I missed the start of this thread, but since I am the Executive Director
of one of the larger automotive museums in the country let me chime in
with a simple definition of replica vs original, vs continuation.
A replica is any car that started life as the imitation of a real
vehicle that was produced at some time and place in history. A good
example is the ERA replica of the GT 40. It does not matter how good it
is, it is a replica.
A continuation is any car that is able to document that it is a
continuation of the original car by virtue of purchasing the tooling,
the parts supply, the legal rights to continue production of a ceased
production vehicle. Example might be the SAFAIR continuation of the GT
40, although some might not agree. The continuation of the Cord 810/812
vehicles of 1936/1937 by Glen Pray might be a good example, since he
purchased the rights from the defunct Auburn Motor Car Company, and this
vehicle is recognized by the ACD Museum as a continuation, NOT a
replica, even though a different power plant is used and the car is a
different size. The Shelby continuation products are also good
examples, vs the kit cars that are most certainly replicas.
An original car is any car that started life as a factory production
vehicle and has a traceable history as being an original vehicle, and,
if restored, has been restored faithfully. It does not matter if it has
been rebuilt a dozen times, it is still an original vehicle and not a
reproduction.
A replica has nothing to do with how well the original was replicated.
It could be exact, right down to the last nut and bolt, but it still is
a replica, period.
An original car can have had every last nut and bolt replaced ten times
in it's life but if the repairs have held true to the original design,
it is an original car.
Boy will this one stir the pot. HA HA.
Larry Dent, Executive Director, National Automotive and Truck Museum of
the United States.
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