Hey everyone! I am new to this group :bananaman and I will endeavor to give more than I take - and I look forward to some fun and informative discussions. Now for my question: I have a 1961 Comet that is all original as far as I can tell. The detail man tells me the paint must be original (because it it an enamel?). The chrome, although not looking showroom perfect, looks great for being 43 years old. There have been no body repairs, has no dents nor rust. Runs great and will do 60 mph downhill, providing the hill has a big enough angle of slope. It has a straight 6 cylinder with three on tree. The car has the original vacuum tube radio (AM only). The only real noticeable problem is the antenna has an approximate 45 degree bend about 8 inches from the top end. (I am afraid to bend it back for fear of breaking it off.) Also, the car needs new rubber on the doors and windows. My understanding is that this car sat in a barn for a lot of years. I have owned it just for the last year. This is a darling of a little car and I love it. Here is my question: The local chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of Amercia is having a car show on Father's Day (their 22nd annual) which will attract over 600 cars with total value exceeding $10,000,000. If I feel so motivated, should I enter my car? If so, in which class, "Cars 1960-1964", or "Unrestored to 1979"? Having never been in a car show, or even a "cruise-in", before, I have no idea what to expect. What is expected of me? Of my car? Or should I even be considering this since this car is not "show room" perfect? Any and all input will be appreciated. Thanks Ron
Welcome Ron,,, I would place the car in the unrestored class. Us old timers who get tired of the over restored cars really love the original unmolested clean old car. Your mission at this point is to get the car as presentable as possible. Clean = presentable. Inside and out, trunk, underhood and the chassis. Pay special attn to the tires and wheels. A day spent cleaning and polishing is all you need. Maybe a little history on the car placed on the dash showing thru the windshield will let some people know they are looking at an original unrestored car. Good luck and let us know what happens. Dan
Welcome to the site, Ron. Glad Dan stepped in and answered your question. (In Dan I trust.) To refresh my faililng memory, I looked for a few pics of the '61 Comet (to be sure) and came across this one. Got any pictures/stories of yours for us? Welcome, Rick
Dan's right on the money. (dont tell him I said that) When I go to shows, the "one of" and "unrestored" cars peak my interest every time. I enjoy driving my unrestored beater 71 almost as much as my fully restored 72. At least I'm not worried about door dings.
I also would place the Comet in the unrestored class. It's extremley rare to find nice older cars that have not gone a few rounds in the bodyshops and I think people appreciate them more. Clean the car up good and like Dan said, a little history on the car will really tweek peoples interest. AACA judging can be pretty tough, but who cares. You have something that more than likely no one else has and you should be proud of that. Enter the car in the show and enjoy yourself.
Well, I have personally never entered in a car show, but I agree with guys and gals above, and I think that you should just go, enter your car in the unrestored class, and more importantly, enjoy yourself. David
