I'm going to let you in on a secret about car shows and awards.  But first I want to tell you about a guy who was around when I first started showing my 1962 Plymouth in the mid 80's.  This guy had a beautiful late early 60's Chrysler 300.  It was my favorite of the show circuit back then.  Long and muscular, perfect paint, simply flawless.  It also had a swivel front seat and I loved it. The same couldn't be said for its owner.  He was a little wiry dickhead.  Every show he went to he felt entitled, and when he'd not get whatever he thought he should get, usually Best of Show, he'd go off like the sore loser he was and raise holy hell all the way from the award ceremony to his car.  I used to know his name, but I have forgotten it.  He passed away of cancer not long after his last fit and I hope the car (I haven't seen it since) got a better owner.

All that is to say that some car showers are all about the trophies.  When I had the '61 Imperial I was almost like that.  When I lost, which was rarely, I'd lose graciously.  That car was an award magnet.  Loved it and sorry I sold it, but that's another story.  Today I have a '63 Dodge Custom 880.  Not rare, not special. not a winner.  when I do win it is usually due, and here is the secret about car shows, to people there that feel sorry for me and vote for me.  I have a friend who is a member of a group of owners and, on occasion, they will vote en masse for the unexceptional tan Dodge.  Each person who brings a car gets to vote.  I don't like that system, but let's face it, without those sympathy votes I'd never get any recognition.  Members of car clubs get the advantage to win the awards.  Members of groups get the advanatge to win.  Not always, but it is a big leg up if you are associated with people with the ballots. The only other way is to hire judges who, armed with a100-point system: chrome, interior, paint, engine, etc., but shows don't do that at these local casual events.

Last August, however, the ole tan Miss Frump, pictured above at the Aledo Days car show won a best top 50 award.   

  

I have no idea how she won.  My friend who was there was without his group.  I am not associated with any car club, and yet, that old 4 door won an award.  It was the highlight of my summer.  Imagine that!

I am going to have to reevaluate my peers and give them a hearty apology for accusing them of cronyism at car shows.  For one day last summer, my old girl who is usually the last one asked to the prom, won an award.  We are both beaming with pride...and appreciation.