There are different levels or classes in Concours. The classifications are designed to accommodate various levels of commitment (both of time and finances), car usage, age, and originality. As a beginner you can enter your daily driver and learn a great deal about the history of that model and year while making it gleam like it hasn't since leaving the showroom. If you want to take it a little more seriously then there are categories in which the originality of the car is considered as well as every tiny nook and cranny of the undercarriage. 

Following the PCA Parade Competition Rules, there are three Concours classifications, Preservation, Restoration and Preparation. Entrants in the Preparation Groups are judged in three designations:

• Full are judged exterior, interior, engine, storage compartments and undercarriage;
• Touring are judged exterior, interior, engine and storage compartments; undercarriage (chassis front/rear) is not judged
• Street are judged exterior and interior only (chassis front/rear, engine and storage compartments are not judged)

The Restoration Group is full only - all components are judged including the undercarriage. The Preservation Group is full only - all components are judged including the undercarriage.

You can find details of each class by going to PCA.org and doing a search on "PCR".

Full concours is for the more serious competitors. "Full" means every aspect of your car will be examined: interior, exterior, trunk, engine, and under chassis - front and rear. They'll look at everything from your spare tools to the jack. Nothing will go untouched. On the other end of the spectrum is the "Display Only" category for those that simply want to participate in the car show. The cars are there just to be displayed and are not usually eligible for any trophies.

In addition to Preparation and Display-Only, other Concours judging categories may also include: Touring, Street, Preservation, Restoration Top-Only or Serious, Closed, People's Choice, and Judge's Choice. Classes for PNWR Concours events typically include Touring, Full, Preservation and Performance. Our Show 'n Shine events, such as the Annual Picnic and the XXX Drive-In Social are far more casual, and awards include judges' and people's choice. 

Articles

Concours Clinic - Restoration Clinic - Restoration Clinic Notes
  - This is an outline of the talks by Terry Forland and Paul Risinger
 

Concours Clinic - Preparing for and Presenting on the Concours Field - Tips by Paul Risinger
  - Paul Risinger shares his concours prep tips and what to take with you to the field
 

Concours Clinic - Prep Tips - Modern Concours Prep Tips
  - Paul Risinger shares his step by step concours prep tips
 

Websites

Griot's Garage - www.griotsgarage.com
  - providing exceptional service and products to the avid automotive enthusiast
 

Detail Plus - www.detailplus.com
   - the car appearance professionals
 

Search Results on Google - search for concours

Who: Open to all club members' Porsches. Also open to those who just want to come and look at the beautiful, clean machines. There are several classes which include just about every stage of preparation and model of Porsche, from totally factory original to highly modified. There is also a category for "wash and shine" for those who do not want to get into the complete concours category.

Where: Event notice is given on the Event Calendar and in the print Spiel. Events are held in public parks, private yards, or such places as Carillon Point or Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery grounds. The largest of all Porsche concours is at the Porsche Parade, which is a PCA national event that is held at a different location each year.

When: Events usually begin with car placement in the morning, usually about 8 to 9 a.m. Judging follows this in a timely manner so that participants can enjoy lunch and the awards ceremony following the judging. Requirements: A clean Porsche.

Fees: There is usually just a nominal fee for local concours events to cover a light lunch. Sign-up fee for the All-Porsche Grand Display is part of the donation made to charity. In the case of Whistler Weekend and the Parade, entry into the concours is included with the registration.