Question about restoring a car

[My-SS]

Let me start by saying I really enjoy a well restored car.
However, when I judge a show, a "unrestored" well maintained car will place higher than a full on high dollar
restoration..They reallly belong in different classes, BUT
a car is ONLY original once. I applauded the people that do these high dollar restorations for preserving our past.


Here's my question.

When do you cross the line of restoring a car and representing it a "original"? Is a car that has ALL
of the body panels, floor, roof, etc... STILL a original
car if all that is really "original" is the V.I.N. plate?

Please don't take this wrong, I admire these cars, I just find it hard to consider it a really special car anymore if 3/4 of it has been replaced.

Just like to here others thoughts..

DH