Show Quality
A restoration level where the car looks exceptional and presents well at car shows, but doesn't have to be 100% factory-correct in every detail. The paint is beautiful, the chrome shines, the interior is perfect—but the undercarriage might have reproduction parts painted black instead of correctly date-coded originals. Also: the sweet spot where you can actually drive and enjoy the car without fearing deductions from judges with magnifying glasses.
What 'Show Quality' Actually Means
Show quality represents the second-highest tier of restoration, below concours but well above "driver quality." The car must look stunning to anyone who doesn't have a judging sheet and a flashlight.
Show quality standards:
Exterior:
- Excellent paint (minimal orange peel, color-sanded and buffed)
- Straight body panels (no waves or dents)
- Quality chrome or reproduction trim
- Correct badging and emblems
- Detailed engine bay (clean, painted, organized)
- Clean undercarriage (painted or undercoated, presentable)
Interior:
- New or restored upholstery (TMI or Distinctive Industries)
- Dash pad in excellent condition
- Carpet and door panels perfect
- All trim pieces present
- Gauges working correctly
Mechanical:
- Rebuilt engine (not necessarily numbers-matching)
- Rebuilt transmission
- New or rebuilt suspension
- New brake system
- Everything works correctly
What separates show from concours:
- Reproduction parts allowed (vs NOS/original)
- Date codes not critical (vs must be correct)
- Modern improvements acceptable (electronic ignition, radial tires)
- Undercarriage presentable but not factory-correct
- Focus on appearance vs authenticity
I built my Mustang to show quality standards. It looks fantastic, wins trophies at local shows, and I actually drive it. Could I take it to a national concours event? No. Do I care? Also no. It's beautiful, reliable, and I enjoy it without worrying about rock chips or incorrect spring paint.
Why It Matters for Your Mustang
Show quality represents the best balance of investment, usability, and appearance for most owners.
Driver quality ($15,000-$40,000):
- Looks good from 10 feet
- Presentable but not perfect
- Daily driver level
- Modern upgrades common
Show quality ($40,000-$80,000):
- Looks excellent from 2 feet
- Wins local/regional shows
- Can be driven and enjoyed
- Mix of original and reproduction
Concours quality ($80,000-$150,000+):
- Perfect from 2 inches
- National-level judging standards
- Trailer queen (too valuable to drive)
- Numbers-matching, date-coded everything
The practical choice:
For 90% of owners, show quality is the goal. Beautiful enough to be proud of, functional enough to enjoy, affordable enough to actually complete.
Cost Impact
| Repair Type | Typical Cost (LA) | Labor Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Solid driver (minimal rust) | $40,000-$70,000 | $30,000-$50,000 restoration + $10,000-$20,000 car cost |
| Project car (moderate rust) | $55,000-$95,000 | $45,000-$75,000 restoration + $10,000-$20,000 car cost |
| Basket case (major rust) | $70,000-$120,000 | $60,000-$100,000 restoration + $10,000-$20,000 car cost |
| Complete restoration | $60,000-$110,000 | $50,000-$90,000 restoration + $10,000-$20,000 car cost |
*LA shop rates: $120-$160/hour for restoration work. Typical breakdown: Body/paint $15,000-$30,000, Interior $5,000-$10,000, Mechanical $15,000-$30,000, Chrome/trim $3,000-$8,000, Assembly $5,000-$12,000.
Ask me how I know these numbers.
Common Issues
Reproduction Parts
Show quality allows reproduction parts - acceptable quality but not concours-correct
Date Codes Not Critical
Parts don't need to match build date - correct type is sufficient
Modern Improvements
Electronic ignition, radial tires, disc brakes acceptable - not period-correct
Undercarriage Standards
Presentable but not factory-correct - painted black vs factory finishes
Orange Peel Acceptable
Minimal orange peel acceptable - doesn't need to be mirror-flat like concours
See This in Action
- Mustang Restoration Cost Guide
Complete show quality restoration costs, timelines, and decision frameworks
Want to Learn More?
Download the Mustang Restoration Starter Kit (LA Edition) for:
- Complete terminology reference guide
- Cost estimation worksheets
- Pre-purchase inspection checklist
- Shop interview questions
- Project timeline planning tools
No upsells. No bait-and-switch. Just the information Dorian wishes he'd had before he bought his first project car.