Stan:
Yes, I got the fever real bad.
I agree with you 100%. I love our cars for what they are, not for what they are "supposed" to be.
But, you raise an interesting question. At what point in time does a "replica" stop being a "replica" and become an "original" in its own right? Originally, the Porsche 356 "replica" cars were made to look like and "replicate" the original 356's. However, while they looked similar, they were very different in many ways.
Over time these cars have evolved into something far more substantial and far beyond the "original" 356. We made it on to Jay Leno for Christ's sakes.
Take my car for example. It will look similar to a 1963 356 Coupe, but the body is approximately 2" longer. The Frame is a custom square tube steel frame. The suspension, brakes and steering are all light years beyond the "original." My car's engine/transmission is going to be a 6 cylinder/6 speed out of a modern, water cooled Porsche 911 with approximately 320HP. My car is no longer a "replica" 356, but something far superior to the "original" in every way.
I ordered my Rudenmeister's from GTS Classics. ClassicCarseats.com.