392: What It Takes to Become a Concours Judge – with David Eichenbaum
About this episode
David Eichenbaum shares his journey from car enthusiast to concours judge, detailing his passion for Italian cars and his experiences at prestigious events like Pebble Beach. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community involvement for aspiring judges, offering practical advice for young car lovers on how to get started in the judging world. The conversation also touches on the emotional connection to cars and the unique stories behind them, making it a rich exploration of automotive culture.
Ever wonder what it takes to become a concours judge at the world's most prestigious car shows? In this episode, Greg sits down with David Eichenbaum, a respected Ferrari expert and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance judge, to pull back the curtain on the world of automotive judging.
From the rigorous selection process and deep marque knowledge required to the fine art of evaluating authenticity, presentation, and preservation, David shares what separates a good car from a truly exceptional one on the show field. Hear firsthand stories from Pebble Beach, learn how judging criteria evolve with time, and discover how passion, precision, and diplomacy come together in one of the most exclusive roles in the collector car world.
Whether you're an aspiring judge, a concours competitor, or simply a fan of the world's most beautiful automobiles, this conversation offers a rare glimpse behind the velvet ropes of concours culture.
#CollectorCarPodcast #PebbleBeachConcours #ConcoursdElegance #Ferrari #FerrariJudge #CarCulture #ConcoursJudge #ClassicCars #PebbleBeach #FerrariCollector #AutomotiveHeritage #CarShow #CollectorCars #CarEnthusiast #ConcoursLife #AutoJudging #VintageCars #CarPodcast #FerrariPassion
Do you need help buying or selling your collector car? Contact Greg directly at [email protected] or [email protected].
This episode is sponsored by our friends at California Car Cover — my go-to source for custom-fit car covers and detailing gear. They've protected both my '66 GTO and Porsche Boxster S, and I trust them to keep your collector car safe, too.
A special thank you to our new sponsor, Discover Once, curators of one-of-a-kind automotive adventures you'll never experience twice. Learn more at discoveronce.com/muscle.
And as always, huge thanks to RM Sotheby's for their continual support and for making so many of these automotive dreams possible.
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Join RM Sotheby's Car Specialist Greg Stanley as he brings over 25 years of experience and keen market analysis to the world of collector cars. Each week, Greg dives into market trends, interviews industry experts, and shares insights—with a little fun along the way. New episodes drop every Thursday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Learn more at www.TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or email Greg at [email protected].
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Porsche Boxster
"...s the best. That's why my Pontiac GTO and Porsche Boxster S are wrapped in California car covers. Since 19..."
Pontiac Gto
"...my Pontiac GTO and Porsche Boxster S are wrapped in California car covers..."
The Pontiac GTO is a famous muscle car from the 1960s and 70s, known for being fast and powerful. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car that was produced by Pontiac from 1964 to 1974 and then briefly revived in the 2000s. It is known for its powerful engines and performance-oriented design, making it a symbol of the muscle car era.
California Car Cover
"...that's why my Pontiac GTO and Porsche Boxster S are wrapped in California car covers..."
California Car Cover is a company that makes custom car covers to protect your car from things like dust and weather. They have many options to choose from, depending on your car's shape.
California Car Cover is a company that specializes in high-quality car covers designed to protect vehicles from the elements. They offer a wide variety of patterns and custom options to fit different car models, ensuring a snug and protective fit.
RM Sotheby's
"Join the RM Sotheby's family by connecting with one of their car specialists at rmsotheby's.com or contact me directly at gstanley at rmsotheby's.com"
RM Sotheby's is a company that sells rare and valuable cars at auctions. They help people buy and sell classic cars.
RM Sotheby's is a renowned auction house specializing in classic and collector cars. They connect buyers and sellers in the automotive market, often featuring rare and valuable vehicles at their auctions.
Pebble Beach
"I know that you also judge at Pebble Beach."
Pebble Beach is a famous car event where people show off and sell very rare and expensive cars. It's a big deal in the car world.
Pebble Beach is one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, known for its classic car show and auctions. It attracts car enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe, showcasing some of the rarest vehicles.
Mercedes R107 450 SL
"And when I was a kid, he made his first big car purchase, which was a 1975 Mercedes R107 450 SL, probably the most anemic and least desirable of all the SLs ever produced."
The Mercedes R107 450 SL is a stylish convertible car made by Mercedes-Benz. It has a powerful engine and is known for being comfortable to drive.
The Mercedes R107 450 SL is a luxury roadster produced from 1971 to 1989, known for its classic styling and comfortable ride. The 450 SL variant features a 4.5-liter V8 engine, providing a balance of performance and refinement.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"... car purchase, which was a 1975 Mercedes R107 450 SL, probably the most anemic and least desirable of ..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that has been made for many years. It's known for being comfortable and stylish, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy driving with the top down. People often talk about it because of its luxury feel and classic design.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that has been in production since the 1950s, known for its blend of performance and comfort. The R107 generation, produced from 1971 to 1989, is particularly notable for its classic design and is often discussed among collectors. The SL represents a balance of elegance and sporty driving experience.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"...975 R107 SL, but probably you can more so than an Oldsmobile Cutlass, which was our other car at the time. And I took..."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a classic car that many people loved from the 1960s to the 1990s. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside, making it a good family car. People often remember it fondly because it was a popular choice back in the day.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a classic American sedan that was popular from the 1960s through the 1990s, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It represents a significant part of American automotive history and is often discussed in the context of nostalgia for classic cars. The Cutlass Supreme is appreciated for its blend of style and practicality.
air-cooled Porsches
"...other than the SL, I'd say my comfort food is air-cooled Porsches. I find them to be very easy to be around. My dad had a couple growing up..."
