Trophy Quality/Size Survey

[Guest]

My club members and I run the car show each year at the Winterset Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa. I have been involved for 3 years. We have 3 levels (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and 29 classes. Total 87 trophies. We paid roughly $1600.00 for the trophies this past year and that is usually what they go for. We used a local trophy maker to support the community but he went out of business last year (unsure why) so we moved one town over and used their trophy guy.

I have always thought the trophies were cheap. I'll try to describe. They are all plastic, tall with graduating size from 3rd (smaller) to 1st (largest). The trophies have marble look plastic base, brass look columns coming up, topped usually by an angel holding a cup or saucer. We usually have the featured covered bridge image inside the circle.

The description is pretty basic - says the show, the year, and what place the trophy is, and who sponsors it (us). This is not a BCA local club, we are affiliated with another manufacturer but that doesn't really matter.

I have never entered a car of my own in other shows because my cars are always (ALWAYS) under restoration although I plan on entering cars in the next 3 to 7 years and thereafter. Therefore, I have no direct knowledge of getting trophies and whether it really matters about the topics I bring up. I know I won't be a trophy hound - I just want to show the cars I own because they aren't Chevy's or Fords and I want attendees to understand what these cars are all about.

I have constantly been overruled on the subject of trophy quality versus size. So I thought I would take a SURVEY and see what BCA members would like / what your expectations are when you enter a show.

Do you want this biggest size trophy possible not accounting for it being all plastic? Does size really matter?

Do you want a smaller trophy with better ingrediants such as a real wood or marble base, real brass center or something else?

Do you want specific engraving on the base to mean class, what the class number means (such as 1951 to 1959 Buicks full size)?

Would you be happy with a framed document stating what you won, I mean a nice frame, nice matting, maybe raised lettering on the document, some image of a car in the background)?

Do you think there should be seperation of quality between 1st and 3rd - i.e. should 1st place trophy be taller and obviously nicer then a 3rd place award, which may be a plague or such?

And any other comments or ideas would be welcome.

Personally, I would prefer a nicer 1st place trophy of real materials (as much as possible, specific to the class I won (1st, 2nd, 3rd)and of modest size really. Quality is better to me then quantity especially if I ever won like - 20 trophies, I would want uniqueness.

Bryan

Wildcatr

1961 Buick Electra "bubbletop" 2 door hardtop

1964 Buick Wildcat convertible

1972 Limited 2 door hardtop "The Pimpmobile" *

*Author is neither a Pimp nor endorses that lifestyle however, vehicle was previously owned by a famous Los Angeles "entreprenaur" who engaged in such activities.

[rocketraider]

A nicely matted certificate like you describe would be really nice, but framing isn't cheap.

For the 1995 Olds Club National Meet, we used marbleized wooden plaques (yah they were chipboard underneath, but they looked really nice) with different color and size for each award. 3rd place was 8x10 dark green, 2nd was 9x12 dark green, 1st was 9x12 red, best of class was 10x14 black, and the special awards were 10x14 pink granite texture. Black brass engraved plaques and OCA logo on all. They were only slightly more expensive than plastic trophies and looked much nicer.

These went over really well and several mentioned it was the only car show award they had ever put in the house- face it, trophies take up too damn much room and are often relegated to the garage or attic.

Other Olds Nats have used laser-engraved wood or plastic. Our local chapter had a bunch of Lucite paperweights engraved with our chapter logo made for use as local show awards, and we use a small metal adhesive tab to designate place or specialty award.

The local Mustang club awards clocks mounted in a nice wooden plaque.

I agree, quality of affordable trophies looks cheap. I'd much rather have a plaque or paperweight that looks classy than a cheap plastic trophy.

[NTX5467]

From the experience of dealing with and shopping trophy prices for our North Texas Chapter yearly shows and with another car club I'm in, it doesn't take much price shopping to determine that there can be large price swings for similar trophies of similar materials/configurations. In this case, once you know what you want, price shopping can be beneficial. Plus, having a trohpy shop that will work with you to design what you want is a huge advantage.

Many clubs choose stand-up trophies for the visual impact they make, especially the taller ones. Usually, everyone typically grows tired of the stand-up trophies and plaques gain favor (for some of the reasons mentioned), provided they are good looking plaques. Cost wise, they are pretty close either way. Sometimes, using a mix of plaques and stand up trophies can make sense just as varying the size of the plaques for the level or award can work too.

Using a real marble base is a good touch, as it gives the trohpy some weight and balance. From there on up, they are typically all plactic with steel rods and nuts holding it all together. Using a two post lower part, that can provide a place to put the plaque for the event information pretty nicely. Then you can use another marble piece to attach the upper sections to.

