Hi -

Very new member of JCNA.

Had an old 90 XJ-6 woth over 215,000 miles that I used for 6 years to beat around in. Wrecked her a few months ago. Missed her and decided I needed a new toy.

Recently bought an '89 XJ-S w/less than $18,000 original miles. Took her to the shop for repairs to be expected of any 18 YO car - replace rubber bushings, etc.

Shop told me I should get her painted and enter her at event in Championship class. I've learned through investigation that the new pait job would be nearly what I paid for the car.

So . . . since she is a driver (for a few miles on Sunny days with no chance of rain) I plan to enter her soon in Driven Class.

Never done that before and don't have a CLUE . . .

I've read a good portion of the Concours Rules, etc. but was hoping for a few tidbits of firsthand advice.

Obviously, clean is important but how clean in CLEAN? does the entire car get the white glove test?

Are certain areas more important than others/

Any practical tidbits will be appreciates.

Thanks!

KLW - Mt. Vernon/Alexandria
Westminster Blue 1989 XJS

Submitted by Keith@MyMtVern… on Thu, 08/30/2007 - 22:42

Following up from my orginal post

OK - - - I've been cleaning, buffing & polishing like crazy.

Have also studied all the info I can find in the JCNA online Concours Rule Book & Forms. Found very explicit info on deductions for non-authehenticity, etc. but nothing specific on cleanliness.

Where can I find that information. For example what is the deduction for a fingerprint on glass? a couple flecks of dust on a dash? an overlooked crumb along the side of the seat cushion? a missed spot of wax residue?

Just trying to figure this all out . . .

Thanks for any help!

KLW - Mt. Vernon/Alexandria - Westminster Blue 1989 XJS

Submitted by dcamburn@nc.rr.com on Fri, 08/24/2007 - 09:25

I don't think you should give up. A few years ago I purchased my '93 XJR-S. I started toying with the idea of showing it, which I did at a Jaguar Concours. I read the admonishments that judging takes up significant time for the judges so entrants were advised to be serious about being judged. Thus, I made sure that I invested a commensurate amount of time preparing the car. My own standard was to get the XJR-S as close as I could to the day the car was driven off the show room floor. I think Doug's advise is spot on: clean it until it is perfect and then clean it again and then one more time. It is work, but I found it relaxing and very rewarding.

I found the best teacher, however, was participating in the Concours. I learned so much from the other participants. The judging went well and I scored high but the biggest benefit to me was the knowledge I gained by entering. Other Jaguar owners are wonderful mentors.

I say give it a try. There are lots of sources of information on the Internet about preparing a car for showing, from Jaguar sources and from other sources as well.

1993 XJR-S

Submitted by dougi@shaw.ca on Fri, 08/24/2007 - 01:25

Keith, my advice to first timers is to clean it as best you can, then clean it again, and when you think it is as clean as it possibly can be, start cleaning it again. On the day of the event, get there as early as you can and sepnd the entire time up to "rags down" cleaning it some more. If you think you have cleaned it completely and thoroughly, you have probably missed something that the judges will see instantly.

Good luck and above all, have fun!

Doug Ingram

Submitted by dougi@shaw.ca on Fri, 08/24/2007 - 01:25

Keith, my advice to first timers is to clean it as best you can, then clean it again, and when you think it is as clean as it possibly can be, start cleaning it again. On the day of the event, get there as early as you can and sepnd the entire time up to "rags down" cleaning it some more. If you think you have cleaned it completely and thoroughly, you have probably missed something that the judges will see instantly.

Good luck and above all, have fun!

Doug Ingram

Submitted by Keith@MyMtVern… on Thu, 08/23/2007 - 00:51

Jag Friends,

Thanks for the feedback! Pretty much what I expected to hear . . . and what I think I'm hearing is that any Jag driven to the meet is bound to pick up a bit of dust on the way so get there very early, take a portable vacuum and complete detailing kit with you and keep busy . . . ? ?

KLW - Mt. Vernon/Alexandria, VA -
Westminster Blue 1989 XJS

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Wed, 08/22/2007 - 01:14

Nice Jag :-)

In driven class the engine compartment and luggage compartment are not judged so you needn't worry about those. And the underbody and suspension are not judged in either class, so you're off the hook there. Everything else must be VERY clean. Toothpicks-to-clean-the-nooks-and-crannies clean. No dust around the radio knobs clean. Not a speck of dirt on the brake pedal clean. No road film in the grille bars clean.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJR

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Wed, 08/22/2007 - 01:07

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca

HiKeith, the driven class just examines the exterior of the car for cleanliness, condition, body gaps/lines, the passenger compartment is the other area in driven, clean is clean , just as a sink in the kitchen, if it is not clean you use a cleaner so it is clean, gentle cleaners preffered. Spare tyre is not judged in driven class. Authentic is another keyword,.
Check out the judging guide / manual on the Concours page and read all the Driven Division Rules.