. Any car still in production is not special. And car show winners cars should be special.

All else being equal (level of detail, etc) its usually it's hard to watch a 201x anything win over lets say an equally pristine special or interesting older car. Lets use a simple 2nd gen fuelie corvette as an example - not even a BBC car or any crazy variation, but not a plain jane either. Getting past the effort it takes to restore and maintain one, and the cost, the 2g vette is a flat out hall of fame car. and for good reason, it's one of the best looking American cars ever designed inside & out, a design that has not been diminished over the years. And it's been saved/restored/preserved. A brand new anything is a rookie and there lots of them. IMO the new car has not earned it's stripes that are generally earned over time, regardless of dyno numbers and all the current oohs and aahhhs. It's still a common car at this point, albeit the top of the common car food chain.

I also recognize that people are infatuated with new & shiny. I went to a cruise night last year and there were a lot of nice cars, new and old. I saw lots of huddles around some newer cars, the zaino stickered euro-car of the day and some others. But many people likely missed the Ida built Caddy in the lot. By 100% or more this was the best car in the lot hands down, zero argument if you actually stopped and looked at it. It probably took more time to build than the 30 newest cars in the lot took to be built combined. It was a masterpiece. Judges get swayed in similar fashion. This wasn't a judged show, just a theoretical example to highlight a point, but if it were and that car lost to a 2015 Shelby whatever, i'd want to punch the judges in the throat and revoke their man cards. I'd think the same if BLS's Firebird lost an award to a new HC, for the same reason.

It is hard to make any generalized statement because there are so many variables that impact my thought process. is it a show or a regular cruise, a club show, what is the primary target of the show, what was the award (best late model, best of show, etc). Semi-regular cruise nights, take Howell for instance, will not give an award to the same cars every week, they try to spread it around, keep people coming That's fine, no problem. And to the person who is there only one week the choices may be mind boggling, but you need to see the bigger picture.

I don't even bring cost into play as I know restoring such a car is easily more money than buying a new hellcat (as a simply topical example). I also recognize that many guys can write a check for a restoration, so that dilutes the buying a new car discussion a bit. So eh, stay away from the cost argument, and the "he just bought it" argument, and even the 'its easy' argument. Keep the focus on the cars.

[BonzoHansen]

Oh btw, to the annoying Challenger Hellcat or SRT or whatever owner who thinks your car is cooler than a 1970 Hemi Challenger, you are wrong. And you will be forever. You are simply driving a more highly sophisticated clone, not the magnificent original.

Sorry, I heard a guy talking at a cruise night that pissed me off. Seemed somewhat on topic lol

[Blackbirdws6]

This topic was debated on social media so I figured it would be interesting to discuss it here. I did not post it to secretly gain support for a recent car show event where I took home a size-able trophy for simply bringing a new, clean car. Honestly the whole thing was extremely awkward. It happened a couple weeks ago at a casual cruise night. I didn't bother to wash the car and won a little trophy. I kept saying to myself "I'm that *********." Like any other show, I went to have a good excuse to drive my car, see people/cars and enjoy the day being around what I love. I'm no trophy hunter by any means but if I get one, well that's great.

With that said, I think the trouble really comes in with the assumed perception of any car show. Everyone assumes the judges are knowledgeable about the vehicles and can score them to the appropriate level. Of the 4 or so shows I've attended this year, the classes are usually roughly defined and as you would expect, go to the judges favorite cars. A couple have been sponsored trophies by an organization who pick their favorite car. Not the best, most well maintained, rare, etc but their favorite. If I was judging a show, I would be biased towards my favorites but also how someone modded the car. Is the guy with the airbrushed mural better than the guy who is less flashly but has equally as much work in the car? I dunno but in the end, these all appear to be for fun.

For those who want to go to a show gunning for a trophy, my only suggestion is to read the details and determine if it is for you.

Alex - This thread was not meant towards you at all. And for the record aside from the driveshaft no one sees....the hellcat has window tint, corner light tint, fender guards and has been partially debaged/rebadged. It's a highly modified vehicle!!! :)

[jeff wilson]

If this is a yes or no question then Yes

[sweetbmxrider]

What if its a bone stock 1970 challenger? 2013 zr1? 2017 lambo? 2015 camaro v6 vin#0001? What if the same $60k was dumped into a yugo? Too much silly gray area. Never cared for winning at car shows, I only like genuine reactions from cool people.

[jeff wilson]

What if its a bone stock 1970 challenger? 2013 zr1? 2017 lambo? 2015 camaro v6 vin#0001? What if the same $60k was dumped into a yugo? Too much silly gray area. Never cared for winning at car shows, I only like genuine reactions from cool people.
Guess i dont care for winning shows either. My camaro has 6500miles on it and its getting a 6pt rollbar this week.

