from club VP Dan Sweetland
I’m going to share some information that I wished I was given years and years ago when I first started regarding
showing your vehicle for judging at an AMO National Meet. First off, the judges aren’t there to pick your car apart.
Instead, they point out areas that could use some improvement, or maybe even just compliment you on a job well done.
Everyone starts out in a class of their choice in the Junior Level. You are not judged against any other cars. Judging
is done on point level scoring with 200 points possible, so you are only competing against a point scale.
Junior Level
145 to 169 points - Bronze Award
170 to 184 points - Silver Award
185 to 200 points - Gold Award
Scoring above 190 points will also advance your vehicle into the Senior Level Division at the next AMO Meet you attend. Note, Special Interest and Race Car Classes are junior level only.
Senior Level the judging gets a little tougher, but the basics still apply
170 - 179 points Bronze Award
180 - 189 points Silver Award
190 - 200 points Gold award
There are also Best of Show awards for being the highest points scoring car in the Senior Classes. For stock classes these are the “Heritage” awards; non-stock they are simply Best of Show for each class. In both cases they are awarded to the top scoring car in the class, achieving a minimum of 190 Senior Gold points.
For a full list of information see the link American Motors Owners Concours Rules. (located in the documents are of this website)
DO’S
Get yourself an AMO badge and install it on the grill of your vehicle. First off it shows that you are a member of the AMO. Second there are points involved, and each point matters.
Have a fire extinguisher and place it by the left rear tire when you are on the show field. Always important to remember to pick it up before leaving. This is a requirement based on the insurance rider for the event, and your vehicle will not be
judged if there isn’t one in place.
All windows must be rolled up, but you can leave them down about 3/4 of an inch for ventilation. If you have a convertible the top must be up.
Hoods should be open. If the judges can’t see under the hood then no points will be awarded. It is better to get some points then zero points! The same goes for the trunk.
Clean up around your car. Remove your floor mats since part of judging includes carpet. Even if the undercarriage is
dirty, take the time, and visit the do-it-yourself car wash. Spending $2.00 on pressure washing it could pay off well
as grease and dirt will hurt your score. Cleanliness, and detailing is very important. Try to get into those hard-to-reach spots. Remember clean those bugs out of the radiator.
Make sure you are in the correct class. There are multiple classes so pick the correct one for your vehicle. If you aren’t sure, consult with the Concours Director to make the right choice.
Brings a cleaning box with all your favorite stuff. Make sure to have plenty of cleaning clothes, q-tips, touch up paint, and a lint brush.
Sign up to be a judge. If you are in the Junior class you will earn 2 extra points on your judging sheet, not to mention the knowledge you will learn on how judging works.
30 days after the show is over you can email the Concours Director to request a copy of your judging sheet, which
I highly recommend. Remember the judges are all volunteer, so opinions and scoring varies. They make every effort to make notes about point deductions, but aren’t always perfect. The more volunteer judges we have, the more time each team will have to write more detailed notes!
DO NOTS
Don’t place anything on your dash other than your window card. Covering things up will usually cost you a loss of points. Dash mats, and windshield shades are not a good idea until after the judging is done.
Don’t cover up the trunk floor with picture, trophies, or manuals. Have your spare tire, and tools there only.
A trunk mat is okay to have in place.
Don’t ever lean anything against your car. Sign boards, dolls, and stuffed animals once again only look like you are
trying to hide something - same thing with fender covers. If you have a sign board place it where there is walking
room between the sign, and your car. When judging starts you need to be done cleaning your car, so don’t wait until the last minute to get your cleaning done.
Don’t start up a vacuum that is going to blow dust all over. (I had this happen to
me in 2021 after I was finished cleaning my car the guy next to me started up his vacuum and without concern for anyone else, he dusted the side of my car down) I suggest you have your vacuuming done before entering the show field, and use a lint brush to handle any touch ups.
Don’t let your cleaning affect the people next to you. They don’t want the mist from your cleaning products on their
car. This can easily happen when parking is too close. (I saw someone get out his electric buffing wheel to polish his car last year.... not cool at all!) So please be mindful of others.
Don’t wait until the last minute to register for the show, or judging. By getting signed up early you help the people doing most of the planning get things ready, and planned out. Registration for judging closes Friday of the show, too, so don’t wait until Saturday morning. It is not personal, but don’t try to talk with the show judges, or follow them around as they are judging. They are told not to interact with the owners. If a judge has a question they will ask you, but don’t try to influence them. Again it is not personal. The judges have a tough job to perform in a short amount of time if they want to enjoy the show as well.
Don’t put a show canopy up anywhere around your car. Canopies are not allowed on the show field.
Don’t leave the show field too early. In some cases, the judges may need to revisit your car.
Don’t not leave anything behind when you leave the show. The host crew has worked hard enough for the last few
days, and picking up after someone else should not be required of them.
Don’t forget to have fun! The Nationals are more than just a car show. In closing the judges will typically mark your window card with a colored dot, or check mark to let you know your car has been judged. Only the head judge is allowed to touch your car, typically to open car doors. If you want to learn, or know more ask someone that is a regular at the events, or attend the judges meeting which typically takes place on Friday before the show. It is a great opportunity to
ask questions of the Concours Director and other AMO officers so there are no surprises on the day of the show.