As for class recognition on the trophy, we used to do that in the other car club I was more involved in previously. It got to be a pain to orchestrate as we usually tried to be accommodating and offer classes for anything that came onto the show field that day. Then, some miscommunications between our trophy operative (club member) and the vendor caused some major dissasters in this respect. I noticed that another similar club in Texas started using "Class Winner" and "Runner-Up" instead of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., listings. In one of our bigger classes, we were giving up to 6 places as there were lots of worthy vehicles in that class (dynamically, who would hang a 6th place trophy on their wall?).

So, we started doing that and then all we had to worry about was how many of each ("Class Winner" or "Runner Up") we estimated we would need that year. This worked MUCH better plus gave us the flexibility to better deal with what showed up that show day. Of course, the event information was on a larger plate on the plaque too.

In a smaller show where the classes are pretty much generalized, putting a class designation on them can be easily done. Typically, these class designations are general enough that lay people can understand them. When you are dealing with a larger show that has many different classes and a more intricate classification operation, as you know, things can get somewhat intense as you get ready to present the awards.

From the perspective of the visitor to a person's house (who has their car trophy displayed), that visitor would be more impressed by a "Class Winner" or "Runner Up" award from a particular show than what class it was in. Or whether or not the friend's Skylark (for example) was in a stock class or a muscle car class. Key thing that is remembered is that an award of significance was received for the car at that particular show.

Similarly, if you use "Runner Up" for non-first place awards, you can give as many as you like in a particular class without making anyone feel too bad about not getting a first place award. If you have a "Class Winner" and 4 other cars that score within a few points of each other past that, the "Runner Up" orientation makes sense instead of splitting the class, sometimes. From what I've seen, you never know who had the better cars in a split class of the same year and type of vehicle.

In the moderately large to large classes, in judged shows you'll probably notice that there will be one car that has the highest point total, followed by others with lesser totals (naturally), but there will be a point where the point totals take larger increments between the cars. This point fall off could be after the 2nd highest point total or the 5th highest point total. Watching how these things historically develop might help you determine how deep you go with awards in various classes and resultantly allocate the trophies.

Of course, how nice the awards are should follow the entry fee for the show. Down here, a weekly cruise at a local drive-in and a minimum of classes might garner a trophy that cost $5.00 to buy, but with a $5.00 entry fee, that's appropriate. The monthly cruises that some of the car clubs do that attract over 100 cars per show, their awards are much nicer.

Dash plaques are a nice touch too and reasonably inexpensive to do. Simple engravings or a multi-colored screen printed plaque would depend on various factors, but cost is definitely a consideration. Computer controls and numeric controlled engraving machines and other similar advances in the screen printing area have expanded the options over the past decade or so.

I guess what I'm getting to is for whoever's putting on the show to decide what general type of awards and award strategy for classes and such they desire to have. Then shop the area's trophy shops for the best quality/price mix (if you need a couple of club operatives to do this together, it can be beneficial). The orientation of doing business locally can be a good one, but if you can get the same quality or better at a lesser price if you drive a little ways, that's definitely worth considering too. If you see some awards at other shows you like, then ask the show operatives about where they got them and how much they cost. Most trophy shops put a sticker on their work too, with contact information. When you start getting the same place mentioned by several different car clubs, you'll probably find the best place in your area.

As for BCA oriented shows, that are judged using the 400 point system, that specified award strategy would need to be followed (i.e., Gold, Silver, Bronze) as it is at the national meets. By the nature of this orientation, plus the fact that you never know what vehicles will receive what level of award until the point totals are fully processed, making this work can be somewhat tricky. Unfortunately, lay people would not understand why a vehicle scored highest in its class and did not receive the "Class Winner" award as a result.

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[jaxops]

Your right about the trophies being huge, and cheap. I have pieces falling off all over the place, and they spin around etc as all of the bolts loosen. My recommendation, besides placques or dash placques (both of which are easily displayed and very classy) would be ribbons, as in horse show ribbons. Tidewater AACA did it one year and it was very nice. You can attach them to your grille and a blue ribbon on the grille looks a lot better than a twisting plastic trophy falling over in the back seat. You could even do a slightly oversized car key with the show and place on it- that would be different, and small enough to display.

Do something different, and you won't want to go back to plastic trophies. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Bill Stoneberg]

Given a choice, I would perfer a plaque to trophy. The trophies have all migrated to the trash can while plaques are hanging on the garage wall.

[Dave@Moon]

I have one trophy on display in my garage. It is 38" of metallic blue and walnut plastic cladding over pressboard. Real class.

It was for having the oldest car at a Falcon Club of America meet. A stunning achievement in 1990!

=========================================================

The best trophies I've seen aren't trophies, but engraved plaques or (better) engraved glasswear.