Air-cooled Porsches are cars made by Porsche that don't use water to cool their engines. Instead, they rely on air, which makes them lighter and gives them a different feel when driving.
Air-cooled Porsches refer to a series of Porsche models, primarily the 911, that use air cooling instead of liquid cooling for their engines. This design is notable for its simplicity and lightweight characteristics, contributing to the unique driving experience of these vehicles.
aspirational cars
"...Italian cars, which we'll talk about in judging, have always been my aspirational car. I've always aspired to be around and to own Italian cars..."
Aspirational cars are the types of cars that people dream of owning because they are fancy, fast, or have a special reputation. They often symbolize success or a certain lifestyle.
Aspirational cars are vehicles that individuals desire to own or associate with, often due to their performance, design, or brand prestige. These cars represent a lifestyle or status that enthusiasts strive for.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"... still excites me when I see anything from a Beta Monte Carlo to a 250-shore wheelbase. I get a similar emotion..."
Lancia Beta Monte Carlo
"...eally still excites me when I see anything from a Beta Monte Carlo to a 250-shore wheelbase. I get a similar emotion..."
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo is a sporty car made in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It's known for its cool design and how it handles on the road, making it special among car fans. People like to talk about it because it's not very common and has a unique style.
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo is a mid-engine sports car produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its unique design and driving dynamics. It holds a special place in automotive history for its innovative engineering and is often appreciated by enthusiasts for its rarity and character. The Montecarlo is a symbol of Lancia's sporty heritage.
Ferrari 250
"...this passione that really still excites me when I see anything from a Beta Monte Carlo to a 250-shore wheelbase..."
The Ferrari 250 is a classic sports car made by Ferrari, known for its speed and beautiful design. It's a very desirable car among collectors and car lovers.
The Ferrari 250 is a series of sports cars produced by Ferrari from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. Renowned for their performance and beauty, these cars are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Ferrari 275 GTB
"And I look at the 275 GTB as a Mustang that went to college and studied in Europe..."
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a beautiful sports car made by Ferrari in the 1960s. It's famous for its speed and stylish look.
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari from 1964 to 1968. It is known for its elegant design and powerful V12 engine.
Ferrari Testarossa
"The 12-year-old in me loves Testarosa's in F40's. The Testarosa when I was 12..."
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car from the 1980s and early 1990s. It has a unique design and is very powerful.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1984 to 1991. It is known for its distinctive side strakes and powerful flat-12 engine.
Ferrari F40S
"So what Italian, let's say Ferrari, is your aspirational Ferrari? Yeah, so I kind of split it into two eras for simplicity. The 12-year-old in me loves Testerosa's in F40's. The Testerosa when I was 12, the modern Testerosa from 1984, the original configuration from 1991 was all the car for me when I was 12. There were great marketers in Florida where I grew up. There was Miami Vice on TV. Testerosa was the world, the posters, the models, all of that, subsequently followed by the F40."
The Ferrari F40 is a very famous and powerful sports car made in the late 1980s. It's known for being fast and having a unique look, and many car fans dream of owning one. People talk about it because it's a symbol of luxury and high performance.
The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar that was produced from 1987 to 1992, known for its raw performance and striking design. It was the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari, making it a significant part of the brand's history. The F40 is often discussed for its status as an aspirational vehicle and its impact on the supercar segment.
Grand Prix racing
"It's used in Grand Prix racing and in GT sort of over-the-road racing, similar to the 12, but almost like the four-cylinder was the 12-cylinder's scrappy brother."
Grand Prix racing is a type of car racing that takes place on special tracks. It's known for fast cars and exciting competitions.
Grand Prix racing refers to a series of prestigious automobile races held on closed circuits, often featuring high-performance cars. It is a key part of motorsport history and includes various classes of vehicles, including Formula 1.
Ferrari Mondial
"And I like how a Series 1500 Mondial has a very similar body to a 375 with the rivets and the curves."
The Ferrari Mondial is a type of sports car made by Ferrari. It has a unique look and can seat four people, which is unusual for a sports car.
The Ferrari Mondial is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1980 to 1993. It is known for its unique design and was available in both coupe and convertible forms, featuring a four-seat layout.
Ferrari 375
"And I like how a Series 1500 Mondial has a very similar body to a 375 with the rivets and the curves."
The Ferrari 375 is an older sports car from Ferrari that was known for being very fast and successful in races during its time.
The Ferrari 375 is a classic sports car that was produced in the 1950s. It is known for its powerful V12 engine and was successful in racing, particularly in the Mille Miglia and other endurance events.
