[Tigers] Original vs Restored.

[genepadgett at comcast.net]

Echoing Owain's thoughts, I would add that in the US at least it seems, that there is a general, tremendous lack of respect or appreciation for a classic car in "original, but aged" condition. Unfortunately, this is probably reflective of the general American view on a lot of things. 

I find it personally offensive that the major car clubs give out "Diamond in the Rough" awards (and you know of whom I speak) at their major events. "Awards" personally given with the explicit statements in front of the assembled banquet multitude of encouraging the owner to "restore" their car. No peer pressure there, right? 

I have taken my largely "unrestored" Tiger, owned since 1967, to numerous events over the years. Although clean, waxed, and in my view quite presentable, the "original paint" has been sneered at as "does look pretty faded". The last show I had the car at (an all British Car event) was a couple of years ago and I resorted to a "Do Not Judge" note on the windshield. I still got a "Diamond in the Rough" award. As an amusing aside, the POS trophy fell apart two weeks later. 

Anyway, I am in the process of "freshening" my car, and upgrading the performance capability. But I am doing it because it is something I want to do. 

Gene 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Owain Lloyd" <owain.lloyd at gmail.com> 
To: arado7 at sbcglobal.net 
Cc: tigers at autox.team.net 
Sent: Sunday, October 7, 2012 8:11:09 PM 
Subject: Re: [Tigers] Original vs Restored. 

I prefer original to restored if it's unmodified. sadly it's hard to find in 
the US where cars are restored to shine them up when they are tired. in the 
uk there generally more original (and deteriorating) classics. once it 
deteriorates too far, of course it's better to restore it though. given the 
choice I'd prefer an original though. even if it's been modified/improved. 

On Oct 7, 2012, at 21:04, arado7 at sbcglobal.net wrote: 

> My Tiger is original and I keep it that way. Engine performance met my 
need. 
> Suspension works. I used Waxoyl for thirty years. All of my machines are 
> rust free.I use dot 5 brake fluid. I employ original booster. All 
lubricants 
> are Mobil 1. Ignition is electronic. I still have the points. Carburetor is 
> 385CFM Holley. I still have the 2 barrel and manifold. Interior is 
> original. I did a respray in lacquer. Acquired and reworked a hard top. 
> Still have the soft top in place. I have enjoyed this car for 27 years. 
Gary 
> Moore B9472283. 
> 
> --- On Sun, 10/7/12, rande <rande at thecia.net> wrote: 
> 
> From: rande <rande at thecia.net> 
> Subject: [Tigers] Original vs Restored. 
> To: tigers at autox.team.net 
> Cc: alpines at autox.team.net 
> Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012, 4:58 PM 
> 
> This is less about Tigers and Alpines, and more about the debate between 
> keeping 
> our cars original(unrestored) versus having them restored. 
> 
> In the October 7 New York Times Auto section, a reporter interviewed the 
> owner 
> of the Simeone Foundation auto collection in Philadelphia. Dr. Simeone's 
> raison 
> d'etre is exhibiting only unrestored cars. His specialty is racing sports 
> cars, 
> and amongst the exhibits is the only original Cobra Daytona coupe that 
hasn't 
> been restored. 
> 
> The site for the article is www.nytimes.com and click on 'autos'. 
> 
> Also, if you are going to be in Philadelphia tomorrow (Oct.8), the museum 
> will 
> hold an auction for cars not part of the museum collection as well as 
> automobilia, 
> conducted by Bonhams. Admission to both the auction and the museum is the 
$30 
> catalogue, and that admits two people. 
> The museum site is www.simeonemuseum.org and information about the cars in 
> the auction is at www.bonhams.com 
> 
> Rande 
> _______________________________________________ 
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