[jeff wilson]

BTW congradulations Brian on your trophy!!!

[Jersey Mike]

I guess I need a Facebook. You ****ers are having fun without me.

[sweetbmxrider]

Guess i dont care for winning shows either. My camaro has 6500miles on it and its getting a 6pt rollbar this week.

http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/sites/default/files/styles/logo-thumbnail/public/102011/like_button.png?itok=aOi08o5U

[unstable bob gable]

I don't know what to think anymore. I saw a really cool 72 Lemans with a stroked 455 pull into a car club gathering and guys wouldn't walk over 4 parking spaces to look at it. And one of those guys owned a high line new car. And It's been rammed down my throat that ricers are really just young adult car enthusiasts who are important to our hobby for the money they bring in for fart pipes, neon, and stretching skinny tires on wide rims. So quite frankly I think the hobby has gone all to hell and I couldn't give a fukke if a brand new Honduh got a 75 foot tall trophy at the Somerville cruise. What I appreciate is people like the guy at Wendy's yesterday who took a few minutes to check out my Spirit R/T. That to me was better then a trophy.

[sweetbmxrider]

I don't know what to think anymore. I saw a really cool 72 Lemans with a stroked 455 pull into a car club gathering and guys wouldn't walk over 4 parking spaces to look at it. And one of those guys owned a high line new car. And It's been rammed down my throat that ricers are really just young adult car enthusiasts who are important to our hobby for the money they bring in for fart pipes, neon, and stretching skinny tires on wide rims. So quite frankly I think the hobby has gone all to hell and I couldn't give a fukke if a brand new Honduh got a 75 foot tall trophy at the Somerville cruise. What I appreciate is people like the guy at Wendy's yesterday who took a few minutes to check out my Spirit R/T. That to me was better then a trophy.

You are officially worse than my girlfriend. Get your fukking panties out of a bunch and move on.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

I also hate when a newish, mostly stock vehicle wins an award...unless it's a "modern" category, all that model/brand show (like Camaro Nationals). Have I entered the Camaro into many shows and cruises? Of course? Expect to win an award? Absolutely not. Maybe 20 years from now. Can't be mad at the owner for trying, though.

On the flip side, I hate even more how some shows/cruises exclude new cars such as your HC Charger on the entire basis that it's new.

[unstable bob gable]

You are officially worse than my girlfriend. Get your fukking panties out of a bunch and move on.

The OP asked for opinions so I gave mine. That's not ok with you, Troll Boy? Well, you can go fukk yerself. Why don't you remove the seat from your BMX bike, plant yerself firmly, and go ride off a cliff.

[sweetbmxrider]

The OP asked for opinions so I gave mine. That's not ok with you, Troll Boy? Well, you can go fukk yerself. Why don't you remove the seat from your BMX bike, plant yerself firmly, and go ride off a cliff.

:facepalm: You keep bringing up that no one looked at some pos that your friend drove to an f-body meet. You should put the seat back on your bike, you seem too butt-hurt for that fun.

I'm embarrassed I ever bought a shirt to support you when things were tough in your life. If you want, paypal me the money back and I can mail you the shirt or dispose of it. Its your choice.

[Blackbirdws6]

I don't know what to think anymore. I saw a really cool 72 Lemans with a stroked 455 pull into a car club gathering and guys wouldn't walk over 4 parking spaces to look at it. And one of those guys owned a high line new car.

You really need to get over it. Your buddy also didn't take any interest in the others cars in the parking lot that day either. Why not say something at the meet rather than smash away at the keyboard afterward or via text?



On the flip side, I hate even more how some shows/cruises exclude new cars such as your HC Charger on the entire basis that it's new.

I do find this annoying but more so if the meet is dead and it's clear they need some additional participation.

[sweetbmxrider]

Cars and Coffee seems to be the best. No awards right? No bitches to cry about participation ribbons? Real life isn't hugs and kisses and ****** drawings on the fridge.

[Blackbirdws6]

Cars and Coffee seems to be the best. No awards right? No bitches to cry about participation ribbons? Real life isn't hugs and kisses and ****** drawings on the fridge.

I love these events if they don't become too ridiculous. The less casual, the less I like them but they do draw a great variety of cars.

[BonzoHansen]

Cars and Coffee seems to be the best. No awards right? No bitches to cry about participation ribbons? Real life isn't hugs and kisses and ****** drawings on the fridge.

Yes. Give me a good cruise night over anything with awards. Although I could do w/o paying to go to a cruise night with no charity involved. But I digress.

[ar0ck]

Yes. Give me a good cruise night over anything with awards. Although I could do w/o paying to go to a cruise night with no charity involved. But I digress.

