This web page is devoted to the Mustang Club of America (MCA) judging rules and guidelines. Consisting of the judging classes, definitions, awarding of points, & the MCA judge's qualifications. This information can be helpful to those vintage 1965-1973 Mustang owners who are interested in competing at a local or national level to "show" their Mustangs.

MCA Judging Classes-

At MCA National Mustang Shows the Judging Classes are divided into seven (7) categories as follows. All cars must remain in place on the field during show hours. Engines may not be started during show hours without approval of National Head Judge. Violation of these rules will be grounds for disqualification. Signs, displays, posters etc. are not allowed on cars to be judged.

Division I-Concourse Trailered	Division I-Concourse Driven
Closed, Open, & Shelby All by year	Closed, Open, & Shelby All by year

Division II-Unrestored 1964-1968 All 1969-1973 All Division III-Thoroughbred 1964-1973 All Division IV-Street Driven (Occasional)   1964-1966 All 1967-1968 All 1969-1970 All 1971-1973 All Division V-Daily Driven 1964-1966 All 1967-1968 All 1969-1970 All 1971-1973 All

Division VI Modified*
1964-1973 Street (excludes undercarriage)
1964-1973 Street (includes undercarriage)
1964-1973 Trailered
*Not judged for Authenticity, only for
Quality of Workmanship and Condition.

Division VII Retired*
1964-1973 ALL
Must have four (4) National wins,
and one (1) Grand National win.
*Mustangs in this class are not judged.

In MCA National competition all Mustangs entered must pass a Technical Inspection prior to display on the show field. This inspection includes all lights, dash gauges, signals, tach/clock, air conditioning, windows and glass, seat adjustment, engine starting, and horns. All Mustangs are required to have the trunk compartment lid open, the convertible soft top in the up position, the windows rolled up, and the engine compartment hoods open, (except in "Daily Driven" Class where hoods must be down and closed tight).

NOTE: In most local (non MCA sanctioned) car shows, the vintage 1965-1973 Mustangs are usually put into one of two general classes, Original or Modified, and then grouped by decade. For example 1960s, 1970s, etc. often with mixed makes. Sometimes the closed (steel roof) are separated from the open (soft top convertible) cars within those groups. Some local shows require the hoods and/or trunk lids open for inspection and others require the hoods and/or trunk lids closed.

Definition of Concourse- Concourse Class cars are perfect examples, with a straight properly aligned body, bright paint and chrome free of defects or blemishes, perfect soft and hard trim interiors, engine compartments and luggage compartments clean and detailed, and all mechanical components and systems are in proper operating order in compliance with the manufacturer's original build specifications. VIN numbers are consistent, visible and accurately reflect said vehicle and its actual equipment. Tires are the proper size, matching and are new or nearly new. Concourse Trailered/Driven is preserving & showing the vintage 1965-1973 Ford Mustang in its restored (standard of perfection) state. Parts and accessories may be reproduction. Therefore, the primary focus of the Concourse Trailered/Driven will be on workmanship, cleanliness and physical condition.

Definition of Unrestored-

Unrestored are low mileage with original factory parts and equipment as ordered. Cars in this class will be judged on originality, reproduction or updated Fomoco parts not acceptable. Minor imperfections in the paint, undercarriage surface rust, etc. should be considered normal. Major dents, body rust, torn upholstery are not considered "normal" wear.

Definition of Thoroughbred

The Thoroughbred Class is designed for the restored and/or unrestored cars that have been restored to original condition with the correct OEM Ford factory era parts, i.e. belts, battery, exhaust etc. No reproduction parts are allowed. The primary focus of the Thoroughbred class will be on originality and authenticity.

Definition of Street/Daily Driven-

All vehicles in Street/daily Driven class must be driven to and from the show from owners home of record, must have current license and safety inspection (if applicable). Replacement parts should be stock, OEM or similar aftermarket. Tires must show evidence of street use. Cars in these classes will be judged for workmanship, cleanliness and overall condition only. Will not be judged on authenticity.

Point Scoring System-

The Concourse Classes, Unrestored Classes and Thoroughbred Classes are judged on a standard of perfection utilizing an approved MCA National Judging sheet. Each entrant will be judged against MCA minimum point standards for their class. MCA standards are deducted from a base score of 700 points, (most local non MCA car shows use a 100 to a 300 point base score).

The National Judging Sheet for 1964 1/2-1966 Mustangs is divided into five (5) Sections. Engine Compartment, Interior, Exterior, Undercarriage and Trunk. By clicking on each of these underlined Judging Sections you can view a sample page from each category, and have a clearer understanding of the individual areas the Judges consider, inspect and evaluate.

The Judging Sheet booklet for 1964 1/2-1966 model years contains 14 pages & is comprehensive, specific and very detailed. MCA National show participants can secure a copy of their "Mustang Judging Sheet" following a National show within six weeks of the show date, by requesting by mail with a SASE plus the cost of postage. You will need to know the show date and your show entry number. For more information on this MCA service, call (770) 477-1965.

MCA publishes a manual Early Model Judging Rule Book. This book covers in detail the judging process & the awarding of points for every component. The MCA Early Model Judging Rule Book was a great help and the source for most of the information contained on this page, as well as clarification discussions with several of the MCA judges. We thank MCA and the member judges and acknowledge their contributions, valuable time and support for this project. This book is available through the Mustang Club of America only to it's members.

There is another very good book 64 1/2-73 Mustang Detailing Guide by K.A. Helm is also very helpful. Thousands of component listings detailing color, finish, and plating requirements for every part, fastener & surface. This book is also available through MCCM, the part number is G21079 and sells for $10.95.

MCA Judging Qualifications and Judging Levels-

All MCA judges are required to take written tests measuring their general Mustang knowledge, and specific information related to the Mustang year(s) they are qualifying to judge. Qualified Judges are then "CERTIFIED" and later ranked as "GOLD CARD" for judging experience, attendance and observed participation in MCA National show meets. Once GOLD CARD qualified, an MCA judge can be appointed as an MCA ASSISTANT NATIONAL HEAD JUDGE, and ultimately named a MCA NATIONAL HEAD JUDGE.

Contacting a MCA National Judge-

You can reach an MCA National Judge to ask a judging question about 1965-1973 Mustangs, or to clarify a specific 1965-1973 Mustang judging area, by going to this page MCA GENERAL INFORMATION and selecting "judging questions" from the "Contact MCA with" pull down menu. An email response will take 3-5 days & be answered by an experienced, knowledgeable MCA judge familiar with your year Mustang.

Thanks for visiting, and continue to look to the MCCM web site www.midcomustang.com to provide relative information dedicated to the preservation, care, history and enjoyment of vintage model Ford Mustangs.