What to do next? A new classification proposal (update: + Resurrection)

I think what's missing here is that we all change over our lifetimes, I restored many bikes and racing cars over the years, in a way now that although resulting in a fine vehicle, would today make me cringe!

Now, having gradually come to prefer scruffy "oily rag" vehicles, I look at the "All-New-and-Shiny" restorations ( sadly, so dear to the heart of the French people I have to say) with new (unsuitable and lurid ) sticky paint, new Chinese leather, or worse, dralon, chrome where nickel would be more appoprriate etc, they look so false, so artificial and incongruous, like an elegant woman dressed as a teenager, that I find myself thinking "I wouldn't want that thing at any price, let alone the inflated price that the owner has computed by adding up all the bills plus the purchase price"

As for fakes and replicas, words fail me. Perhaps taking a cue from the art world, "pastiche"?

Just saying!

I am currently building a xxxxxxxx( insert correct word ) jappic cyclecar
I have a period correct jap racing engine and a gearbox of the exact type fitted to the original, but everything else is being made as the correct parts are not available , and the original car was destroyed by fire in 1931

I would be interested in what description fits my car

editor: Adrian, see one the remarks below by Fred Puhn; the suggested word is "Resurrection"

A very reasonable List, but is this list ever going to get to the FIVA, or AACA, who require that a certain number of units of the car (out of 5) are used in any reconstruction.
I would commend this list be presented, to the governing bodies for their consideration

editor: hi Stuart, we'are not here to please organisations. We are independent and express signals that we get from our readership. Organisations like the ones mentioned are free to pick up these signals and review for their consideration. By the way FIVA has a most interesting definition of restoration works. That is a pretty decent piece of work. See below the section copied form their pages:

VEHICLE PRESERVATION GROUPS
Type A – STANDARD
A HISTORIC VEHICLE to standard specification as delivered by the MANUFACTURER. Minor PERIOD cosmetic changes and typical accessories available on the market in PERIOD may be acceptable.

Type B – PERIOD MODIFIED
A HISTORIC VEHICLE specially built or modified in PERIOD for specific purposes, typical of its kind, and thus of historic interest in its own right.

Type C – REPRODUCTIONS AND REPLICAS
A REPRODUCTION is a copy of a HISTORIC VEHICLE built out of PERIOD by a REPRODUCER, with or without parts to PERIOD SPECIFICATION, reproducing a specific model. Such a HISTORIC VEHICLE must be clearly marked to indicate that it is a “REPRODUCTION”. The HISTORIC VEHICLE will be called by a combined name of the REPRODUCER and MANUFACTURER’s names, and the model from which the vehicle is a REPRODUCTION (Example: Smith Bugatti Type 35). A REPLICA must conform to the conditions above but will have been built by the MANUFACTURER of the original vehicle. Both, REPRODUCTION and REPLICA HISTORIC VEHICLES will be dated using the date of the completion of its manufacture.

Type D – MODIFIED OUT OF PERIOD
Out of period modifications to a HISTORIC VEHICLE with proven identity, of a kind which were typical in period using parts to period specification.

Type E – EXCEPTION
Out of PERIOD modifications to a HISTORIC VEHICLE with proven identity, which have been made using parts or technology not available in PERIOD. Such a vehicle must still have the original frame/chassis or platform and a body to a PERIOD SPECIFICATION for the model. Not more than two of the following main components can be changed from the original specification:

Engine
Transmission
Wheels
Front suspension / Steering system
Rear suspension
Modifications may have been made recently. Such modifications do not impact the dating of the vehicle.

VEHICLE PRESERVATION GROUPS
Group 1 – ORIGINAL
One HISTORIC VEHICLE, as originally produced, which is unaltered and with little deterioration.

Group 2 – AUTHENTIC
One HISTORIC VEHICLE as used, but never restored, to original specification, with a known history and in original, possibly deteriorated condition. Parts that normally wear may be replaced with parts to PERIOD SPECIFICATION. Repairs to paintwork, plating and upholstery are permitted.

Group 3 – RESTORED
One HISTORIC VEHICLE with known identity, wholly or partly dismantled, reconditioned and reassembled. Only minor deviations from MANUFACTURER's specification in case of unavailability of parts or materials are acceptable. Original MANUFACTURER's parts should be used where available, but may be replaced with others of the same specification. Interior, exterior, and exterior finish should be as close as possible to PERIOD SPECIFICATION.

Group 4 – REBUILT
Parts from one or more vehicles of the same model or type assembled into one HISTORIC VEHICLE as close as possible to the MANUFACTURER's original specification. Original MANUFACTURER’s parts should be used where available, but may be replaced with others of the same specification. Interior, exterior, and exterior finish should be as close as possible to PERIOD SPECIFICATION.

I've just bought a '29 Hudson that I owned - and sold - 50 years ago. It's really tatty and my wife is not best pleased. It's going to fall into Craig's "recommissioned" category, but I wonder if removing the mouse skeletons and some tidying up of their previous accommodation will get me into trouble?

It's a nice day, why don't all of you go play outside for a while?

editor: hi George, we would be delighted to hear what's making you upset.

There is another category that I think is missing. I would call it 'Resurection.' This is a car that is created from very few original parts to become a complete accurate recreation of a historic car. I have seen several cars made this way starting with only a single authentic part. If the car is a Resurection it would not be complete enough to be called a "car" at the start of the project. This usually means the chassis is missing. The car being built must NOT be a duplicate of an existing car. That would be called a 'Fake.' To be a true Resurrection the car must not exist, so it is truly being brought back from the dead.

editor: good addition Fred!

My view- buy with the heart- when you're in love- you're in love.

It's good it is being discussed - shame it all seems to be more about the value / commodity stuff rather than the fun these days.

Clever. My favorite description is "Museum Quality" restoration. I always interpret that to mean, it's not good enough to actually drive. For me the bottom line is that too many sellers are not really honest, or knowledgeable, about what they are selling. If the car interests me, I just go look at it. I have fallen in love with some pretty bad cars, but I always liked them and made them better.

The phrase "caveat emptor" translates "Buyer beware".
I think this covers all.

A re-comissionated classic is for me the most attractive, because the car still has that old smell of oil and leather-polish and a feeling of all the pre-owners who went to heaven a long time ago ;-)

Replica indicates that the vehicle was made by the original manufacturer and more valuable. The definition of the equivalent word in Swedish (replik) is a copy made by the artist who made the original one. I think that a better word for this kind of car or bike is Copy!

A very good idea. My only comment is peoples idea of "restored" seems to differ. I have looked at many cars here in France advertised as "restored" to find they have had a coat of pain blown over them, but still have the chickens inside!

Excellent, clear and unambiguous.
It always makes me smile is when in an ad the wording states "Totally original" and then goes on to detail the extensive restoration and its cost.
Graham.

Remanufactured should just be labeled the immaculate conception. Otherwize, PERFECT!!!!!!....in every way