84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website

84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website

84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website

84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website
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AACA Judging Overview

This is my understanding of the process, I hope to assist others and encourage them to get involved

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of automotive history. At AACA events, vehicles are judged based on authenticity, workmanship, and condition — with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy rather than customization or modification.

Cars are placed into specific judging classes by type and era, and are evaluated using a 400-point system. Each vehicle starts with a perfect score, with points deducted for incorrect, non-authentic, or poor-quality components and workmanship.

Each Car is evaluated buy a team of 4 Judges including one team captain who go over the car with a form covering the undercarriage ,interior including the trunk ,engine bay  & lastly the body . A judge is required to know the rule book and attend a mandatory yearly training with optional additional training provided at every event ,  

Awards include:

  • Junior and Senior Awards, marking a vehicle’s progression in national competition First, Second, and Third Place distinctions
  • Grand National Events with Special award for cars entered into the Grand National  (Only Highly experienced Judges with over 10 field judging points can offer to Judge at a grand National Event )
  • Original - Formally (Historic Preservation of Original Features)
  • Driver Participationcategories for unrestored or regularly driven vehicles

AACA judging encourages the highest standards of restoration authenticity and automotive preservation, helping to ensure our automotive heritage is accurately maintained for future generations.

After every National show day once all of the Judging sheets have been tallied there is an awards banquet with first a recognition of the folks who put the show together and made it happen , A blessing and then a nice dinner, After dinner is complete they start the awards Ceremony and the winners are announced and awards distributed . I love the banquet seeing all the folks winning there awards they worked so hard to attain 

AACA National Awards and Badges in judging class

AACA Third & Second Junior Award

This is a photo of a National third &  second place junior award. When you car scores over 295 for a third place or 330 points for a second  ,These are   the award you'll receive 

AACA first place Junior Award

This is a photo of a National first place junior award. When you car scores over 365 points at a national Event ,This is the award you'll receive along with a grill badge Its probably the largest and heaviest of all the award this is the first ward you'll receive along with a grill badge to mount on your car 

AACA First place Junior Badge

this is a photo of the Junior grill badge to be mounted on your car ,after competing and winning a first place National award you'll receive this Badge with the year and your car Number on it 

AACA first place Senior Award

This is a photo of a National first place Senior award .If your car scores at least 375 points at a AACA National show after earning its first Junior  this is the next award you'll receive along with a grill badge tab  to mount on behind your Junior grill badge on your car

AACA first place Senior Badge Tab

This is a photo of of the above National first place junior award with the senior tab mounted behind it ,Showing the car is a senior award winner achieving a score of 375 out of 400 at a national AACA show

AACA Third and second Place Grand National Award

These are photos of a National third and Second place Grand National  award. When you car scores over 360 For a third and 370 for a second  at a Grand National Event ,These are the award you'll receive 

AACA First place Grand National Award

This is a photo of a Grand National  first place.If your car scores at least 380 points after winning a senior award it can compete at a AACA Grand National event  this is the award you'll receive along with a grill badge you'll mount on your car in addition to your senior badge 

AACA First place Grand National Badge

This is the badge you'll receive if you win a Grand National first place award 

AACA First Place Grand National Senior Award

This is a photo of a Grand National  Senior award. If your car scores at least 390 points at the next grand National you enter  this is the award you'll receive along with a grill badge tab you'll mount on your car behind your grand national award badge in addition to your senior badge 

AACA first place National Grand National Senior Badge Tab

This is a photo of a Senior Grand National tab properly installed behind a grand National Badge 

Repeat Preservation Board & Tabs

After a car has won its National senior award ,every time the car is entered into a National show it competes for a preservation award chips to mount on this board, The car must score at least 350 points to earn this award ,After the car has won 5 preservation awards it will be sent (what will it be sent ) award from the AACA national home base in Hershey PA 

Repeat Grand National Senior Award

After a car has won its Grand National senior award ,Any time the car is entered into a Grand  National show and scores 390 points or more it  earns a Plaque

AACA National Awards and Badges in Original class (HPOF)

Original Board ,First chip & Preservation Chips

Original Board ,First chip & Preservation Chips

Original Board ,First chip & Preservation Chips

A vehicle that has been certified as original will receive a board & chip  and a Badge 

Original Badge

Original Board ,First chip & Preservation Chips

Original Board ,First chip & Preservation Chips

A vehicle that has been certified as original will recive a BAdge that needs to be promenently displayed at suspiquest shows in order to quailify for addtional evaluation

Original Tab

Original Board ,First chip & Preservation Chips

Original Tab

A vehicle that has been certified as original the next time it certifies at a national show it  will receive a original Tabe to go behind its Badge that must be visible to qualify for additional award

AACA Awards and Badges in DPC "Driver Participation"

Driver Participation Board First chip & preservation chips

Driver Participation Board First chip & preservation chips

Driver Participation Board First chip & preservation chips

A vehicle that has been certified as original will receive a board & chip  and a Badge 

Driver participation Badge

Driver Participation Board First chip & preservation chips

Driver Participation Board First chip & preservation chips

This badge must be Prominently mounted on a car in order for it to be Evaluated at the next  show after earning it 

The Family tree of National Prizes


From the 2025 Judges Manual, The tiering can get confusing

A bunch of pictures of the grill badges on real cars I have seen at shows

    A collection of pictures I have taken at the differant awards banquets over the years

      Getting Started with AACA Car Show Judging Process

      The first step is to join the AACA using the links provided below. Please use my member # 917219 as your sponsor I earn a pin for every new member I assist in Joining 

      Once you're a member, search for a local event and register to attend.

      One of the best things you can do is to join a local AACA region also and attend a meeting. Try to connect with members  who have had a car judged or is an AACA judge—they can walk you through the process and share firsthand insights.

      You can also download the official AACA Judging Manual using the link below to get to the AACA site. It’s a valuable resource that outlines how the judging system works.

      I'm always happy to help anyone interested in learning more about the judging process. Just use the button below to send me an email. I always say the best of the best cars are on a AACA Show field ,BUT there is a Class for every car 25 years and older , regardless of Condition as long as its ORIGINAL 

      I also have to say—I’ve met some of the best folks at these events. It’s a great feeling to be around people who share the same passion for antique automobiles.

      Good luck, and I look forward to seeing you and your car at an upcoming event!

      Contact me with questions

      AACA Web Site links

      Visit aaca site Join The AACA 2025 AACA Judging guide

      Article By West Peterson in the AACA Magazine

      Explaining the full Judging process

      Download PDF

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