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

[agtw31]

i consider a car original if still has the original tank of gas.



when you cross the line between originality and restored is when the filler is applied to compensate for inconsistencies in NOS sheetmetal..

[LS6 RAT]

You pose a good question. I personally like original cars the best! Here are my thoughts, an original car is one that still maintains original paint, original interior, original mechanicals, only exceptions allowed are those items that can't maintain an indefinite life, such as battery, filters, hoses, belts, tires, shocks, bulbs. I would consider a car that had these items changed to still be considered an original car.

[x Baldwin Motion]

a car that has only had 3/4's replaced is still 1/4 original.