Hood Scoop Baffle/Grille

[DTurnbull]

Originally Posted by PaulProe

It's interesting with these cars. I am coming to learn there is no such thing as original. Each car was an entity of its own.

Just about the time you think you've found the definitive answer, someone will point at yet one more opinion or picture.

When modeling an original vehicle, do you model it as it was produced in 1965, or as it was raced in 1968 or as it exists today. All are "originals" yet each is different.


Paul

I think you're absolutely correct. I guess the "purists" only want to look toward "correct" as how it left the factory, and that's ok. That is correct, no doubt about it. But, these cars did change radically from one another as each owner felt it ought to evolve at that time. Does this mean anything? Probably. Does it mean that a modern car should "only" adhere strictly to factory specifications to be worth its salt, so to speak? I don't think so. I think "period" correctness is just as valid, but that's just me & my opinion.

Imagine, if you will, being offered to buy an original "period" correct car at a price you could afford. Would you dismiss it because an owner did something non-original or would you leave it? I guess it depends on what that item is, but most likely I wouldn't change a thing if it was period correct. Also, does changing something back actually make it less original? All this "only this is right" stuff makes my head hurt and trying to defend it only goes round & round in circles.

Two other things to consider. 1) Since the factory did not keep perfect records there is no way to know what was exactly correct to each and every car. And, 2) Since Shelby would assemble - at the factory - any car to their customers specifications upon request (a practice that still goes on today), does that make those cars non-original-originals?

In the end, IMHO, if you want to build a "correct" car, then make it period correct any way you want. It's not like you're doing anything any differently than owners of that time did with their cars. It's all good.