The word "Concours" is derived from "Concours d'Elegance," which is French for a "Gathering of Excellence.” Concours first began in France as a competition to determine the finest carriages. Over many decades, these events grew into a worldwide phenomenon where many of the finest vehicles gathered to compete for prestige and be displayed as works of art.

With the dawn of the automobile age, a new era of craftsmanship, ingenuity, and engineering began. The Concours d'Elegance has become a celebration of the automobile. More than a million people now collect, preserve, and trade classic automobiles. The Concours d'Elegance exhibits and evaluates preserved or restored vehicles. Judges decide who has done the most outstanding job of proper care, maintenance and preparation.

PCA Potomac Concours 

PCA Potomac's concours program offers a variety of venues and levels of competition. We have "low key" concours events, often combined with a rally, picnic, or other social event. These are "Wash & Shine," also called "People's Choice" events absent of “official" judging. Winners are selected using ballots cast by participating car owners and spectators. It's a fun and easy way for car buffs to break into showing their cars. We also hold two true concours events, where each car is fully judged. The volunteer judges selected by the club use a scoring sheet, and points are deducted from a maximum possible score based on car condition and cleanliness. Various concours rules are used depending on the level of competition.

The Deutsche Marque Concours d'Elegance, held in early May with the local chapters of both the BMW and Mercedes Benz clubs, is an event where "Judges" use scoring sheets to evaluate the details of each vehicle. It is "top only" event, meaning that the undercarriage of the car is not scored. The judges examine the body, interior, trunk and engine compartments only. They may even ask for the owner to start the car and test lights, radio and horn for operation.

Likewise, our Annual Founders Region Concours is also a judged event, for Porsches only. Both events offer a People’s Choice class as well. So don’t be afraid to clean-up the car and come out and participate! This event is typically held between late June and the middle of July, also in a very unique and picturesque setting.

Our “Taste of Concours” is a special Curated people’s choice event hosted as part of the annual Porschefest activities at Summit Point Raceway. This concours features the Best of Marque or first in class winners from both the Deutsche Marque and the Annual Founder’s Region Concours events.

The Gathering of the Faithful, traditionally held in September, is a very low key “People’s Choice” event. It focuses on the Air-Cooled Porsche models only (1950-1998). However, all Porsche owners are welcome and encouraged to attend.

In addition to these three principal Potomac Region events, we also host and participate in a number of other special events each year, including the Porsche Parade, charity car shows, parades, cars & coffee events, and other concours throughout the PCA regions of Zone 2.

The Potomac Concours Group welcomes any and all Porsche models both old and new.