Somewhere in the rules I believe it is stated that wheel wells and suspension shall not be judged. It is pretty easy to determine what is considered wheel well on an XJ6 or XK 120, for example but what is considered the front wheel well on an E-type? Logic would dictate that it would include all sheetmetal that surrounds the wheel and tire when the bonnet is closed, from below the headlight diaphragm back to the splashguard behind the tire that is outboard of the interior side panels that run on each side of the radiator when the bonnet is closed.

Am I correct or is there a different definition?

Regards, John

Submitted by mcload@ev1.net on Sun, 10/19/2003 - 21:32

I had the "opportunity" to judge a number of cars this year in the regrettable C-16 category, which in my humble opinion is a "catch-all" for cars with all kinds of non-authentic modifications and has no business in the Championship class. In essence, anything goes with these cars....with cleanliness being about the only thing that a judge can look for.

I recall an E-Type being presented for judging that had a similar malady as the one John poses. The headlight bucket area was quite dirty and little attempt had been made to scrub it with a brush. The channel where the bonnet hinge attaches was not body color, but brown dirt color, and it fully extended the entire length of the channel, from right to left and all points in-between. I pointed this out to the owner, but I do not recall deducting for it. If I didn't, I should have.

It was clear the owner made little effort in cleaning this (and many other) portion(s) of the car. More than likely, he or she missed this area at the self-serve high-pressure car wash, or simply ran out of quarters, or just didn't care to do a thorough job. Regardless, the car was presented for Championship judging....not Driven, not Club, but Championship. And, I might add, for points towards a national title.

Just because an entrant gets a back-door pass into the Champ series with an extremely non-authentic car doesn't mean it can be dirty as well.

Patrick

Submitted by jrwalker@ev1.net on Wed, 10/15/2003 - 08:34

Thanks Robert. Your statement reinforces what I thought. At the last concours I participated in one of the judges took the time to point out some dirt just outboard of the aluminum bonnet hinge block, but didn't state if he was deducting for it, and unfortunately at the time I didn't think to ask him if he was deducting for it.

Those aluminum hinge blocks are in the wheel well. Are they also not judged?

Regards, John

Submitted by NC19-03320J on Tue, 10/14/2003 - 21:35

The areas you mention, from inner panels out, including headlight area and the end sill panel are not visable or judged on other Jags, and are not judged C,D and E-Types. However being a firm believer in first impressions and as these areas are undercoated on my car, if they start to look a little 'nasty' I wash them down with soap and water and apply a coat of Latex flat black exterior house paint.
Bob