V12 engine
"...a little different, a little funkier than the V12s."
A V12 engine is a type of car engine that has twelve cylinders. It usually makes cars very powerful and smooth to drive.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. It is known for its smooth power delivery and high performance, commonly found in luxury and high-performance sports cars.
Ferrari Cal Spider
"...I've always said I've always loved the Cal Spiders 5960."
The Ferrari Cal Spider is a famous sports car from Ferrari made in the late 1950s. It's known for being light and fast, and many people love to collect them.
The Ferrari Cal Spider, also known as the California Spider, is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari in the late 1950s. It is renowned for its lightweight design and performance, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
Ferrari 250 GTO
"Now, I did have a chance to drive the 250 GTO and that obviously is on the bucket list of all time."
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a famous sports car that many car enthusiasts dream of driving. It's rare and highly valued, often considered a piece of automotive history.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a legendary sports car known for its racing pedigree and limited production, making it one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world.
RPM
"...I was shifting to like 4,700 RPMs, 4,900, and he was saying, you know, you need to be in the mid-fives..."
RPM means how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation in a minute. Higher numbers usually mean the engine is working harder and producing more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and is a measure of how fast an engine is running. Higher RPMs typically indicate more power but can also lead to engine strain if exceeded.
Colombo 12-cylinder engine
"But I think the best expression of that Colombo 12-cylinder engine is the 250. And I like the romanticism of the 250 series..."
The Colombo 12-cylinder engine is a powerful engine used in some Ferrari cars. It's known for being very smooth and helping the cars go really fast.
The Colombo 12-cylinder engine is a V12 engine designed by Ferrari engineer Gioachino Colombo. It is known for its smooth power delivery and high performance, playing a significant role in the success of Ferrari's racing and road cars during the 1950s and 1960s.
Cavalino
"...very early versions of Cavalino in Florida and Florida always had a strong Ferrari presence..."
Cavalino is a big car show in Florida where people show off their Ferraris and celebrate everything about the brand. It's a fun event for car lovers.
Cavalino is an annual event in Florida that celebrates Ferrari cars, featuring car shows, competitions, and gatherings of Ferrari enthusiasts. It is a significant event for collectors and fans of the brand.
Ferrari
"...I joined the Ferrari club when I was like 16 and I had, I didn't have a, I'm sorry Mustang club..."
Ferrari is a famous brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. People who love cars often join clubs to learn more about them and meet other fans.
Ferrari is a renowned Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and racing heritage. Joining a Ferrari club often provides enthusiasts with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...hen I became a judge, which I find like NCRS, the Corvette and the Mustang club. So those are good ones to ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that has been around since the early 1950s. It's famous for its cool looks and great performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Many people admire it for its history and the excitement it brings when driving.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1953, known for its sleek design and powerful engines. It represents American automotive engineering and has a dedicated following, often discussed in the context of car shows and judging events. The Corvette is significant for its innovation and status as a symbol of American muscle.
brake lines
"...you do learn where the nuts and bolts are. You go underneath the undercarriage and you're looking at brake lines and stuff..."
Brake lines are tubes that carry fluid to the brakes in a car. Checking them is important to make sure the brakes work properly and safely.
Brake lines are essential components of a vehicle's braking system, responsible for transporting brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. Inspecting them is crucial for ensuring safe braking performance.
Bloomington Gold judging
"...or Bloomington Gold judging for Corvette. There are a lot more Corvette owners out there than there are Ferrari owners."
Bloomington Gold judging is a special evaluation for classic Corvettes that checks how original and well-restored they are.
Bloomington Gold judging is a prestigious certification process for classic Corvettes, focusing on originality and quality of restoration.
NCRS judging
"...it's probably more like NCRS judging or Bloomington Gold judging for Corvette."
NCRS judging is a way to evaluate and score restored Corvettes based on how closely they match the original specifications.
NCRS judging refers to the National Corvette Restorers Society's standards for judging the authenticity and quality of restored Corvettes.
Ford Mustang
"I'm not familiar with Mustang judging, but it sounds similar. You know, these ..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that started being sold in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car lovers. People often talk about it because of its long history and how much fun it is to drive.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. It has become a symbol of freedom and performance, often celebrated for its powerful engines and distinctive design. The Mustang is frequently discussed in automotive circles for its rich history and cultural significance.
Hagerty
"A lot of organizations like the Porsche Club and Hagerty at the Hagerty events will have junior judging."
Hagerty is a company that helps people insure classic cars and organizes fun events for car lovers. They also have activities for kids who are interested in cars.
Hagerty is a well-known company specializing in classic car insurance and automotive events. They also promote car culture through various activities and events, including junior judging for young car enthusiasts.
IACPFA
"I have served on what's called the IACPFA or the International Advisory Council for the preservation of the Ferrari automobile for several years now."
IACPFA is a group that helps take care of Ferrari cars and makes sure they are preserved well. They have experts who know a lot about these cars.
The International Advisory Council for the Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile (IACPFA) is an organization focused on the preservation and appreciation of Ferrari vehicles. It comprises experts who work to maintain the integrity and history of these iconic cars.
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