Condition Codes

1. EXCELLENT: Restored to the current maximum professional   standards of quality in every area, or perfect original with components   operating and appearing as new. This is a 95-plus point show car that is not   driven.  In national show judging, a car in No. 1 condition is likely to   win top honors in its class. In a sense, it has ceased to be an automobile   and has become an object of art. It is likely to transported to shows in an   enclosed trailer, and, when not being shown, it is stored in a   climate-controlled facility.  It is not driven. There are very few No. 1 cars. 

2. FINE: Well-restored, or a combination of superior restoration and   excellent original. Also, an extremely  well-maintained original   showing very minimal wear. Except for the very closest inspection, a No. 2   vehicle may appear as a No. 1.  The No. 2 vehicle will take the top award in many judged shows, except when  squared off against a No. 1   example in its own class. It may also be driven 800-1,000 miles each year to   shows, on tours, and simply for pleasure. 

3. VERY GOOD: Completely operable original or "older restoration"   showing wear. Also, a good amateur restoration, all presentable and   serviceable inside and out. Plus, combinations of well-done restoration and   good operable components; or a partially restored car with all parts   necessary to complete it and/or valuable NOS parts. This is a "20-footer." That is, from 20 feet away it may look perfect. But as   we approach it, we begin to notice that the paint may be getting a little   thin in spots from frequent washing and polishing. Looking inside we might   detect some wear on the driver¹s seat, foot pedals, and carpeting. The chrome   trim, while still quite presentable, may have lost the sharp, mirror-like   reflective quality it had when new. All systems and equipment are in good   operating order. In general, most of the vehicles seen at car shows are No. 3s. 

4. GOOD: A drivable vehicle needing no, or only minor, work to be functional.   Also, a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. All components   may need restoration to be "excellent," but the car is mostly   usable "as is." This is a driver. It may be in the process of   restoration, or its owner may  have big plans, but even from 20 feet away, there is no doubt that it needs a  lot of help. 

5. RESTORABLE: Needs complete  restoration of body, chassis, and   interior. May or may not be running, but isn¹t weathered, wrecked, and/or   stripped to the point of being useful only for parts. This car needs   everything. It may not be operable, but it is essentially all there and has   only minor surface rust, if any rust at all. While presenting a real   challenge to the restorer, it won¹t have him chasing for a lot   of missing parts. 

6. PARTS CAR: May or may not be  running, but is weathered, wrecked,  and/or stripped to the point   of being useful primarily for parts. This is an incomplete or greatly deteriorated, perhaps rusty, vehicle that has value only as a parts donor for other restoration projects.