Answer: The shows that you are describing are designed to be more fun than competitive, although I’ve seen some real competition. Depending on the class that your car is in, judges are usually evaluating the overall condition of the car, including its cleanliness, and attention to detail. This is very subjective, so pity the judge who is dragged into a “heated discussion” because his or her criteria or opinions are not exactly the same as that of another judge. Remember, the main purpose of these shows is to have fun.
If you would enjoy seeing how your car compares to other similar cars, you will need to enter it in a “Jaguar Show” or a “British Car Show” of which there are several on Long Island each season. The venues are generally beautiful, as are the cars. The judging will be much more objective, and the competition very stiff.
Which type of show would be more appropriate for you would depend on how you define “fun.”