AUTO ITALIA – JUDGING GUIDELINES
Purpose:The objective of the Auto Italia judging framework is to ensure a fair, transparent and consistent evaluation process across all categories, while promoting the preservation, correct restoration and active use of Italian vehicles.
From 2026 onward, the structure has been refined to enhance fairness across marques and vehicle types and to provide clearer progression through judging stages.
Award Structure:
There are four categories:
Best of Show – Classic
Best of Show – Modern
Best of Show – Bike
Best of Show – Scooter
Judging structure:
Judging is conducted in two distinct stages for cars, with a parallel structured pathway for bikes and scooters.
Stage One – 50 Point System“Wash, Polish and Fun” EvaluationUpon entry and acceptance for judging, all vehicles are initially assessed using a streamlined 50-point system. This system is designed to efficiently and fairly assess the overall presentation and condition of vehicles within each marque.
Scored Items (Stage One)Each item is scored numerically between 0 and 10, where:
This stage determines:
Best of Show Judging criteria
From the winners of the second stage, eight cars, a bike and a scooter will be selected for the Best of Show judging.
The Best of Show Judging adds scoring of the interior, engine bay and boot of the car. The underside of the car is not checked. Greater attention is paid to paint quality, such as the absence of ‘orange peel’ and the consistency of panel gaps, and the overall appearance of the interior. The cleanliness of the engine bay and boot is also considered. Applicable adjustments will be made to judging bikes and scooters given they lack an interior and probably do not have storage such as paniers.
After this objective scoring the three or four finalists are selected.
The final Best of Show judging is performed by the honorary judges and is more subjective in nature, with the overall condition mixed with the subjective ‘wow factor’ felt by the honorary judges on the day. This process will favour restored cars over well preserved, original cars.
All decisions of the Judging Panel will be final.
In the event of a tied decision between judges, the Chief Judge will cast, or delegate another panel member to cast, a deciding vote.
Any issue relating to judging, by exhibitors or judges, must be referred to the Chief Judge for resolution.
For Best of Marque Judging
Judges will not be judges of classes in which they are also an exhibitor.
Judges are not required to be familiar (or expert) with the class that they are judging.
Judges are not required to touch a vehicle to assess it, and this should be avoided for the sake of consistency.
Judges should assess each car carefully and consistently with respect to all others in the class.
Judging of each class should be done by at least two persons, where possible.
Judges should be prepared to explain their scoring to the Chief Judge.
The Auto Italia standard score sheets should be used to record judges’ results.
Judges should provide a single consolidated score sheet for each class.,
All requests for feedback on the judging will be referred to the Chief Judge.
Purpose:The objective of the Auto Italia judging framework is to ensure a fair, transparent and consistent evaluation process across all categories, while promoting the preservation, correct restoration and active use of Italian vehicles.
From 2026 onward, the structure has been refined to enhance fairness across marques and vehicle types and to provide clearer progression through judging stages.
Award Structure:
There are four categories:
Best of Show – Classic
Best of Show – Modern
Best of Show – Bike
Best of Show – Scooter
Judging structure:
Judging is conducted in two distinct stages for cars, with a parallel structured pathway for bikes and scooters.
Stage One – 50 Point System“Wash, Polish and Fun” EvaluationUpon entry and acceptance for judging, all vehicles are initially assessed using a streamlined 50-point system. This system is designed to efficiently and fairly assess the overall presentation and condition of vehicles within each marque.
Scored Items (Stage One)Each item is scored numerically between 0 and 10, where:
- 0 = absent or unacceptable
- 10 = faultless / exceptional
- Bodywork – form and condition with absence of dents, defects and degradation
- Paint – gloss, absence of water marks, polish residue, swirls or scratches
- Glass (windows, lights and mirrors) – cleanliness and absence of scratching
- Wheels & Tyres – clean and undamaged
- Brightwork (chrome and contrasting trim, e.g. window surrounds, mirror casings etc.) – cleanliness, absence of scratching, defects and polish residue
- Cabin Interior (viewed through the windows only) – steering wheel, dash, seats; condition, cleanliness and tidiness. Dash mats and seat covers are acceptable; however, their condition will be taken into account
- Badges – assessed as per brightwork
This stage determines:
- Best Classic within each marque
- Best Modern within each marque
- For bikes and scooters, judging is conducted within their respective marque areas. The highest-scoring bike and scooter in their category progress forward to the final lineup for award determination.
These vehicles then progress to the final judging stage.
Best of Show Judging criteria
From the winners of the second stage, eight cars, a bike and a scooter will be selected for the Best of Show judging.
The Best of Show Judging adds scoring of the interior, engine bay and boot of the car. The underside of the car is not checked. Greater attention is paid to paint quality, such as the absence of ‘orange peel’ and the consistency of panel gaps, and the overall appearance of the interior. The cleanliness of the engine bay and boot is also considered. Applicable adjustments will be made to judging bikes and scooters given they lack an interior and probably do not have storage such as paniers.
After this objective scoring the three or four finalists are selected.
The final Best of Show judging is performed by the honorary judges and is more subjective in nature, with the overall condition mixed with the subjective ‘wow factor’ felt by the honorary judges on the day. This process will favour restored cars over well preserved, original cars.
All decisions of the Judging Panel will be final.
In the event of a tied decision between judges, the Chief Judge will cast, or delegate another panel member to cast, a deciding vote.
Any issue relating to judging, by exhibitors or judges, must be referred to the Chief Judge for resolution.
For Best of Marque Judging
Judges will not be judges of classes in which they are also an exhibitor.
Judges are not required to be familiar (or expert) with the class that they are judging.
Judges are not required to touch a vehicle to assess it, and this should be avoided for the sake of consistency.
Judges should assess each car carefully and consistently with respect to all others in the class.
Judging of each class should be done by at least two persons, where possible.
Judges should be prepared to explain their scoring to the Chief Judge.
The Auto Italia standard score sheets should be used to record judges’ results.
Judges should provide a single consolidated score sheet for each class.,
All requests for feedback on the judging will be referred to the Chief Judge.
