For the obsessed, surely the only acceptable goal is a genuine car, no? Anything else, including the no doubt accurate latest offering from Gerry is still ‘just’ a replica, no matter how faithful it is.
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For the obsessed, surely the only acceptable goal is a genuine car, no? Anything else, including the no doubt accurate latest offering from Gerry is still ‘just’ a replica, no matter how faithful it is.
And a replica or a kit car will always be that, even a so called "Original" was a 'Kit Car', it just happened to be assembled by an organisation that also produced general production cars. So in my opinion, ours have an authenticity of their own, just happen to be manufactured 50 years or so later.
The originals were homolgation specials, not kit cars. They were indeed ‘bitsas’ in many ways of course, but then lots of cars are.
A decent replica is a decent replica and should be recognised and applauded for what it is, I agree.
What we mustn't get into here is the "this is right and that's wrong" argument. The whole point of the Strat rep scene that's developed over the years is that there isn't a right or wrong way to build your car, including how far you go in replicating the original. For me it has to be RHD cos I won't be going abroad (most likely), and I embrace the modern brakes and aircon, etc offered by LB. I don't understand the LHD thing, unless you do a lot of kerb-crawling ;), but if that's what you want, go for it. Same with it having to be an Alfa motor. So long as the looks are right, i.e. it could have been produced in the factory, I'm happy. Others will have their own list of must-haves on a Strat rep. Gerry's steel-tubbed offering is/will be a fabulous thing, but not for me ta. I've no doubt he'll sell loads to those who demand total authenticity, but that doesn't make it either superior or inferior to his own current offering, nor the LB. I think it's great that there's another option, and more power to his elbow, and indeed any other bits that get involved in Strat construction :)
The right way to build any car is the way you want to imo.
Ah yes, toolroom copies. Gotta be careful bandying the "tool" appellation though, in case anyone mistakes that to which you refer....
It can all get a bit "serious" though, can't it? Let's not forget these cars, and this pastime, are all about fun and enjoyment. Or that's supposed to be the idea anyway!