What It’s Like to Be a Concours Judge: Passion, Precision, and Porsche Paint

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a Concours judge, you’re not alone. Many car enthusiasts imagine white-gloved experts scrutinizing cars for the tiniest imperfection, and while that’s not entirely wrong, there’s much more to it. Concours judging is about fairness, collaboration, originality, and yes, a deep appreciation for automotive perfection.

As the owner of Chicago Auto Pros Detailing, I spend my days inspecting cars for paint defects, swirl marks, and detailing inconsistencies. That trained eye for quality is exactly what serves me well as a Concours judge.

Judging a Concours Isn’t Just About Cleanliness

Before you can step into the role of a judge, you must first complete training to ensure you understand how to score fairly and consistently. Concours events can vary, from full-blown factory-correct assessments to casual “Show and Shine” classes, but the overarching goal is usually the same: to present and evaluate a car as close as possible to how it left the factory.

Yes, cleanliness matters. But so does originality.

That’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of concours competition. A perfectly polished car with the wrong badges or non-factory wheels may lose to a less-polished but completely original vehicle.

My First Judging Experience with Porsche Club of America

I recently judged at my first Porsche Club of America (PCA) event. Clipboard in hand, I was assigned to help judge the “Show and Shine” class for vehicles from 2008 to present. You can think of this category as a gateway to full concours, a casual, low-pressure competition that rewards owners who take pride in keeping their cars looking fantastic, without penalizing them for stone chips or aftermarket mods.

It was the perfect starting point for me, especially since evaluating cleanliness and paint quality is what I do every day.

Thankfully, I was paired with an experienced judge who was generous with his knowledge and guidance. He explained his process: starting with an overall impression from a distance, then gradually moving in closer to inspect the details.

We compared notes on what we saw, a dirty wheel here, streaky glass there, and discussed how each car compared to others in its class. Scoring was collaborative and respectful, with a shared goal of maintaining consistency and objectivity.

Why the Story Matters

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Concours judge is meeting the owners. Every person who brings a car has a story, and often, that story can be the deciding factor when the competition is close.

Each vehicle reflects the owner’s taste, priorities, and passion. You’ll rarely see two of the same model at a show. Whether it’s an air-cooled 911 in a rare color or a resto-mod with family history, that emotional connection shines through. And when a car is presented with care, pride, and a compelling backstory, it elevates the judging experience.

What Makes a Great Judge?

There are a few key traits that distinguish an effective Concours judge:

1. Training – Understanding how to score fairly and consistently across a class.
2. Attention to Detail – A trained eye can spot things that others might miss.
3. Collaboration – Judging isn’t done in isolation; it’s a team effort.
4. Objectivity – You must check your personal preferences at the door.
5. Respect for the Owner’s Passion – Recognizing the care and dedication behind each car.

When Career Meets Hobby — And It Works

As a professional in the detailing world, I’m often asked if turning my car detailing hobby into a job ruins the joy. My answer? Absolutely not! How could anyone be great at this stuff if they do not truly love it?

“Anyone who says making a career out of your hobby will ruin it… is just wrong.”

My day job requires me to look past the surface-level excitement of a beautiful car and evaluate the details that matter to the customer. But when I step into a Concours event, I get to reconnect with the enthusiasm that first made me fall in love with cars, while still applying the skills I’ve honed over years of professional detailing.

It’s the best of both worlds: standing in a parking lot full of passionate car owners, swapping stories, and appreciating the beauty of automotive design, all while striving for fairness, accuracy, and shared respect.