I read that the XJ-S class is to be split for the 2005 concours year. Since I have several, this is a topic that I have a vested interest in.
I recommend that the split be carefully considered and that the best split may not necessarily be the obvious one...pre-facelift and post-facelift models. While this seems like the proper split, other factors may dictate otherwise.
Data from the 2002 and 2002 concours seasons should be reviewed and the XJS cars grouped into several categories to determine the level of participation in these various subcategories. Subcategories would include coupes, convertibles, cabriolets, pre-facelift, post-facelift, V12, I6, etc. This data caould also be compared against import numbers to check on potential future participation.
The last thing we want to do is create a split that is lopsided, as might be the case for pre- and post-facelift cars. Another consideration may be fairness of competition, or rather, the difficulty of competition. As an example, anyone with a V12 XJS knows that preparing the engine compartment is an ordr of magnitude more difficult than the 6-cylinder model. There are lots more opportunities for deducts with a V12 than a 6. How about a split along those lines? How about a coupe/convertible split? It has always seemed to me a little bit unfair that a convertible is judged to the same standards as a coupe with respect to the interior headlining since the very act of lowering and raising the top virtually prevents pristine condition, whereas for the coupe this is not an issue.
Any way, be judicious in the splitting of the class!
Stevo
Submitted by dougdwyer@eart… on Tue, 05/04/2004 - 22:12
The difficulty of prepping a V12 engine bay for concours is a point very well taken. It is, at minumum, daunting. "Overwhelming" is a more apt description.
Still, I think the most local split would be "open cars" and "closed cars".
Cheers
Doug Dwyer
JDRC/NWA