Concours Restoration

[Judge]

Are you sure you have restored a Morris Minor to Concours condition before?

[chickenjohn]

Is that the MMOC concours initiation ceremony? ;-) ;)

But seriously, where can we get information about what is and what is not acceptable in a concours resto?

[Judge]

Is that the MMOC concours initiation ceremony? ;-) ;)

But seriously, where can we get information about what is and what is not acceptable in a concours resto?

If you send me a stamped SAE I will send you a set of the Rules & Regulations. However if you have any specific questions, I would be very happy to answer them on here or via a PM.

[chickenjohn]

Thanks, Judge, could you PM me your address for the rules??

I have one question- would you say that concours cars are born and not made, i.e. the car (unless exceptional original) should be restored from the ground up with concours in mind???

[Judge]

I have one question- would you say that concours cars are born and not made, i.e. the car (unless exceptional original) should be restored from the ground up with concours in mind???

My own personal preference is for a car to be as original as possible. Ellie, my 1954 Series II is almost completely original and unwelded. However to attain Grand Masters status unfortunately some parts had to be replaced, although wherever possible original parts were refinished. Examples of this were a few chrome plated items and certain areas of paintwork. To me, the history of a car is just as important, if not more so, than having one that looks right, and OJO, my 1950 Serries MM, is a good example of this. But having said all this, unfortunately there are not many cars of this age left in original condition, and if it were not for the enthusiasm, dedication and skills of those taking on a "less than perfect" Morris Minor, there would be far fewer of the lovely examples you see today.

[chickenjohn]

I'm trying to improve my skills- and a good eventual target to aim for would be to restore a car to compete in some sort of concours.

Not quite yet, but I'd like to one day do one car to that sort of standard just to see if I can do it! And I'll be starting with a rusty wreck and doing all the work myself (except chrome plating).

is this possible?

[Judge]

I'm trying to improve my skills- and a good eventual target to aim for would be to restore a car to compete in some sort of concours.

Not quite yet, but I'd like to one day do one car to that sort of standard just to see if I can do it! And I'll be starting with a rusty wreck and doing all the work myself (except chrome plating).

is this possible?

It is quite possible and has been done on many occasions, sometimes without even the benefit of a garage to work in!

[chickenjohn]

Thanks Judge, thats encouraging! A few more specific questions, if I may...

Do the concours judges inspect the underside of Minors as well?? And do any welded repairs have to look original, i.e. either invisible butt welded repairs to panels or complete new underside panels spot welded in (as per factory method).

What if these can't be spot welded, are marks deducted for plug welding, e.g. of sill panels, even if neat?

[Judge]

Judging is divided into four clear sections, ie interior, exterior, engine bay and underside, with a maximum of 250 marks per section. Judging is limited to 8 minutes per section.

As far as welding is concerned, restoration technique is a factor that can affect marking. To put it simply, the better the technique, the higher the marks. Equally however, over restoration can result in reduced marks. Originality is always a bonus.

I hope this helps.

PS It is hoped that it will be possible to download a full set of the Concours Rules & Regulations from the Members Area in the very near future.