Why does every thread here devolve into a "Real" vs. "Replica" argument?

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

I think I understand now. Today you can buy a "Camaro-like" vehicle. Camaros have not been in continuous production since the 1960s. It is not really the same company after the government took it over and gave it to the union employees. It is certainly not built by the same employees with the same materials, the warranty is different, the recommended service schedule is not the same, and it is certainly not the 1960s anymore. Yet these cars do somewhat replicate the look of the Camaros of the 1960s.

I cannot believe the current incarnation of Chevy calls their cars Camaros instead of labeling a more correct term like "real Chevy Camaro-ish replica thingy".

And don't even think about starting a discussion about the new so-called Dodge Dart or VW Beetle.

The main difference here is that the new Camaro (insert Challenger, Beetle...) is a completely new, modern vehicle that harkens back to the original version with styling cues and a somewhat, roughly similar family shape. Different dimensions, newer materials, current technology, safety features and emissions certification separate it from it's ancestor by a country mile. Its a current model that is tangibly different and distinct from the original. GM could, for the sake of argument, add some trim and power train upgrades and designate a model variant as a 2016 Yenko Camaro.

If Chevy were to build a car today that replicates a 1969 Yenko Camaro in every essential way - same size, shape, bumpers, suspension, power train, etc., it would not be a 2016 Yenko Camaro. It would be a replica of a 1969 Yenko Camaro, built and sold by Chevy in 2016 as either a component vehicle less power train, or an unregisterable turnkey racer, collector or show queen.

If John Wayne's great grandson today is given the name John Wayne; and if the original man's DNA is used today to birth a clone and given the same name - same thing applies - both could legally be called John Wayne. One might have a family resemblance and one would look exactly like him, but neither of them could sign his autographs and rightfully claim to be be the REal thing.

Replace John Wayne with Elvis in the same example above. Get both new Elvises gussied up in white jumpsuits and rhinestones and they'd both be Elvis impersonators like all the others out there. Possibly with a bit more cachet to some people for actually being related - but impersonators nonetheless!