Looking for Authenticity How far to go?

[jolsen42]

Originally Posted by HealeyRick

There's a lot to be said for the solid-lifter sound of a genuine HiPo.

Ah yes, it's almost erotic.

John O

[Winchester67]

Engine numbers? Bah! At a car show, somebody walking around wants to see something that looks right. And if they have their kids along, that is even better. Back in the day I had a 1962 Corvette...with the wrong engine. Looked right...air cleaner, valve covers, on and on. And sometimes at a show, people would ask me if it was matching numbers. I always acted relieved and replied with "Man, it looks right, but I don't know. Tell me what numbers I need to look at and what that means." I never had anyone that could answer...they just wanted to run down my car for being "non-matching" numbers because they were jealous I had a car to show and they didn't.

I drive a Backdraft Cobra. I have tried to make the engine look mostly right, but I never pretend it is real. When someone comes to a car show, I want them to have a good time. If looking at a car that mostly looks right, or looks right in their memory, well, I have done my job.

[66gtk]

Originally Posted by Winchester67

"Man, it looks right, but I don't know. Tell me what numbers I need to look at and what that means."

That's a pretty dang good response. I may have to use that just to see the reaction. Better yet, whip out my phone and ask if I can interview the guy while he "schools" me.

[Kit Coyle]

As many have already said, "do what pleases you." I just wanted a car that
looked as much like the Cobra I owned in the late 60's as my 75 year old
mind can remember! The ERA fits the memory perfectly. It looks and feels
like the REAL thing. I could care less that the body is fiberglas and the frame
is square tube and the buggy springs aren't there. The body shape is spot on
and the SW instrumentation is correct. I put in a vintage glove box knob because
I specifically remember that piece for some reason. My original was a slab
side and at the time I wanted the unobtainable FIA wheels and now I even have
those! I'm very happy with the ERA. It's right...for me.