Judge the automobile in motion.

A universal dynamic methodology

Every automobile can be judged in motion.

Static judging explains what a car is. Judging in Motion reveals how the complete automobile behaves and communicates when it moves.

The format is not limited to classic cars, race cars, supercars or hypercars. It can be applied across the entire field as a complementary assessment, using criteria appropriate to the model and its intended behaviour when new.

100 points total: 40 points for Dynamic Impression, 20 points for Road Holding & Chassis, and 40 points for Sound.

40

Dynamic Impression

Presence, harmony, response and the quality of the driving presentation.

20

Road Holding & Chassis

Tracking, stance, body control and the visible behaviour of the chassis.

40

Sound

Engine character, running quality, exhaust note, induction and drivetrain.

Total

The three sections combine to a maximum score of 100 points.

A clear observation sequence

Approach. Pass by. Depart.

Judges observe the automobile through three consecutive phases. The approach reveals tracking and stance. The pass-by shows body control and the peak of the sound. The departure allows the exhaust note and visible emissions to be considered.

A concours automobile should be understood not only at rest, but also in motion.

Section A · 40 points

Dynamic Impression.

The first section considers whether movement, appearance and sound come together as a convincing, period-appropriate whole.

Section B · 20 points

Road Holding & Chassis.

The second section considers how the automobile tracks and how its body and chassis behave in motion. Judges look for a level stance, a rear that follows the front correctly, appropriate pitch and bounce, and the absence of visible wobble or audible knocks and rattles.

Section C · 40 points

Sound is part of the automobile’s identity.

Sound is evaluated for authenticity, quality and mechanical coherence rather than volume alone. The appropriate character depends on the model, its engine layout and the way the automobile was intended to sound when new.

• Engine character: authentic to the model and engine layout.
• Running quality: clean and even, without misfire, knock or abnormal clatter.
• Exhaust note: period-correct tone and volume, without leaks or drumming.
• Induction, drivetrain & emissions: correct intake sound, no inappropriate whine or howl, and no abnormal smoke or smell.

From the field

Applied to all automobiles in Marbella.

Judging in Motion has so far been applied at the Concurso de Elegancia Costa del Sol in Marbella, where it was used across the entire concours field rather than being reserved for one category of automobile.

Each criterion is scored from 1 to 10, from unacceptable to exciting or perfect. Judges record the score and supporting observations while evaluating each automobile against the behaviour appropriate to that model when new.

This common dynamic framework allows automobiles from different eras and categories to be observed consistently, while still respecting their fundamentally different engineering, character and intended use.

Judging in Motion can also be incorporated as a dynamic aspect within the evaluation criteria for supercars and hypercars. In that application, the observations of movement, chassis behaviour and sound complement the established assessment of build quality, usability, design, technological impact and character.