What is Concours d'Élégance? A South African Enthusiast's Guide

What is Concours d'Élégance?

Concours d'Élégance (from the French, meaning "competition of elegance") is the highest form of classic car showing — an event where vehicles are judged for their correctness, originality, presentation, and elegance against a strict set of criteria. Unlike a car show where any vehicle can be displayed, concours events typically require application and selection, and vehicles are judged to exacting standards by qualified judges.

The tradition traces back to 17th century France, where horse-drawn carriages were judged on the elegance of their appearance and the quality of their presentation. The modern concours format, now applied to classic motor vehicles, is organised worldwide to broadly consistent standards, with Pebble Beach (USA) and Villa d'Este (Italy) as the most prestigious international events.

Concours in South Africa

South Africa's premier concours event is Concours South Africa, held annually at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Judged to FIA-compatible standards, it attracts the finest examples of classic and collector vehicles in private hands in South Africa. Categories typically include pre-war cars, post-war classics by era, motorcycles, and a special category that varies each year.

Regional concours events are organised by the Classic Car Club of South Africa's regional chapters, the Vintage Vehicle Society, and marque clubs throughout the year.

How Concours Judging Works

Vehicles are judged against a points-based system assessing:

• Presentation: Cleanliness, preparation, and overall visual impact
• Correctness: Period-correct specification, colours, materials, and components
• Originality: Matching numbers, unrestored original components, authentic patina
• Mechanical completeness: Engine bay presentation, correct mechanical components
• Documentation: Supporting historical documents, factory records, and provenance

The most successful concours entrants invest years in research and preparation, ensuring every detail from the correct tyre brand to the authentic rubber seals matches factory specification.

Preparing for Concours

Preparing a vehicle for concours is a significant commitment of time, knowledge, and often money. The key steps include:

1. Research factory specifications thoroughly — original factory documents, period catalogues and marque club literature
2. Source correct parts — correct-era, correct-brand components for every visible component
3. Complete any restoration to period-correct standard, documented with photographs
4. Practice presentation — learn how to clean and present every component to its best advantage
5. Seek pre-event feedback from marque specialists and experienced concours judges

Concours Cover: What Your Policy Should Include

Before attending a concours event, ensure your classic car insurance policy covers:

• Cover while the vehicle is on display at the concours venue
• Third-party liability during movement of the vehicle in the show area
• Transit cover for the vehicle being transported to and from the event
• Cover for the vehicle being transported on an enclosed transporter (often required for high-value concours cars)
• Cover for participation in public road events associated with the concours

If your vehicle is transported by a specialist classic car transporter, confirm that the transporter's own insurance is adequate or that your policy provides cover while the vehicle is in transit. Get a specialist quote that includes concours event cover.