A new appreciation for car shows

[excelguru]

Last fall, I attended my very first car show as a participant. (Prior to that, my Ford Escort made me a spectator more than a participant.) Anyway, I was all pumped up about showing the car, which was really only 90% complete at that time. Then I got to the show... Holy Crap.

I've been attending car shows as a spectator since I was old enough to see colors, but you know what? I was always so busy noticing the cars that I never really noticed the DETAILS! As I walked around the show last fall, I slowly came to the cold realization that I was WAY out-classed in this group. Not because my car wasn't nice (it is nice), but because of all those details the judges place emphasis on. This was more than just spending a few hours washing and waxing a car to make it "clean and shiny". No, this was far beyond that... this was bordering on obsessive-compulsive.

Well, I have my second-ever car show coming up on the 27th of April. It's one of those Ford-powered-only shows where I know the Cobra will be popular. (It's in Sumter, SC if anyone would like to attend.) I made my to-do list for the show this past weekend... 44 items. Yep, fourty-four. Geez. It will easily take me from now until the 27th working in the garage in the evenings to complete the list. And if this kid doesn't start sleeping at night, I'm not gonna have the energy to do that.

Yes, you could say I have a whole new appreciation for car shows and for those who compete in them.

Keith

[Edley Rondinone]

Keith, I hear you! There have always been people who seem to spend their WHOLE time at the car show wiping down their car, polishing this, buffing that, etc...I like to take the Cobra to the show, dust off the dust from the road there, then just relax, sit in the chair, and people-watch as they meander around the show. To me, THAT is the fun part!

[Excaliber]

I do love a good car show. The ones that are my favorite are the "local kine" cruise in. You know, gather at the Burger King and a TON of cars show up. Pretty much every month somewhere thats going on. A Band is playing, the parking lot is packed, just "hanging out". I'd race all day Saturday, drive to the "show" in the evening and wipe off the track dust after I parked. Thats my kinda show!

The "kids" loved the Cobra, kinda dusty with the meat balls and window markings still on it from race day. "Hey Mr. is that a "real" race car?" "It sure is, you want to sit in it?" Now THATS fun!

Ernie

[Tony Radford]

Keith, I must have attended 20+ events last season, both shows and cruise ins. I discovered a number of issues the hard way.

Judgement criterea is a big one. Replicas can only win in a "sex appeal" category, so I stay away from the ones that are sponsered by local antique and historic enthusiastists. How the awards are categorized in critical. It's almost impossible to win "best paint", "best engine" or "best interior" as someone there will have $20K invested in one of those categories. Shows that are judged by women (local cheerleaders, Hooter's babes etc.) are good ones for Cobras. Events that have a "spectator choice" or simply "top 25" class are good. If a Cobra replica can win, super clean or semi clean doesn't really matter.

[klayfish]

Hence why I would not take my car to a "judged" car show. You're not allowed to drive your car, because if you did, it might get some dust on it, and the judges just hate to see dust. So you have to load it onto a trailer, which has to be spotless too, lest dirt fall from the trailer onto the car, and roll the car in and out. Forget it, I bought this thing to DRIVE and race. I'm proud of the car as it is, and it still shines up real nice that I can take it to a cruise night with pride. I go to a few cruise nights and non-judges shows, but even then I leave after a few hours out of bordem. I'd rather be picking tire "marbles" out of my grille from a day at the track.

I do enjoy myself when I'm at cruises and shows, but only short bits at a time.

Good luck at the show Excel, let us know how it goes.

Steve

[Hal Copple]

When you drive a Replica, and occasionally hang out with other Replica guys, you have a tendency to forget how seldom other folks actuallly see one of these cars on the road.

I guess, even in Charlotte, i don't see another Replica more than several times a year. So at a car show, any Replica just wows the fans. They will crowd around your car, which by the way, is a fine one, i have seen it up close. You will have countless people ask all sorts of questions, take pictures, want to touch it, etc.

So go for the fun, to share the excitement, and see other cars.

Remember, other folks very rarely see one of these out on the road, and probably never have the opportunity to see one up close and personal.

How's the new baby getting along, mom and baby thriving i presume? Daddy-hood is a cool experience.

[B L & sons]

Keith
I will try to make the show.Do you have a # that I could call to get information.
It would be worth the trip just to check out your cobra.
Won't be able to bring the cobra but would be able to show my mustang.
Thanks
Bill

PS We met you and your wife at SAAC in Charlotte a Few years back.