OK, so where to start? I would like this thread to stir some constructive comments, criticism and opinions on not only your hobby in vintage Porsche's, but any other vehicles that any one of you enjoy restoring as well. Whether they are in two wheel form, four, or even things that fly (you think Porsche's are expensive and hard to find parts for, go talk to the guys that fly Unlimited Class airplanes at the Reno Air Show). I have a passion for all three; shall we call them hobbies? Champagne taste and Budweiser pocket book as my father always told me however. Old tail dragger planes & warbirds, vintage American, English, German, Japanese bikes, and of course mostly German sports cars but also a weakness for old 30's American trucks as well. So, at what point do you consider a vintage Porsche like “005” for example (and I don't want to focus on that car but it is on everyone's mind still with the recent thread close) a lost cause, or still worth saving? Any example of one of your experiences or opinion is welcome.
So it's an early Porsche....... again this is an "example." At what point do you spend countless man hours, resourcing parts, looking for cannibalized parts, trying to find original motor, take it back to the way it "may" have come off the assembly line, or possible early “race heritage”, or do you create your interpretation of what you always wanted that particular vehicle to look like since most everything is gone, been replaced, or missing? Using your interpretation, taste, trying to be respectful to period correctness, workmanship, color, interior, etc. or not? For example, I totally appreciate ANYONE, taking something that was ready for the junkyard, to something like I did with the old Triumph pictured here in thread. I don’t think anyone will disagree that thing was done. But, it wasn’t dead yet. I knew enough was gone, that to take original parts from other bikes, fab new parts for what I couldn’t find, would still make for a cool bike and a big challenge, but at what point does one throw in the towel and just move on with a nice classy build and not pretend that 90% of what you added is now an original spec car or bike and go for a stock look and call it original?
I guess that is what is still bothering me with “005” in my example. That poor car has been so bastardized, who knows what is original on that thing anymore? Some may find portions and pieces, but does it really even close to the same original car, or race car, or anything that even resembles its true bones? It’s been registered different years, front clips that look replaced, forged maybe, whatever, not as it originally was built (again example, not saying that is 100% the case). I never pretended to try and pass one of my builds off as something it is not, once it is past the point of no return in my mind. I feel 005 is currently at where my Triumph motorcycle was at (forget the providence possibility). I feel like bringing vehicles back to life using all kind of other cars parts and sourcing and pretending like it is the same car that came off the Porsche factory line or whatever would almost be considered a crime, who are we kidding once it is 90% other vehicles or parts? That’s just my opinion. Call a spade a spade. There is a market for that still I guess, but instead of commanding super high prices just because a VIN is old, it should not be looked upon like finding King Soloman’s tomb, all intact and everything there, when in fact most of it was pillaged long ago.
I recently found a rare BMW as some of you know, I’m restoring it as best I can to keep what was/is original, and do as good a job as I can keeping it classy and period correct. But I wouldn't want to not share pictures of the build, have it not be seen in public, or keep it shrouded in mystery just because I think I found the Holy Grail. Again, that is just me. I was very surprised at most people’s reactions on here when the 005 thread came out. It was like Christy Turlington’s transvestite look alike showed up to a dinner party of yours; you knew something was off, but was too enamored to say anything about it. Didn't question the adam’s apple, large hands, or cleft chin….. anyhow, where do you draw the line of taking the time to restore a beautiful older vintage car that has say 90% of everything there, but just needs refurbishing…… to something that is missing 90% of its original self, restoring it and still being able to call it original?
Which by the way, see recent thread: http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...cent-Scam-Info
And to my earlier point in the other thread….be careful what is out there, there are a lot of smoke and mirror cars in this hobby for sale and/or just simply out there. And that is why I believe it never hurts to ask pertinent questions about what you see and read online; because until you see it in person and inspect it yourself, with or w/out experts, have PPI’s done at local respectable shops…it is sometimes really hard to tell what is going on. Especially us new to the vintage Porsche world. I had my own experiences good and bad and I like to pass on the skepticism to others new to this hobby that frequent this site looking to buy a vintage Porsches. I get PM’s from people asking my real opinion about getting into this world after reading my stories and I tell them the truth…Mainly…be careful and have a deep pocketbook. Ones questions and concerns should not be chastised if good intent is there. And if it is, you better be able to take the criticism back without being deleted or censored. We are all adults here and I personally think there is way too much editing going on (not so much for myself but others too). Keep it real…….Interested to hear any comments and I promise not to close this thread due to differing taste or opinions, that is what makes the world go round.
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