This thread is a logistical mess because as Russ points out, words such as "real" and "original" are being intermingled and they really mean two different things. Where does genuine fit in ?
Original:
Produced in an acceptable fashion during the proper time frame and existing as a proper entity through time to the present.
We ALL realize that there is nothing like an original GT40, and even the originals have a value pecking order based on race history, then originality, then condition, the combination of which makes them "desirable" to a certain level discerned by the marketplace when they trade hands. Anything other than an original is something else (thanks Jim for that...).
Real:
"Real" is a step below original in value,all other things being equal, and could entail a car which perhaps has had the chassis replaced or is a car which has had a serial number supplied to an original chassis but not at the proper time frame to be original. It is a car that has the right to a factory authorized serial number. Of course, there are degrees to be considered here and some cars are more "real" to more people, but not viewed as "original" by the reasonable enthusiast, sales agents excepted. Some of these cars have long stories that can either add character to the car or detract it from the storyteller.
Continuation:
"Continuation" cars are mis-understood, as well as mis-used, poor things. Some people buy them in order to gain the respect of the marque enthusiasts without having to shell out the money for an original. This is usually a situation that backfires and the proud owner goes around proclaiming himself to be in possession of an original or real or genuine
car (it actually is real and genuine, but not original) , when he would be better off saying it is a replica (which it is). Let the car do the talking. They are very nice cars and we would all like to have some to play with, wouldn't we ? I know I would. They are "Genuine" cars meaning that there is no 20 minute story that has to be told and then believed in order for the car to be described.
I could go into "turn key" cars, rollers, kits, etc, but I will just say this about them.
I am ever so envious of the efforts and abilities that go into the builds of these cars.
Eric Broadley, Phil Remmington, Jim Hall, Peter Brock, etc. would much rather have beers in the garage with someone like Fran Hall or Fred W B or any number here that build the cars than someone that went out and paid a bunch of money, too much really, for an over the hill race car that is no longer capable of doing competitive laps. Cut from the same cloth in a way, (but Fran is too slow to race).
Mike, you say Lola's remake of the T70 is interesting....
Whether or not tounge in cheek, I agree and appreciate the efforts of Lola to the point that I have ordered a Continuation T70. I did this because I can not competitively race the Gurney T70, which is an original car, unless I replace a fair amount of the running gear and certainly the suspension and brakes and uprights, etc. and then it would be less original which would be dumb.
I plan to race the continuation T70 along with and harder than my other older Lolas because it is a beautiful thing; a Lola about which there is no contention of the serial number and it is not being portrayed as original. That is the beauty of the continuation car in that it is in NEW condition, raceable condition, and does not pretend to be something it is not, ie "original", but built just like the original (exactly). It is a bargain to the racer when you look at the cost of racing an older car( money and/or pain).
Some of these guys that have some of the cars that are being excluded from the original section of the forum you would like and some you would not, but either way, I say let them in and have fun with them, of various sorts. You will know what to do when the time comes to do something. So far there has only been one car-specific post in the whole section, and he just barely got in (Jim, you need an older car LOL-too new) !
I do not have an original GT40 (but I vintage race a replica GT40 sometimes and have to pretend not to speak English) and this is all my personal opinion and as such open to ridicule.
Have I been in the sun too long ? Is the inclusive position too soft ?
