Award or Trophy Categories for Car Shows
by Eagle's Mark Awards

Old Gas Pump Award

There is absolutely nothing official about any of these prize categories. So this article is designed to provide ideas and "food for thought" when planning a car show. I will attempt to organize the categories in such a way that they will help with different themes or types of events. Each year my wife and I go to a father's day car show. I would suggest merging two show themes together to interest dad and mom, and perhaps kids. So a car and craft show combination would work well. To combine a show of interest to dad and kids. Perhaps a car show and comic book trading show would be a big hit. Combine with food, such as a car show and chili cook off. It's a great strategy to combine multiple interests when a show's purpose is to raise money for charity and to increase it's interest and draw.

Two terms you may hear in relation to a car show are "Favorite" and "Best". They can be interchangeably used, however, "Favorite" is often used in categories when it is picked or judged by a specific & notable person such as the "Mayor's Favorite". "Best" is often used in categories judged by a group of judges. It is a good way to differentiate the two when both are used in the same show. You may also consider putting more then one category together, such a Pre-1979 with Mustangs to have a category of Pre-1979 Mustangs. Another term that you may see from time to time is "Class" or "Class Winner". The word "Class" refers to a category such as 1950s or Pre-1979 Corvettes.

Typically a car show has several dozen award categories with only a "Winner" or "1st Place". However, a "Runner Up" is not unusual. When the number of categories is much fewer in number such as 10 or less, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places are often used.

One of the best ways to choose your categories is based on local interest, what's available and perhaps a check on the types of car clubs you have in the area. If the show is fairly new, keep the categories simple and build upon the success of the previous year. The most important thing is "fun". Make sure everyone has "fun!

Remember - Listings here are examples. There are additional brands, models, countries or categories. The secret is to know what is popular in your local area. Ask around, call car clubs, and be creative!

Antique / Classic / Prestige

Model T
Model A (Open, Closed)
Studebaker (Pre-War, Post-War)
Caddy

See the Classic Car Club of America List

Best in Show

Car
Truck
Import
55 Chevy
Ford
Antique
Classic

Stock / Modified

By Decade
By Model
By Brand

Time Frames

1900 - 1920
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s

Pre-War
Post War
Pre-1968
Pre-1979
Post 1968
Post 1979
Post 2000

Brands & Such

Chrysler
Dodge
Plymouth
Mopar
GM
Chevrolet
Pontiac
Ford
Britain - European
Non-British

Models - Some Popular Examples

Mustang
Thunderbird
Firebird
Chevelle
Corvair
Corvette
Camaro
MG
Mini

Trucks

Stock
Custom
4X4
Low Rider
Dump / Utility

Use

Fire
Police
Hurst
Tractor

Parts

Engine
Paint
Interior
Upholstery
Wheels
Gear Shifter
Sound System

"Favorite Car" of VIPs / Organization

Mayor or Council Member
City (City Manager)
Sponsor (President)
Religious Leader
Military VIP
Show Queen
Show King
Royal Family (Selected Local Family)

Best / Honorable Mention / Place

Car in Show
Truck in Show
Ford (Brand)
55 Chevy (Model)
Import (Other)

Motorcycles

Best
Cruiser
Harley
Trike
Custom

Other

Unique
Earliest Entry
Nostalgic
Under Construction
Most Original
Import
Compact Car
Sports Compact
Hot Rod
Street Rod
Factory Muscle Cars
Woodies
Kit Cars / Replica / Reproduction
Car Show Committee Owned Cars

Fun

Bicycle

Tricked-Out Riding Lawnmower

Fast & Furious
Orphan

Classic Trailer

Ice Cream Truck or other Special Use of a truck or car

 

Good luck in planning your car show and please call us at 951-894-7222 if we can be of assistance in helping you with the trophies.