I don't know all VCCA judges. The few which I have met are not "Truck" experts (their words not mine).
I have laid my eyes on a few engines with lots of very good condition original paint left on them, and the color resembles a 216 without any original paint on it, but instead, is covered with oil-soaked road grime. More of a light black color than a dark gray to my eyes.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission