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Hello to all,

I'm going back in time....yes, selling my 911 for a 1957 356 Speedster (Outlaw replica). The question that I have is,  some of the Speedsters have very little badging on them (Porsche, Speedster, Porsche Logo, etc.)  while some are covered with them. Is there a happy medium? Are there possible "legal implications" regarding using Porsche representative type Badging? Your opinions are definitely welcomed! Presently mine is sparsely badged.  Please advise.

Thanks....Larry

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I only know of two shops, one in the USA, one in Europe, who have Porsche's blessing for some Porsche/original coach builder badging on the cars they build, but those cars are only a handful each year, built to Porsche drawings using old techniques and are essentially the same as the originals, but sold as reproduction$$$$$$.  That is the reason replica builders don't (usually) put Porsche badging on the cars that they build.

Individual owners have not been bothered by the legal beagles (so far) but there has been a recent movement, on here, at least, away from Porsche badging to the badging of the replica builder (Intermeccanica, Beck, Vintage, even CMC) to make the cars more "honest".

I built my outlaw back in the 1990's way before I found this site.  If I built it today it would have CMC badging on it.

Thanks for both of your replies the information is quite helpful to determine which way to go. Lane I see your from SC, do you know of any Speedster group that is meeting in the SC/NC area....it would be great to get together.

Thanks....Larry

I don't know of any formal groups, Larry, but I'm always happy to meet with any other crazies like myself.  Also, a number of us east coast guys have been meeting in the NC mountains in the fall for some great drives and camaraderie.  I'll post here if/when we put something together for this year.  I'm down in a suburb of Charleston.  where are you?

Last edited by Lane Anderson

@Larry Scislowicz - I certainly will.  I should have my new car between now and Carlisle (mid-May).  Are you going to Carlisle?  Highly recommend it.  See https://www.speedsterowners.co...carlisle-2021?page=1 for details.

See https://www.speedsterowners.co...s-beck-super-coupe-3 for details on the car I'm getting.

Oh...  @MikelB (Mike Warjas) lives in your neck of the woods.  Y'all ought to meet up.

Last edited by Lane Anderson

The badges go on much more easily than they come off, so if my car had come without them I would never have added them, except I might have considered breaking the "914" off a "914 VW Porsche" tail badge and showing "VW Porsche". Even then I would have used adhesive rather than drilling for the pins.

Speaking of adhesive, if I wanted to use stick-on plastic rather than snap-on aluminum for the beltline spears on my speedster, where would I shop for the plastic version? It takes real care to avoid snagging the aluminum ones on the car cover.

Thnx

Bill

@Larry Scislowicz - I certainly will.  I should have my new car between now and Carlisle (mid-May).  Are you going to Carlisle?  Highly recommend it.  See https://www.speedsterowners.co...carlisle-2021?page=1 for details.

See https://www.speedsterowners.co...s-beck-super-coupe-3 for details on the car I'm getting.

Oh...  @MikelB (Mike Warjas) lives in your neck of the woods.  Y'all ought to meet up.

Yes, I am planning on going...should be great fun. Your Coupe will be unbelievable!! will you have it at the show? I'll try to get in touch with Mike also....Thanks

The badges go on much more easily than they come off, so if my car had come without them I would never have added them, except I might have considered breaking the "914" off a "914 VW Porsche" tail badge and showing "VW Porsche". Even then I would have used adhesive rather than drilling for the pins.

Speaking of adhesive, if I wanted to use stick-on plastic rather than snap-on aluminum for the beltline spears on my speedster, where would I shop for the plastic version? It takes real care to avoid snagging the aluminum ones on the car cover.

Thnx

Bill

Hi Bill ...Thanks for your response....in regards to the "beltline spears" my Speedster doesn't have them...have no reference for you on that......sorry

FACT: Our replicas are not made by Porsche. Why pretend they are? They are mostly "hot rod" Volkswagens. My 2019 VMC Speedster came with a "1600 Super" emblem. I replaced the faux Porsche hubcap emblems with VW Wolfsburg emblems from EMPI. The seatbelt buckles have the same. My leather key fobs are imprinted with a "VW". My only badge is an older SOC model. I had emblems made to reflect the fact that the engine is a 2.3 (2332cc), and a license plate frame that reads "My Other Car Is A 1965 Porsche 365SC Coupe". Even though my Speedster is definitely not a Porsche, it's fun factor is about the same, and in some areas, even better than my "real" 356.

I've gone on and on about why my car isn't badged as a Porsche, and why I think that just letting them stand as what they are is the right way to go. I'm getting kinda' tired of myself and my overly strong opinion, so I'm not gonna' do that.

If a guy likes the badges, that's great. If there's something in him that cringes when he's got "P" car badges on his plastic fantastic, I can certainly identify. Terry Nuckles had Volkswagen badges on his speedster which was kinda' cool (and super cheeky), but wasn't quite right either.

These things aren't really anything at all, brand wise - neither fish nor fowl, they exist in some kind of netherworld in the automotive universe. Even saying "this is a Kirk Duncan VS" or "that's an Intermeccanica" doesn't mean as much as we think it does. Both were sometimes sold as incomplete cars, finished by everybody from Chip Foose to some dude in Buttscratch, TX to varying degrees of safety and completeness. Once could identify by the type of engine in the back, but even that's kind of a weird way to go about "identifying".

We all love these cars, but aren't really sure how to explain them. I've had one or another of them for 21 years, and I'm still trying to come up with something that is quick and easy and makes sense to the guy just trying to make conversation at the gas pump.

In the big scheme of things, people who care too much one way or another about "the badge" typically have more going on with it. It's more than a badge to them. If that's the case, then do what you really want to do.

We're all OK with it either way.

Last edited by Stan Galat
@Stan Galat posted:

I've gone on and on about why my car isn't badged as a Porsche, and why I think that just letting them stand as what they are is the right way to go. I'm getting kinda' tired of myself and my overly strong opinion, so I'm not gonna' do that.

If a guy likes the badges, that's great. If there's something in him that cringes when he's got "P" car badges on his plastic fantastic, I can certainly identify. Terry Nuckles had Volkswagen badges on his speedster which was kinda' cool (and super cheeky), but wasn't quite right either.

These things aren't really anything at all, brand wise - neither fish nor fowl, they exist in some kind of netherworld in the automotive universe. Even saying "this is a Kirk Duncan VS" or "that's an Intermeccanica" doesn't mean as much as we think it does. Both were sometimes sold as incomplete cars, finished by everybody from Chip Foose to some dude in Buttscratch, TX to varying degrees of safety and completeness. Once could identify by the type of engine in the back, but even that's kind of a weird way to go about "identifying".

We all love these cars, but aren't really sure how to explain them. I've had one or another of them for 21 years, and I'm still trying to come up with something that is quick and easy and makes sense to the guy just trying to make conversation at the gas pump.

In the big scheme of things, people who care too much one way or another about "the badge" typically have more going on with it. It's more than a badge to them. If that's the case, then do what you really want to do.

We're all OK with it either way.

Well said Stan...my viewpoint is that it is a "REPLICA" and if anyone asks that's what I tell them, along with "I can't afford a REAL ONE - if you can find one".  I think the big-rub here is "misrepresentation" when you actually try to sell one. If you are an owner of one of these cars "knock your socks off" on outfitting them with what badges you see fit!.....again thanks for your thoughts, truly appreciate it!.....

@jprpdr posted:

FACT: Our replicas are not made by Porsche. Why pretend they are? They are mostly "hot rod" Volkswagens. My 2019 VMC Speedster came with a "1600 Super" emblem. I replaced the faux Porsche hubcap emblems with VW Wolfsburg emblems from EMPI. The seatbelt buckles have the same. My leather key fobs are imprinted with a "VW". My only badge is an older SOC model. I had emblems made to reflect the fact that the engine is a 2.3 (2332cc), and a license plate frame that reads "My Other Car Is A 1965 Porsche 365SC Coupe". Even though my Speedster is definitely not a Porsche, it's fun factor is about the same, and in some areas, even better than my "real" 356.

Greg @Vintage showed me his custom badge for the front and it looks kinda Porsche like but really says Vintage and California when you look close.  Personally I like that idea just fine and am going for that over a "real" badge.  

To each their own of course though !

i am in agreement with all of these comments.....i have nothing to hide...i tell all that ask my car is a replica....the real PORSCHE guys already know straight away...there are a couple obvious tell tale signs...but i digress....last year before the "19"....PORSCHE day at SUPERCAR SUNDAY....there were 200+ cars of various models ie: real deal 356 coupes & speedsters... 911  993  996 997 even two 959's...  targa's.... cabriolets....GT2 & GT3  etc etc....people would walk up and down the rows...then come over and look at my car and snap away with their phones.....and ask what a 2500 SUPER is....(it's a sneak reference to 2.5 liter SUBARU)......my point is...if i don't tell, you one is the wiser if it's REAL or REPLICA....all that matters is the FUN FACTOR & the smiles per miles 20210203_132314

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@El Frazoo you are correct sir...in all regards....i was being facetious when i said standard equipment...with mr.john boy...nothing was free...in many different ways...as i recall all my badging was $500 or thereIMG_20200211_105447_111 about....anything saying PORSCHE or with the crest is kinda like H/D (harley davidson)...which stands for "HUNDREDS of DOLLARS"...hair dryer also works....my little key fob was $34.00 & my wooden shift knob was $80.00.....but in my mind...mandatory kit

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With a Speedster, this is one of those awkward things that you step into without realizing at first.

But it sticks to your shoe, smells funny, and after a while you know you're going to have to deal with somehow.

Your first take is, "It's just a car." A cool ride that's way more practical (and possible) than having the real thing, and it will be a hoot to drive, right? How else can I get a 'new' car with all the OG goodness and none of the computerized crap and that's still legal to drive? Great, sign me up.

But then, getting gas that first time, the guy runs up and tells you what a great restoration job you've done and how his brother-in-law used to have one, and, uh, oh crap, now what do I say?

After a while, we work out our stories. Nah, just a replica. Yeah, VW motor. Drives better. Disk brakes. No rust, ha ha.

But it doesn't end there. The mind insists on playing its games with us. What am I really doing here? If the car's a fake, am I, somehow, a fake too? Am I a complete idiot? A 12-year-old who never had a Schwinn like all the other kids? Just what failings am I compensating for? Why can't I just get a Miata or a 'Vette like all the other paunchy, balding 12-year olds? I'd have a lot less explaining to do with the guy at the gas pump and with myself.

In time, I think we get all of this sorted out, each in our own way. We convince ourselves that we're OK and that there's nothing too abnormal about this. Most people will never quite get it, but we come to be OK with that, too.

Still, it's comforting to have someplace like this to check into when needed where you don't have any explaining to do.

.

Last edited by Sacto Mitch
@Sacto Mitch posted:

.

With a Speedster, this is one of those awkward things that you step into without realizing at first.

But it sticks to your shoe, smells funny, and after a while you know you're going to have to deal with somehow.

Your first take is, "It's just a car." A cool ride that's way more practical (and possible) than having the real thing, and it will be a hoot to drive, right? How else can I get a 'new' car with all the OG goodness and none of the computerized crap and that's still legal to drive? Great, sign me up.

But then, getting gas that first time, the guy runs up and tells you what a great restoration job you've done and how his brother-in-law used to have one, and, uh, oh crap, now what do I say?

After a while, we work out our stories. Nah, just a replica. Yeah, VW motor. Drives better. Disk brakes. No rust, ha ha.

But it doesn't end there. The mind insists on playing its games with us. What am I really doing here? If the car's a fake, am I, somehow, a fake too? Am I a complete idiot? A 12-year-old who never had a Schwinn like all the other kids? Just what failings am I compensating for? Why can't I just get a Miata or a 'Vette like all the other paunchy, balding 12-year olds? I'd have a lot less explaining to do with the guy at the gas pump and with myself.