That said, the now defunct Society of Automotive Engineering show in Pittsburgh used to buy the coolest trophies from an outfit somewhere in St. Louis. They were made out of automobilia items, like toy gas pumps, copper oil cans, (tasteful) chromed pistons, etc. They were attractive, reasonably sized, well made, and VERY expensive. I don't know the name of the outfir that made them, but they were cool!

[old-tank]

In general I have observed that the size of the trophy is inversely proportional to the quality of the show.

Willie

[HurstGN]

Speaking from our local experience, we've found quality speaks for itself...

Annually we hold a car cruise at Waterdam Plaza in McMurray, PA. Despite being put on by our chapter, the cruise is open to all makes and models. Several years ago we decided to offer awards for peoples choice for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The awards are plaques with a metal plate with a full color photographic print on the metal. No classes, all are judged together. We had no complaints over this arrangement, and the attendees liked the fact they had a chance to win a quality plaque. I must note, no registration fee is charged.

We then added dash plaques for the first 50 cars...again, a quality piece. Full color photographic print. The first year featured my turbocharged 82 Grand National on the dash plaque. Well, those that didn't get one were dissappointed to not get one. We did have a little surprise for our club members tho...pictures were taken at the cruise and every club member got a dash plaque after the cruise, at the next meeting, with a picture of <span style="font-style: italic">their</span> car on the dash plaque. As I recall to this day, these are some of the most coveted plaques we've ever done. I mean, how many 77 Limited's do you see featured on a dash plaque? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The last 2 years, we've upeed our dash plaque quantities to 100 for the show, and remained with 3 awards. Feedback has been that people have made extra effort to attend our cruise because of the quality of the dash plaques, awards, DJ that doesn't talk too much, shirts or hats when we can swing it (2 years printed shirts/1 year embroidered hats), and it's still free! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The attendees tell us they always have a great time, and will return again. The quality of the awards / dash plaques has been mentioned many times, and this seems to be a big part part of our successful formula. Even with torrential downpours, we had 50 cars show this year, and almost every one was a show car. None trailered, but a few looked like they could have been. This years first place winner was thrilled to win, and was beeming when she got her plaque. It appears the quality part works well for us. Yea, the free part doesn't hurt, but we do get a good turnout on 50/50, and the participants willingly drop quite a bit of money on our food vendors. Just ask the Dairy Queen that ran out of ice cream our first year! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[Dave@Moon]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> We did have a little surprise for our club members tho...pictures were taken at the cruise and every club member got a dash plaque after the cruise, at the next meeting, with a picture of their car on the dash plaque. </div></div>

The Buick Centenial license plate from Flint this year was the <span style="font-style: italic">second</span> framed car show souvenier I put on my wall.

Thanks again, Dan!!! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

I am taking notes as you guys write, keep it up.

Thanks

Wildcatr

[HurstGN]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I am taking notes as you guys write, keep it up. </div></div>

1 gallon of milk

1 loaf of bread

1/2 lb. of lunch meat

1 box of Fruit Loops <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I just couldn't resist since you were taking notes. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest 31tudor]

I'm somewhat suprised that everyone who's responded here agrees that something besides a trophy would be a nice change, and I couldn't agree more... although trophies and awards don't mean anything to me.

I've seen some really nice awards over the years that weren't trophies, but more like tasteful modern art. These have been carved wood, clear plastic shapes, polished brass (expensive!), even petrified wood, among others. Point being, they look tasteful in a living room, where I don't feel a trophy does, no matter how much it cost. Somewhere on each is a small engraving stating the information.

To me, a trophy on display is an "I love me" plaque, where a tasteful piece of art can be displayed forever and almost anywhere. The owner can tell inquirers of it's origin, it doesn't need to be emblazzoned across the front, or in flashing lights. Of course, what I'm speaking of is obviously more expensive, but these might be great awards for the first place winner in each class.

I've also seen gold, silver, and brass pendants on red/white/blue ribbons. The back of each has the show information... they look cool hanging from the rear view mirror (for the day of the show---don't leave them there forever!).

Just some thoughts. Let us know what you decide!

[6219_Rules]

If I may put my two cents in, I really like grill cloissone...eh...badges (French elludes me <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ).

Something that is nicely enameled and of quality can be mounted in a large frame with the others (the eternal optimist here), a shadow box, or attached to the grill! The grill badge is a much nicer thing than window stickers. Anyway it might be nice to have a variety for each position and class. What do you think?

[jaxops]

Interestingly enough, the AACA junior-senior awards are badges. One could probably put the place along with the photo engraved logo from the dash placque on the badge and there you go. It could be attached to the license plate, bumper-badge holder, or to the grille. I know that I would leave that on there too.

Check out Rolls Royce Owners Club and Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania membership car badges. They are larger, but the idea is the same.