By Tom Hardman.
This week I had the experience—and honour—of judging a concours for the first time at The Yorkshire Elegance 2025. So, I wanted to share a few of my experiences from the judge’s point of view.
A Different Kind of Nerve-Racking
It’s a bit of a step into the unknown when you enter a car for a concours event. For me, as a racing driver, it’s nerve-racking in a very different way. When you race a car, so much goes into the preparation to ensure the car is fit to finish, but on the day itself, there’s still plenty you can bring to the table—your personal performance as a driver is as much on display as the car itself. In a concours, that isn’t quite the case. Your car, parked on the lawn and left there, now has to do all the talking. Or nearly all, as you’ll see.
The Briefing and the Classes
Early on Wednesday morning, we gathered round for the judges’ briefing and discussed the approach. Five classes were assembled for judging: Vintage, Classic, Aston Martin, Modern, and the Resto-Mod.
We agreed that the cars would be judged over a variety of areas, but it really boiled down to four key aspects: numbers, stories, histories, and presentation.
Learning from the Team
The other judges—I’ll say it frankly—far surpassed me in knowledge of specific marques and models. It showed how valuable a diverse team is. Each judge brought something unique to the table, which added real fairness and balance to the process.
I was able to contribute details others didn’t know (particularly in the Prewar class), and I learned a lot in return. That’s one of the reasons I love historic motorsport in all forms—the sharing of knowledge and passion is a big part of why we do what we do. As a first-time judge, I found it both rewarding and enriching.
Thinking of Entering a Concours? Here’s What Matters
If you’re thinking of entering a concours, these are the four main areas our judging panel focused on:
1. Numbers
Does the car have and display the correct chassis, engine, and component numbers? And if so, does it have the right to use them?
Given that marque experts frequently judge these cars, they—like I do in my own specialty—carry a lifelong wealth of knowledge. It’s important to present your car accurately and honestly in this regard.
2. Stories
The personal story behind a restoration or presentation was very influential with our judging team.
Cars with a compelling ‘journey to the lawn’ were given extra consideration. Owner-led restorations were particularly valued. A good example was the Jaguar XJS that won the Modern Class. This car was lovingly and expertly restored by its owner—technically an amateur—but the result was astonishing. The odometer showed just 700 miles, and we would’ve believed it if the owner hadn’t told us the car had 100,000 miles on the clock before the project began.
The attention to detail and accuracy of the restoration carried a lot of weight and rightly earned the class win.
3. Histories
Cars with strong, well-documented histories scored highly. Our Best in Show, the 1964 preproduction Ferrari 275 GTB Short Nose, was not only stunning, but came with real in-period provenance. It was originally sold from the Earls Court Motor Show stand and was the first right-hand-drive 275 Ferrari produced, restored by Ferrari themselves in recent years. These kinds of details tell a deeper story—and make a difference.
4. Presentation
Of course, the car needs to be clean and well-prepared—but it goes further than that.
its important to be present with your car during the judging. Those owners who were present were able to answer questions and open bonnets, pointing out little details about the car that we may not have noticed. It also gives you a chance to answer questions about the car’s history and background.
Returning to the Jaguar XJS: the owner went the extra mile and placed mirrors underneath the car so we could view the underbody without effort. I have to say, I’ve never seen a cleaner underside. So, a bit like racing – this is where you can influence the outcome on the day—so make sure you’re ready when your moment comes.
Judging Is Hard Work
Judging was a real honour—and I enjoyed it—but I won’t pretend it wasn’t hard work.
We started around 11am. The classes with a variety of cars were easier in some ways—distinctions between them were more obvious. But in classes with multiple examples of the same model, it became more of a challenge, at least for me.
We broke for lunch, then wrapped up judging by around 4pm. After that, we sat down with a cold drink and began deliberating. Another hour passed before we agreed on the class winners and runners-up. Some winners were obvious, others took real discussion—always good-natured and fair.
Highlights from the Field
Some decisions were easy. The Vintage Class winner was unanimous: a stunning 8 Litre Bentley Coupé with a Lalique bonnet mascot by Freestone & Webb—considered by many the pinnacle of W.O.’s work.
It was a pleasure to meet the car’s new owner. I remembered standing next to the car on Gregor Fisken’s stand at Retromobile 2024. I was delighted to see it here, now with a friend of the business and fellow racer—also a collector of Lalique mascots. (And if anyone has The Fox, please do get in touch!)
Wearing Two Hats
With both the Bond and the recently sold MG Montlhery Midget entered, I wasn’t allowed to judge them—but I did get to present them.
It was great to hear Ian Callum comment that the Bond was “lovely,” and that it was, in his view, a contender. But in the end, the balance and discussion at the judges’ table placed the accolades elsewhere. That’s just how it goes.
Quiet Joys
For me, the greatest pleasure came the next day—watching the rosettes go onto the cars quietly, without any fanfare.
Owners who had no idea came back to their cars and found the awards. Watching their reactions was a joy. I may have nudged a couple of people—telling them to “go look at your car” with a twinkle in my eye. Given that my passion for these cars is just as much about the people who own them, that moment was, for me, the greatest honour of all.
The list of Winners of The Yorkshire Elegance 2025 are as Follows;
Veteran Class; 1898 Peugeot “vis a vis”
Vintage Class; 1931 Bentley 8.0 litre Coupe
Classic Class; (1945-1970) 1968 Lamborghini Islero
Aston Martin Classic Class; (1947-1972) 1964 DB5
Modern Classic Class; (1971-2004) Jaguar XJS
Future Classic Class; Mclaren SLR
Resto Mod Class; Porsche 914
Overall Best in Show: 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB, 1st UK RHD car