Same for the Wyckoff & Whiskey shows up north, it was just a place for everyone to get together, they were the perfect speed. I think Whiskey since it was a bars parking lot stepped it up with music and food.

[sweetbmxrider]

I like when the entry goes towards a good cause, warm and fuzzy!

[Jersey Mike]

Yes. Give me a good cruise night over anything with awards. Although I could do w/o paying to go to a cruise night with no charity involved. But I digress.

:stupid:


I think the bottom line here is pretty clear though: Brian is not allowed to bring either of his cars to any judged setting in which I'm entered. However, feel free to let me put fingerprints all over either of your beasts at a cruise night :mrgreen: #HarrisonBergeron

[Blackbirdws6]

:stupid:


I think the bottom line here is pretty clear though: Brian is not allowed to bring either of his cars to any judged setting in which I'm entered. However, feel free to let me put fingerprints all over either of your beasts at a cruise night :mrgreen: #HarrisonBergeron

I'd wait a few years to do that until they have the robotic prosthetics well sorted.

[redsoxsstink]

I chuckled at this topic, i remember talking to you about that night when your dirty car won that trophy and how you felt like a jerkoff. To me winning a trophy at a cruise night is almost always a participation trophy. Very rarely are they actually judged, so winning a trophy doesnt really mean much anyway. I do feel some kind of way when a really really nice custom car doesnt win said participation trophy but the new car designed and built by a corporation does, but come enough and the custom will get the trophy, new hellcats and vettes cant win everytime.

Bottom line to me is, cruise nights are for participation, comradery and a chance to escape girlfriends and wives. Trophies are a littler perk and if you are getting salty enough to make a big stink about a new showroom car getting one and not your 1969 (fill in the blank) than you have bigger problems.

[BonzoHansen]

^^what he said!

[Blackbirdws6]

Well put Nick.

[elle]

I like cruise nights and car shows. I usually don't participate in either. I like to park , look around and leave (sometimes eat). I will never spend an entire evening or day doing either. Now my wife has a "new" muscle car it's strange going to these events. We don't want to "enter". We just want to park and enjoy. Most local car shows are rigged. I just went to a really small local show a few weeks ago. There had to be 30 -40 trophies and the show was lucky to have 50 cars. We personally like all years of all cars/trucks/bikes.

[69RSZ]

If everyone just went to have a good time and be with car people who enjoy car shows or cruise nights there would be no hard feelings.Go and have a good time and the heck with the stupid trophy

[1972LT1]

Used to love the cruise nights at Fuddruckers in Turnersville before the ricers killed it. There also used to be a decent Sunday night show at Crispin Square in Marlton. It was sponsored by the gto club. After a while there were always 2 or 3 gto club members winning trophys and the judges ignored the Camaros that came to the event. They didn't even bother to collect the entry form that you filled out and leave on the drivers side dash.

[Frosty]

Used to love the cruise nights at Fuddruckers in Turnersville before the ricers killed it.


Yup, that's the truth right there.

[ThoR294]

I don't have a pristine show car, so I know I'm never going to win. If there is no money involved, then I realllly don't care. If there's a money prize and some peckerhead in a brand new stock car wins... I'd feel bad for the other guys who put their blood sweat and tears into their car. again, idgaf because I'm neva eva gonna win

P.S. add me on facebook bitches

[KevinW]

Glad this thread was brought back up! Missed it while I was on vacation!

When I first went to cruises/shows with my freshly restored car, yes the way the trophies were given out did bug me. But as I got older and wiser (too old now :D), the shows and cruise are just an excuse to get out for a drive. I am not one to just drive around without a destination, like my neighbor (68 Camaro, 69 ELC, 83 KenWorth Cali special).

I like to have a place to go (a place I have never been to is ideal!), see some friends, meet new people, see some cars, have something to eat or an ice cream. That is what it is all about.

If I pay for a show (man the prices are going up!), then I stick around to see who wins the trophies. I really like the unique ones. Otherwise I leave before trophy time.

I remember a time when everyone left a cruise night early except for me and my friends because we got there later and ate dinner. So we got all the trophies, cause we were the only ones left. Had a big laugh!

I do not mind the new cars (I call them checkbook show cars). Mostly they are the higher horsepower, more rare versions and it is good to see them. If they win a peer judged trophy, good for them. Keeps them coming back.

If someone has a nice car and put the time into cleaning it and going to an event, donating to the club/business/charity, then it is all good. Having a good turnout of cars will keep these events going and growing.

I even got a chuckle out of the army of older Toyota Camrys at the South Brunswick show. If you are proud of your car, show it off :D

Car showing is always evolving. Way back when, it was the Model T's and A's that people kept and showed, now those are parked in garages and that segment is graying. Newer cars from the 50s took their place, and so it goes.

