Original or repro?

[Frank Beck]

Interesting debate and if it's already been turned inside out and updside down, just let me know.

Here is the question:

If given the choice would you rather have a very nice original part (maybe even NOS) or a top notch reproduction? (The kind that even the good doctor himself would be proud of).
Confident that I've stacked the deck against my horse in this race because the silient majority consists of BIG money buyers of parts and cars (See: European collectors) I would still like to hear from those in this community.

Caveat: I am very grateful to those individuals who are willing to risk treasure and time to bring first quality Porsche parts to market. Thank you. It's only a matter of time when we will not have the option of NOS parts on the scale that we now enjoy. There's great wisdom in reproducing a part that is still available "new" as it purifies the authenticity process.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Good Friday.

[70SATMan]

Highly subjective in the simplified form. The price point and the overall rarity of the original parts would have a huge impact on my decision.

Often, I would prefer the original parts because of the finishes used which can be the most difficult hurdle in producing a quality repop. Since I'm shooting for a measured resto and not over the top, I'm often highly content with original patina'd parts in excellent condition. I'm not stuck on NOS myself. I think you really have two different markets represented. Those with high dollar machines whose investment is a high priority I think are always going to choose NOS when they can get it. It's a badge that can be worn and continues to add value to the car.

The average owner who is more concerned with enjoying his hobby and driving the piss out of his car is always going to choose the repop route I would think. Less cash invested, less concern for a rare part being damaged or destroyed. Those in the business of turning restos (non customer driven) are going to go the route of the well produced repop. Better margins.

[HughH]

frank for me it is for my car which is a driver not a concourse car.
On that basis IF the price was about the same (and it almost never is) i would prefer a good to very good quality original part. However in reality given the differential in price that usually exists, the use to which i would put it etc i am always happy to have good quality (maybe excellent quality is a better description) reproduction parts like the ones Eric Linden makes (i have a few of those - thanks Eric).
There is maybe one caveat, and that is mechanical parts where the quality needs to be much more than skin deep. However it can be said that Nikkies pistons and cylinders (which i dont have) and other such well manufactured aftermarket parts do fill a very important role here and can be just as good (in some cases better) than originals. So in my case, for a driver where i may be a little obsessive but not looking for total original parts, a reproduction is good so long as it meets the quality test

IF I was collecting parts, just to collect and resell later it would be a different matter - original preferably NOS all the way unless it was a period special part.

[mfitton]

My cars are high quality drivers, but I would prefer original good condition parts for certain areas of my car. I think the parts that Eric makes are excellent and I also think he knows which parts to reproduce that will sell. To make my point I have one of his chrome exhaust tips and I am very happy with it, but I would never put one of the "new" repop orange hood badges on my car.

[Bullethead]

Originality is preferred, but considering the prices of most NOS items (and not being a concours guy) very good repops are fine by me.

All of our cars are driven regularly, so in some cases original parts have been replaced with reproductions partly out of convenience,
partly as preservation of the real thing. An accident involving a freshly restored Targa brought this home... the insurance adjuster had
to accept that not much in the way of replacement sheetmetal was available for a '68 911. Which meant sourcing good used parts, something they're not used to doing. All the trim was already repop so replacements were easy, the original trim remains safely stashed.
It would be great if accurate early fenders and bumpers were being reproduced. Nobody makes that stuff... yet.

T-boned a late model Nissan (lady turned left after only looking right) but the repro hood badge from Eric doesn't have a scratch on it.
It's cosmetic damage, but the rest of the nose didn't fare so well.