Originality for originality's sake?
07/25/2012
There is a considerable difference of opinion in the classic car scene when it comes to the sense or nonsense of maximizing originality. While some want to preserve the vehicles in their original condition and sometimes even go beyond this by restoring vehicles to "better than new", others are only interested in period authenticity and timeliness.
The penchant for originality can blossom in strange ways, for example when the car is prepared exactly as it left the factory for concours victories, as we recently saw with a Shelby Mustang GT 350. You weren't actually allowed to drive this car, because it was still fitted with the precautions for transportation from the assembly line to the dealer .
The second group, which thinks completely differently, also likes a "Special" built today, as shown in our picture. This is an Alvis Speed 25, whose chassis from 1936 once formed the basis for a proud police limousine. However, the bodywork was created with a great deal of craftsmanship in 2006, which is obviously documented on the side of the vehicle. Earlier "Specials" were also created in the same way, sports cars on shortened limousine chassis, modeled on the famous Grand Prix cars of various brands.
Of course, such vehicles are a thorn in the side of originality fanatics and such conversions are also a constant talking point with the authorities when it comes to classic car privileges and technical approvals .
We don't want to be judges here, because we love them both, the original limousines and sports cars, as well as the specials, regardless of whether they were created then or now - the main thing is that there is no cheating!
