Originality, but not at any price ...
04/14/2014
Last week, we asked our readers what their views were on the subject of originality. We specifically asked what they thought about modifications to classic cars that serve to improve drivability at the expense of originality, e.g. retrofitted power steering, more modern gearboxes or disc brakes instead of drum brakes.
Over 400 readers responded, many also wrote comments (especially on the Zwischengas Facebook page) and it became clear that the classic car camp is divided on this issue. Virtually equal proportions (namely 31%) were in favor of an absolutely original condition or an optical original condition with retrofittable, invisible modifications. This was followed by those (29%) who would decide on a case-by-case basis whether modifications could be tolerated without improving comfort. Only 7% do not take such a narrow view of the issue and would tolerate anything that could increase usability and enjoyment.
However, if you contrast the advocates of unadulterated originality with the group who consider more or fewer changes to be reasonable, then it is of course 31% to 69%. We leave further interpretations to the readers.
And, we have already prepared the next "question of the week " and want to know whether the youngtimers of the eighties and nineties will make it to classic car status.
