A Concours d'Elegance (a French phrase meaning a competition of elegance, or literally, "concours of excellence") refers to the gathering of prestigious cars. Concours, (pronounced: "Con-Kor"), dates back to 17th century French aristocracy, who paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer weekends and holidays. Over time, carriages became horseless, and the gatherings became a competition among automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles as well as their attire.

A modern Concours d'Elegance is a competitive car show to award recognition to the owners of automobiles that are best prepared and presented. In Concours, a wide range of competition exists from simple "wash and shine" classes to national events where every nut and bolt has been polished on the undercarriage, being cleaned to better than factory condition.

Usually, Concours participants bring their cars to the judging area with only final preparation remaining before they are judged. When the judging commences, a team of four judges will then have 5 minutes to judge specific areas of the car. They will look for cleanliness, quality of preparation, lack of damage, and presentation. Vehicles are judged against others of similar body style and age. There is even a division for racecars!

Below is a brief description of the classes judged in a Peachstate Concours event:

• Street: (also called "Wash and Shine"): This competition category involves the judging of the car's interior and exterior only, and is usually based on "eye appeal". Originality is not a consideration when your vehicle is being judged - only cleanliness. "Street" is the class for those interested in showing their cars with some preparation, but not HOURS of meticulous cleaning. The maximum (best possible) score that can be awarded in our "Street Class" is 140 points. See Street class divisions here . View actual Street class scoring sheets and criteria here .

A sub-category within the "Street" area is the "Rookie" class. This is the class for first-timers to try out Concours and see how they like it. Judging is limited to the car's interior and exterior only, similar to "Street" judging and uses "Street" class scoring sheets. Blue, Red, and White ribbons are awarded based total points scored.

• Touring: (referred to at the National Porsche Parade as the "Tour Class"): This judging category takes into consideration the interior, exterior, engine, and storage compartments. The judges look for cleanliness, quality of preparation, lack of damage, and presentation. In 2018 The "Tour Class" has been divided into 2 groups, Preparation Group I and Preparation Group II. The Preparation Group I will include all cars from 356's through 2011 except Boxsters and Caymans. This group will have Exterior, Interior, Storage, and Engine judged. The maximum (best possible) score that can be awarded in a Peachstate Concours "Tour Class" Preparation I is 235 points. The Preparation group II includes all Boxsters, Caymans, plus Cayennes, Panameras, Macans, and 2012-on 911/s. This group will be judged on the Exterior, Interior, and Storage areas. The Engine area will NOT be judged. The maximum (best possible) score that can be awarded in a Peachstate Concours "Tour Class" Preparation II group is 180 points. See all "Tour Class" groups here . View actual "Tour Class" scoring sheets and criteria here and here .

Even the Concours spectators get involved by casting their vote on their favorite entry in the People's Choice award. The People's Choice award goes to the car that is chosen favorite by the people attending the Concours.

For Peachstate members, Concours events are not only a great way to socialize with other Porsche owners, but they are also a great way to see some of the most beautiful, best preserved, best maintained Porsches in the greater Atlanta area. As such, their Porsches are often the most valuable, as well. Often Concours are held at beautiful, interesting venues, adding to the overall ambiance.

For Concours competitors, these events serve as a FUN way for like-minded folks to exchange information, cleaning tips, and more. Our region has a reputation for competing successfully at the highest levels of Concours competition and this is in large part due to the experience gained by our members in competition locally.

For those interested in learning more about Concours, the Peachstate Concours committee presents an annual Concours School in the Spring before the first competition. If you want to enter your Porsche in local, regional, and/or the National Parade Concours, this school will be invaluable. Check the Master club calendar for this date.

Even if cleaning your Porsche with a Q-tip isn't exactly your cup of tea, you can still come out and enjoy seeing the wide variety of Porsches from the late 50's to present day cars in pristine condition. As with all Peachstate events, the Concours is 100% volunteer staffed, so volunteers of any skill level are greatly appreciated.