80 PT GRADING SYSTEM

APPALACHIAN OUTLAW DIECAST

OFFICIAL AI 80-POINT GRADING STANDARD Builder Guide • Version 1.0 — Founding Standard Where Custom Cars Become Collectibles

This guide explains how Appalachian Outlaw Diecast evaluates, classifies, and documents submitted 1-of-1 custom 1:64 diecast. Our AI grading is built for consistency, transparency, and repeatability. The grade measures craftsmanship and execution—it does not determine or guarantee market value. Final selling price is established by the live auction.

1) Purpose of the System

Every vehicle is evaluated across eight categories. Each category is scored 1–10 points, for a maximum of 80 points. Submissions are reviewed photo-first using our AI-assisted standard, then the final class is confirmed after hands-on inspection.

2) The 80-Point System (8 Categories)

Category

Max Points

Paint & Finish

10

Bodywork & Modifications

10

Wheels & Stance

10

Interior

10

Mechanical / Engine (where applicable)

10

Fine Detailing

10

Creativity & Originality

10

Overall Execution & Presentation

10

TOTAL

80

3) Score Definitions (Per Category)

  • 1–2 — Poor: Major problems, significant defects, unfinished areas, or weak craftsmanship.

  • 3–4 — Below Standard: Custom work is present, but execution is inconsistent or noticeably weak.

  • 5–6 — Solid / Acceptable: Competent work with normal/minor imperfections.

  • 7–8 — High Quality: Above-average craftsmanship, consistency, and attention to detail.

  • 9 — Exceptional: Outstanding execution with very few meaningful visible flaws.

  • 10 — Showcase: Rare, showcase-level execution. A 10 means that category meets the highest Appalachian Outlaw Diecast standard.

4) Category Standards (What We Look For)

Paint & Finish (10): Coverage, smoothness, consistency, color application, clear coat, masking lines, edges, cleanup, overspray, orange peel, scratches, debris/dust, and finish uniformity.

Bodywork & Modifications (10): Cutting, shaping, fabrication, fitting, panel work, seams, alignment, integration of custom parts, and overall build integrity. More modification does not automatically mean a higher score—execution does.

Wheels & Stance (10): Wheel/tire selection, fitment, alignment, ride height, proportions, stance, and installation quality (including roll/function where applicable).

Interior (10): Seats, dash, steering wheel, door panels, console, floor, interior paint, instrumentation, small details, and cleanup. Do not penalize features that are not applicable to the casting/build concept.

Mechanical / Engine (10): Engine, engine bay, exhaust, suspension, chassis, brakes, and mechanical detailing where applicable. If a build does not feature mechanical detail by design, grade what is present.

Fine Detailing (10): Grilles, lights, chrome, badges, emblems, trim, decals/tampos, hardware, accessories, and cleanup/precision work.

Creativity & Originality (10): Original concept, design direction, cohesion, identity, and creative intent. Personal taste should not control this score.

Overall Execution & Presentation (10): The complete vehicle as a collectible—cohesion, proportions, finish consistency, craftsmanship, presentation, and collector-ready quality.

5) Classification (Total Score → Class)

Classification

Score

Opening Classification

OUTLAW

50–64

$50+ Starting Bid

ELITE

65–74

$80+ Starting Bid

MASTER

75–80

$125+ Starting Bid

BELOW OUTLAW

Under 50

Does not meet minimum standard

Opening classifications are starting points for auction, not appraisals or guarantees of selling price.

6) Category Floor Rules (Minimums by Class)

  • MASTER:75–80 total and no individual category below 7.

  • ELITE:65–74 total and no individual category below 5.

  • OUTLAW:50+ total and must demonstrate legitimate custom work.

  • Appalachian Outlaw Diecast may decline a vehicle that technically reaches a threshold but does not meet the overall quality standard.

7) State-of-the-Art AI Grading (Photo-First, Verified In-Hand)

Our AI grading system is a standardized, photo-first evaluation that scores every custom 1:64 build across eight criteria to keep judging consistent, transparent, and repeatable. Photo grades are provisional until the vehicle arrives; the final classification is confirmed after hands-on inspection to ensure collectors and builders know what to expect.

8) Grader Disagreement & Review Flag

If the highest and lowest total scores differ by more than 4 points, the vehicle is flagged for REVIEW. The committee examines the categories driving the disagreement. The goal is consistent application of the standard—not identical scores.

9) Conflict of Interest (Recusal, House Builds, and AI Review)

A grader must recuse themselves immediately from any evaluation if they built the vehicle, commissioned it, have any financial interest in the outcome, or have any other direct personal or business conflict. This includes all house builds and any customs tied to the grader’s own payout, sponsorship, or sale proceeds.

There is no self-grading under any circumstance. Grading is never subject to paid influence, and builders have zero influence over scoring, classification, or final grading decisions.

House Builds (Customs We Build)

Our in-house customs may be listed and sold, but they must be graded only by a conflict-free, independent human grader—someone with no involvement in the build, commission, or financial outcome. If an independent grader is not available, the vehicle will be listed as “House Build — Ungraded (Conflict of Interest)” to protect the integrity of the system.

AI Review (Optional, Informational Only)

For transparency, we may include an AI Review Score on house builds (and other vehicles when appropriate). Any AI scoring is informational only and must be clearly labeled (e.g., “AI-Assisted Pre-Grade”). AI review does not replace official grading and does not determine the final class/tier. Only a conflict-free human grader can issue an official grade and classification.

10) Photo Grade Is Provisional

The photo evaluation is provisional. The physical vehicle is inspected when it arrives at the Appalachian Outlaw warehouse.

11) Warehouse Inspection (Hands-On Verification)

Inspection checks paint, bodywork, wheels, interior, mechanical details (if applicable), fine detailing, overall condition, packaging/presentation, and any damage or defects not visible in photographs. The inspection is documented with photos.

12) Regrading Rule

If the physical vehicle matches the photographs, the photo grade becomes final. If a new material issue is discovered, Appalachian Outlaw Diecast documents it and may re-score the affected category. Significant changes may be returned to the grading AI for review.

13) Grade Lock & Registration After physical inspection, the final grade is locked into the Appalachian Outlaw Registry record. The record may include: AO Registry ID, vehicle, builder, 1-of-1 designation, classification, final score, grading date, auction information, COA number, and registry status. Historical information is preserved rather than overwritten. (only diecast that are sold at auction will receive a COA and be registered)

14) Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

Every diecast sold through Appalachian Outlaw Diecast receives an official Auction Certificate of Authenticity tied to the Registry record. Where applicable, a QR code may be included to verify Registry information.

15) Grading Ethics

  • Grade the car—not the builder.

  • Grade craftsmanship—not personal taste.

  • Grade what is present—not what the grader wishes had been built.

  • Remain independent and disclose conflicts of interest.

  • Apply the same standard to every builder.

  • Never change a score simply because another grader scored differently.

16) What This Means for Builders

This system is not intended to force every build into one style. A bold, simple build can score highly when exceptionally executed; a heavily modified build can score lower when workmanship is poor. The purpose is to give collectors a consistent way to understand the craftsmanship and documented history behind an Appalachian Outlaw 1-of-1.

THE APPALACHIAN OUTLAW STANDARD Documented. Graded. Registered. Traceable.

APPALACHIAN OUTLAW DIECAST AUCTION HOUSE Where Custom Cars Become Collectibles.