So as long as you get you car out, support the business and clubs willing to put the time in to organize these (lots of work and Insurance!), then life is good.

Thinking about going to the Silver Diner show in Cherry Hill on Monday. Long drive and we like the Diner and I have never been to this show. Plus it is on Labor Day! Weather permitting of course :)

[deadtrend1]

Thinking about going to the Silver Diner show in Cherry Hill on Monday. Long drive and we like the Diner and I have never been to this show. Plus it is on Labor Day! Weather permitting of course :)

Weather is the big factor, but if you do let me know. Its right around the corner from me

[KevinW]

Weather is getting better :) It will be a last minute decision when I wake up tomorrow. $20 show and I am on the fence.

[6spdg37s]

I really would like to win at a car show at some point with my 01 SS that I have done alot of work done to. but i probably wont because ... my car is extremely clean for an 01 camaro ss ...but not as clean as a brand new painted car.

[IROCZman15]

I remembered this thread just yesterday actually after leaving the car show at Nielsen Chevrolet (formerly Ayers Chevrolet) in Dover. Sunday, they had their first annual car show (which was postponed from last sunday). Had a good turnout of about 50-60 cars throughout the day, which isn't bad considering there were several other shows in a 20 mile radius or so.


I of course knew I wasn't winning a trophy and almost left early but I had cruised in with my neighbor and his custom 1940 something full blown resto-mod frame off custom Ford pickup truck, and he was chatting with a bunch of his buddies who all had custom coupes and vintage iron custom cars, so I decided to hangout and wait with him until the awards were finished so we could cruise home together.

Long story short, they didn't do any classes for cars to be judged, it was just a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophy for the whole show. No big deal. 3rd place went to a very nice 1960's something corvette i think. Second place went to some mildly modified (kinda silly looking) old VW bug beetle. Then.. 1st place went to a STOCK 2012 orange Dodge Charger SRT. what in the heck? The old guys from the "north jersey street rod" gang I was hanging out near were stunned. So was I. So were plenty of people who had nice chevelles, 1st gen camaros, old lead-sled rods, total custom built coupes and high dollar street rods. A stock challenger and a wacky VW bug?!?? Just didn't sit right with them; nor with me. Especially at show hosted by/at a Chevy dealership.

Reminded me of this discussion so i figured I'd share.

[jeff wilson]

People are weak minded

[sweetbmxrider]

Who were the judges? Kinda serious. Could have been the owner's kids or something like that....

[TaKid455]

Trends I've seen are top X get a dust collector where X = 10, 20, ect.
'Fun' judging where its people's choice, random kids or people of special needs. While the show's intent is to be fun, it can cause unfairness/ butthurt as selections are being done by people with lack of understanding. Not their fault but I put it on the organizers to realize and understand the consequences as results similar to IROCZman15's observations can occur.

Other is no judging. Just come and enjoy.

I'm not in it for the dust collector, but if you're going to have selections, make it legit.

[edpontiac91]

I was at the 2nd annual car show at Linden Airport today. Last year they had 350 cars. So I get there early, around 8:45 am and I'am number 99. OK, park the car, come to find out there are NO classes, JUST 115 trophies to the top 100. Fast forward to find out awards are to be given out at 3:30 and it is now 2:45 and I have not yet been "JUDGED". Go to the DJ, who I believe was Running the show and explain I still was not looked at. OK, I go back to my car and several minutes later TWO really old guys (from the Galloping Hill Car Club) show and and proceed to take down the information on my display card. NOW 15 seconds later they just turned around and TOOK OFF:rofl:. Of course I was awarded nothing. My POINT here is NOT SOUR GRAPES or that I deserve anything, BUT don't tell me before the awards were given out, that they were overwhelmed by the fact that over 560 cars attended the show. If I paid the money and was one of the first 100 cars, but at the tail end of the judging, what was the sense of sending out two people (who did s**t) and wasted my time:-x.
These shows have turned into a money machine because of a lack of classes, good judges (people who know what the hell they are looking at).
If you consider this to be a rant, your correct. Most shows do NOT have the man power to run a QUALITY program.
One LAST observation is the F-Body turnout. There were about six 1st and 2nd Gens, BUT except for myself, NO 3rd or 4th Gens at all, NOT even the Camaro group. This was to be the last event before the Winter and I thought some of the guys here would have showed up. No biggy :-?

[Blackbirdws6]

I actually would have attended that show today as the Mopar folks were heading up there. I believe they took home most represented club. I was prepping for the track day tomorrow and needed every free minute. Glad you got the car out.