Is originality a myth?
07/25/2013
The exhibition in Kassel got us thinking once again. The cars on display in Kassel had not been restored at all and were therefore far removed from the typical "collector's condition".
But if they were restored, hardly any of the original parts would survive, because very few of them would be in a repairable condition. Apart from the fact that it is also highly uncertain whether, for example, the 1912 Georges Roy torpedo pictured here was not "reworked" at an earlier date.
And if a restoration is carried out, is every technical detail really reconstructed and every material used correctly? Won't concessions be made for reasons of drivability and safety? Presumably yes, and at the end of the day, the originality is no longer as good as it used to be.
At any rate, there is hardly a vehicle to be found at historic racing events that could be described as 100% historically original. Of course, this doesn't have to detract from the enjoyment, because as long as it sounds and looks reasonably correct, it also triggers the right emotions. We think so. And we are happy when it is also declared correctly. Then all is right with the world. Or is it?
By the way, we have published an extensive photo report on the exhibition in Kassel .
