The passion for an original car

[gkhashem]

We get this discussion often on the forum about original v. restored cars. This write up from the Mecum Kissimmee auction puts forth how many of us feel about an original car.

It is a passion for many of us and when I read this I thought wow, this sums it up so well.

THIS CAR BELONGS IN THE SMITHSONIAN, NOT IN A CAR SHOW.

This car is not intended for anyone wanting to drive or fiddle with a Corvette on weekends. Neither is it intended for anyone wanting a restored 100-point piece of jewelry. It is intended for the passionate automotive historian.
It has one primary purposeâ€"to permanently serve as an industrial document to remind us what an American Car really smelled like, sounded like and looked like brand newâ€"inside, outside, under hood and chassis. Flaws included. That requires a special kind of owner.
Aesthetically striking, highly optioned, high performance, historically significant and flawless provenance are the attributes of long-term collectibles. Volumes of relevant documents and data present a window into conservation of the few things repaired, rehabilitated or replaced since new. Its new condition is obvious to the eye. However, its important hidden historic details may not be. A history box of GM documents, correspondence, photos, Prove It report and other interesting details are available for inspection. (Highlights on a flash drive may be requested.)
There are literally thousands of perfectly restored vehicles available at any given time. There are only a handful of perfectly preserved ones available. Ever. For centuries, the basic form of wealth has been the possession of scarce and desirable tangible objects. Vehicles like these are scarce tangible objects that require protection and pro-active conservation.
For more than 50 years, it has been remarkably protected.  It requires a special type of person to be responsible for its continued safekeeping.

This is an industrial document to be studied. Not a trophy to be claimed.
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This is the real "Keeper of Knowledge,” and its secrets are in plain sight.
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There are great cars and there are great-looking cars.  This one is both.
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Restorations cost hundreds of thousands, yet remain inaccurate.  This car cost nothing to restore and defines accuracy.
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This car is not perfect … but it’s close.
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There are cars more expensive, but few are more memorable.
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The historic form of wealth is possession of scarce tangible objects.
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Preserved cars are scarce tangible objects.  Restored cars are not scarce.
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Judging manuals determine the accuracy of 1967s.  This ’67 determines the accuracy of judging manuals.
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Judging manuals can’t describe original sounds.  This car can.
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Judging manuals can’t describe original smells.  This car can.
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Judging manuals can’t describe original textures.  This car can.
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Judging manuals can’t illustrate original finishes.  This car can.
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Judges spend hours describing original finishes.  This car takes under a minute and does a better job.
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Many cars are advertised ‘Numbers Matching’. This car shows you.

[76eldo]

There is nothing like a low mileage original car.
You are especially fortunate to get one from the original owner with lots of documentation.

Once a car has been completely taken apart and restored unless it’s done to a very high level it’s not as good as an original car.

Just my opinion.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Lets keep this thread about Cadillacs and LaSalles.

It should be removed as it is nothing to do with a Cadillac or a LaSalle, and is initially about one vehicle from the GM line of vehicles, but all that is keeping it is what the heading is about.

Bruce.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I understand the concept of an "original car" and
the OP's shared post describes it very well.  I have
one, my 1973 Eldorado.  I bought it new.  It's never
been painted, interior is immaculate and it has 49k
miles on the clock. 

The "original" is even more special that the one
described in the posting.  The reason -- it's belonged
to just one person.  Me.

Mike

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Mike,
I love it!! Did you order that car or was it in stock??
Bob

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Hi Bob:

I ordered it.  I sat down with the salesman and we
went through the entire list of possible options.  She
has just about everything.

I was 24 at the time,  in my first "professional" job
out of college.  My salary was $750 per month, the
Eldorado stickered for $10k.  I always wanted a
Caddy.

Mike

[gkhashem]

That's the kind of car the post is about!

Automotive history, templates for authenticity manuals. More so than any "experts" opinion.

Wonderful you bought your dream.