What does "original" actually mean?
06/06/2016
If there is one term that is used almost inflationarily in connection with old cars today, it is "original". Just take a look at the classified ads in classic car magazines. They like to talk about original condition, original engine, original color. And it's not really clear what is meant by this.
In principle, a car was only completely original once, namely when it left the factory. As soon as the car was taken over by the first owner, the first interventions soon began. Of course, wearing parts were replaced, but often other parts also had to be replaced quickly. In addition, there was a lot to improve on the vehicles, especially in the early days of the automobile. Accordingly, original pre-war cars are certainly extremely rare.
Some classic car experts still speak of "original" when changes were made in the first ten years. Others broaden the definition and talk about the "active use phase" (usually 30 years) and describe the condition as original if any modifications date from the first 30 years.
Of course, it becomes very difficult with completely restored vehicles. All too often, improvements are made that are no longer compatible with the original condition. Nevertheless, you see such descriptions all too often: completely restored, many improvements, original condition.
