Two of the most frequently used are the 100 point system or the Six Categories of condition. The 100 Point System is based on this scale:
100 = PERFECT A professional nut and bolt restoration complete and perfect in all aspects or a vehicle in absolutely perfect original condition. The interior and exterior details and condition of the car are usually better than when it came off the production line
90 = EXCELLENT A very well or superior restoration, or a car in excellent original condition that would be a near flawless.
80 = FINE A Completely operable vehicle that is possibly an older restoration or an original car that shows minimal wear. This rating would be considered “show” quality.
70 = VERY GOOD A nice, complete car, possibly an older restoration that might be showing signs of age. This rating might be used for a well cared for daily driven vehicle.
60 = GOOD A drivable vehicle that does show wear and may need minor mechanical work or cosmetics. This would be considered a mildly restorable vehicle with no major flaws.
50 = DRIVER A daily driver that is a complete functional car in good driving condition. It will have several flaws but is running and fair cosmetically.
40 = RESTORABLE This vehicle would need restoration of the motor, body, interior and/or chassis. A car in this class should be more or less complete and not require a tremendous number of parts.
30 = PARTIAL This is a car that would require an extensive restoration and a significant amount of parts and labor. This class of car will be a very time consuming and costly restoration.
20 = PARTS CAR This class of car is an un-restorable parts vehicle which would not worthy of a complete restoration. These cars are sometimes called “rust buckets” or "basket cases".
If you are reading a car review or attending an auction that uses the six category system, it is easily translatable from the 100 point system.
- Category 1 would be a 90 + point car
- Category 2 would be a 80 - 89 point car
- Category 3 would be a 70 - 79 point car
- Category 4 would be a 60 - 69 point car
- Category 5 would be a 40 - 59 point car
- Category 6 is any car under a 40 point car