How to Win a Car Show

In November 1900, the Automobile Club of America sponsored the first modern car show, which took place in New York City. Referenced today as “The Grandmother of All Auto Shows”, it featured…

• 66 exhibitors
• 31 autos
• 10,000 delighted attendees eager to view the cutting-edge technology of the time

Since the turn of the 20^th century, car shows have emerged as a favorite American pastime. They provide a platform for passionate vehicle builders to showcase their talents. The aftermarket industry is flush with opportunity to make any vehicle unique and bring your personality to life. Car builders strive to create a masterpiece that stands out from the automotive eye candy found at every car show.

How do you stand out from the crowd and win a car show?

We asked some of our experts how they’ve cut through the noise to make impressive names for themselves and capture awards and accolades.

Pro tip: it’s not just the build, it’s the heart and soul behind it.

Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs

Murray Pfaff can do it all – and he does it well. His talents reach beyond building spectacular vehicles. They range from graphic design to event execution and everything in between.

From the initial vehicle renderings that illustrate the vision, to hosting events where he and others can display their vehicles while making a difference in communities, Murray Pfaff has made the automotive world better.

Video transcript: Company of Enthusiasts: We’re Into Classic Customs

I’m Murray Paff. I’m into turning concepts into reality. We’re in Royal Oak, Michigan, located just outside of Detroit, Michigan. And I’m with Paff Designs.

The car behind me is a 1956 Cadillac, pretty well known as Firemaker. It’s a car that I’ve had for over 25 years and put a lot of fun miles on that machine. I’ve been through three different, I guess, transformations from the time that I bought it for 600 bucks. It’s kind of like owning a great suit by changing up the tie and the shoes and keeping up with the times.

Although now I like to think that it’s kind of transformed into its own style. Under the hood, it’s got a 500 cubic inch Cadillac motor backed by a turbo 400. I’ve been down the drag strip with it. It’s got 525 foot pounds of torque, so it really takes off in a hurry.

The car features a 1960 Cadillac instrument cluster, 1960 Cadillac steering wheel, full leather interior, got custom skirt treatment on there where we filled in the skirts. We brought the body line right out the back of the car. Another cool little feature that a lot of the old timers know about the gas cap from the factory is right there under the tail line. It just keeps all the lines of the car nice and clean.

And then we’ve got flamethrowers, kind of the feature that gives FireMaker its name. And under the trunk lid are twin fuel tanks to power all that. And then, of course, a big mega sound system. Yeah, the flamethrowers has been with me a long time.

I’ve been through, I don’t know how many different systems injected and pressurized. And now I got it to a point where I just turn the igniters on. I hit the fuel pumps and I have fire. It’s a pretty simple and swift way to do it.

That’s a true road warrior. I love the car to death. It’s been with me forever. But what I really want you to see is right over here.

It’s a 1959 Imperial Speedster. It started life as a four-door sedan. So it was four feet, three inches longer. In this garage, we shortened it in four places.

And then we cut it down the middle and we narrowed it eight inches. And then we cut the car all the way through from front to back and took three inches of height out. Being that the car was sectioned, we pushed the headlights up into the fenders to kind of cut off the top of the eye to give it that kind of evil eye, furrowed brow look. And the hood is a 6.1 liter Hemi*, making 425 horsepower.

The instrument cluster is actually out of a 1960 Imperial, one year newer. This car is a 59. I just like the style of it so much better with the bullet shapes and the big round gauges. And then in the center is a tachometer that was a 38 Chevy* taillight housing.

The seats are chopped down Toyota* Celica GT seats, all wrapped in Connelly brown Rolls-Royce leather. The back end features the tire blister, original taillight housings. The bumper, of course, was narrowed eight inches. Our goal was to just create something that Chrysler might have built in 59.

As far as personal builds, you know, maybe there’s a dozen or so. Cars that I’ve designed, that’s a whole other gamut. There’s probably over 400 cars out there that I’ve done designs for. Inspiration is just simply all around us, whether it’s organic and it’s a tree or a flower or a plant, or there’s a client who says, I want to do this car because of this reason.

So then your job is to transform, you know, their dream into a vision, you know, on paper for them to say, yeah, that’s kind of cool, I never even thought of doing that. Well, that’s a little too far. And so you take that blend and you put it all together, you take all those concepts and you work it to where they ultimately say, oh my God, that’s exactly what I want and can’t wait to build it. So to have people like that invite me to be part of their dream and building their vision is really some of the coolest payback for everything that I do.

Here’s what Pfaff looks for in a vehicle worthy to win a car show:

Design – Does the vehicle have a pleasurable aesthetic and do changes made to it enhance its overall look? Is there a consistent theme running throughout the vehicle? Are individual elements pleasing, creative or innovative and contribute to the vehicle overall? Do color, accents, finishes or graphics work in concert to elicit an emotion, feeling or enhance the theme or the desire of the builder/owner?

