J.C. O’Steen

2026 Chief Judge

For J. C. O’Steen, automobiles have never been just machines, they have been a lifelong passion. That passion began as a teenager, spending countless hours with friends rebuilding engines, repairing mechanical systems and bringing forgotten vehicles back to life. His first project, a 1938 Plymouth four-door sedan purchased in 1958 for his entire life savings of $15, “didn’t run, had flat tires and had been used as a chicken coop,” he recalls. “Its condition was truly barn fresh, with plenty of fertile evidence.”

Today, J. C. is recognized throughout the collector car community as a master restorer, collector, instructor and concours judge. While his automotive knowledge is extensive, he credits the friendships formed through the hobby as its greatest reward. “Connecting with others who share that passion and joy is the most rewarding part. It’s a community like none other.”

J. C. is honored to serve as Chief Judge for the 2026 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. He has served as chief judge for numerous automotive events and has judged at nationally and internationally recognized concours, including Amelia Island, Arizona, Boca Raton, Cincinnati, Cobble Beach, Greenbrier, Kiawah Island and Louisville. Widely respected for his integrity and expertise, he is known for maintaining a fair, consistent and impartial judging process.

His involvement in the collector car hobby spans many of the industry’s most respected organizations. J. C. has judged for the Classic Car Club of America, Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club, Cadillac & LaSalle Club and the National Corvette Restorers Society, where he holds Master/400 Judging Level status. He is a past Division Director for Bloomington Gold and is also a member of the Horseless Carriage Club, Pierce-Arrow Society, Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), Ferrari Club of America and numerous other automotive organizations. In recognition of his commitment to preserving America’s automotive heritage, he received the prestigious Lee Iacocca Award for dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American automotive tradition.

J. C. and his wife, Judy, have been married for more than 50 years and share a remarkable private collection of Brass Era automobiles, Classics from the 1920s through the 1940s, Corvettes, race cars, microcars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters. Together, they have exhibited their vehicles at many of the country’s premier concours events.

When he is not restoring, collecting or judging automobiles, J. C. practices law as an attorney and certified mediator in Tallahassee, Florida.