Engineering – Do structural, performance or other mechanical changes enhance the vehicle? Are changes well-thought-out and/or innovative? Are all mechanical systems installed/routed/addressed in an elegant or effective manner? Is the vehicle able to operate under reasonable conditions without issues or special considerations? Do changes contribute to the overall enjoyment of the vehicle?

Craftsmanship – Is attention to detail apparent? Are body gaps consistent? Is bodywork flat and paint without orange peel? Is there an appropriate place for everything, and is it all neat and tidy?

Stewardship – Is the owner/builder a positive ambassador for the car hobby? Do they have passion for the hobby and others involved? Are they happy/willing to share their knowledge with others? Would you be proud to call them a friend? Over half of my enjoyment for the car hobby is in the friendships I have made along the way. 

Personal appreciation/desire to park it in your garage – Do you personally like this vehicle and would you like to park it in your garage? Does it speak to you in a positive way?

Randy & Sydney Weaver of Weaver Customs

Weaver Customs, of West Jordan, Utah, is known for its ability to take cars from ordinary to extraordinary. Past custom builds include “FMJ,” “TorC” and “Vortex,” a 1953 Bel Air that not only pushes the envelope of the custom industry, but tears it apart. Their builds know no boundaries as they all stun and impress. We suggest you buckle up because you are in for one amazing ride.

Consider yourself and your vehicle on display as soon as you pull onto the grounds. Your rig, your attitude and your show car are all out there for people to see. Make sure all are on their game!

Randy & Sydney Weaver, Weaver Customs

First impressions are key. We go down a checklist of questions when staging a show car. Ask yourself, ‘What does the overall picture look like? Is it intriguing enough to entice someone to look closer? Am I showcasing the best features of my vehicle?’

James Lin, Team Hybrid Founder & President

James Lin took his passion for tuners and the endless possibilities they hold for modifications and turned them into a team that consistently leads in show awards and media coverage since its inception more than 24 years ago.

Team Hybrid members have thousands of accolades in their arsenals, so they know a thing or two about what it takes to win.

James Lin offers this advice to win a car show: 

First, the obvious: have a well-executed vehicle with quality, rare and one-off parts along with a clean vehicle from exterior, interior, engine, undercarriage and wheel wells/rims cleaned inside and out.

Each show has a different scoring and judging standard, so if that info is provided one should familiarize oneself and understand what each judge will be looking for and the points weighed for each category. Plan accordingly.

James Lin, Team Hybrid Founder & President

Regardless of the judging standard, always provide a well-structured spec sheet of the vehicle mods along with a listing of any accolades and awards. 

Even better, have the spec sheet on a stand next to the vehicle. If you have been published, frame your article and have that next to your vehicle as part of your display (which can possibly add to your points as well). 

Canopies and lighting can also help with display points and add to the overall appearance to set one apart from the competition. 

Most people just park their car at a show with nothing else to show besides the vehicle. Make sure your uniform is dry cleaned and appearance is presentable, introduce yourself and be courteous when speaking to the judge about the build and bio background. 

Keep your answers and talking points simple unless the judge wants more. Otherwise, be quiet and let the judge do his or her job. 

Once judging is done, ask the judge if he or she has time to share advice and thoughts about what to improve. Each judge will have a different opinion at the end of the day, but it is up to you to decide what will not only make you happier but a stronger competitor next time around. 

At the end, always thank the judge for his or her time as well (some of these judges are here for years, so build a relationship).
– James Lin, Team Hybrid Founder & President

Ken Ticknor: Team Hybrid Member and Superbee Champion

Former car show judge Ken Ticknor has been a member of Team Hybrid for more than 10 years and lends personal insight to the criteria judges look for.

His throwback Superbee landed a spot in the AMSOIL booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, which is a lifetime achievement for anyone with a vehicle worthy of display. Ticknor has made more than one appearance at SEMA as both a competitor and a judge.

Here’s what Ticknor says about preparing for a car show:

One of the top ways of getting your car noticed is thinking outside the box to create things different than your competitors. Make sure all aspects of your car stand out: the paint, wrap, wheels, interior.

Always ask the judge, “What would you change or add to be a top competitor?” Asking this question will help you on your build and especially help you be remembered when the same judge sees your car again.

Ken Ticknor, former car-show judge, current Team Hybrid member.

Join a solid crew that knows how to represent professionally and personally on the scene. The Team Hybrid management, especially our Founder and President, James Lin, has helped me with my build in several ways with great high-end sponsors and team exposure.

Now that you have some tips on how to get your ride noticed and maybe even win your next car show, get out there and start making a name for yourself.

Who knows – you may find yourself parked next to Murray Pfaff, the Weavers or Team Hybrid in a big car show or magazine feature. 

Special thanks to Murray Pfaff, Randy & Sydney Weaver, James Lin and Ken Ticknor for their contributions.