After a while, I think we get all of this sorted out, each in our own way. We convince ourselves that we're OK and that there's nothing too abnormal about this. Most people will never quite get it, but we come to be OK with that, too.

Still, it's comforting to have someplace like this to check into when needed where you don't have any explaining to do.

.

Great Analysis....the next Dr. Phil of the Speedster World!....great reading!....Thanks

In Chicago mostly, I get what year is that.  About 1 out 50 people ask, is it all original?  If I do meet someone that is clearly educated about our cars I tell them its a "recreation".  Either way it's a hand built custom car that most people awe at.  Two summers ago I was parked in the "Viagra triangle" with a Rolls Royce in front of me and a Lambo behind me...a family came up as I was putting the cockpit cover on.  Their grandfather was visiting from Germany and he went on and on in German about the car.  His grandson said he was saying how he remembered the car as a child on the street.  He was lit up about it.  I didn't have the heart to tell him it wasn't an original.  Otherwise, people pose in front of it way more than the other sports cars parked on either side of me.  

"But it doesn't end there. The mind insists on playing its games with us. What am I really doing here? If the car's a fake, am I, somehow, a fake too? Am I a complete idiot?"

Well said!   And, I have had those very thoughts and sentiment.

Ok, I guess we should read the 12 rules by Jordan Peterson, he states that he continually is trying not to lie and it's his biggest problem   He is quite the communicator himself.  His point IMO is that it is sometimes, maybe most times difficult to really tell the truth. Truth is truth according to our perpective and we all like to have a clear conscience but at times it takes so much work for those with less silver in their tongue to clearly explain and then our audience might not get it anyway so it is a difficult thing.  

Let go back to driving..



Tomorrow I will take out my roadster for it's maiden 2021 drive or maybe not

Maybe I will wait till Sunday Morning, it will make it more Triumph  Happy Easter

Last edited by IaM-Ray

.

The last thing Stanistan needs is a vice-president. There is no voting in the Senate there, as there is no Senate. With no voting in the Senate, there are no tie votes, so there's no need for someone to cast a tie-breaking vote. And aside from casting a tie-breaking vote in the Senate, what useful purpose does a vice-president serve?

Besides, my birth certificate says I was born in Philadelphia, so I'm ineligible to hold public office in Stanistan.

.

@Sacto Mitch posted:

.The last thing Stanistan needs is a vice-president. There is no voting in the Senate there, as there is no Senate. With no voting in the Senate, there are no tie votes, so there's no need for someone to cast a tie-breaking vote. And aside from casting a tie-breaking vote in the Senate, what useful purpose does a vice-president serve?

Besides, my birth certificate says I was born in Philadelphia, so I'm ineligible to hold public office in Stanistan.

My Bolshevik comrade Mitch is always welcome for a state visit to the glorious People's Republic, but only as a foreign emissary. As he is not a citizen, but merely a "friend of the state" I'm afraid he would be unable to hold elected office, assuming we had such a thing

... which we do not. For I am President for Life (Beloved by His People, Who Have No Need of Elections). Even the diplomatic license plate frame on the Presidential Limousine proclaims it.

For the Glory of the Republic

Mitch is correct in his assertation that we have no senate, politburo, courts, or constitution - because we have no need of them, insomuch as "his word is law" as the glorious flag of our republic proclaims:

Flag

In this, we are not unlike many of the Lord Governors of your United States, who also of late unilaterally decreed the suspension of their constitutions and became their respective state's de facto "Dear Leader" (with no need for legislatures, courts, or the rule of law).  I must say that I was impressed by their zeal for their people, and with their control over their press. It brought a tear to my eye.

Regarding badging on vehicles operating within the People's Republic - the '63 panel bus has all of the standard VW badges, with some additional deluxe trim bling. Likewise, the actual FCA work van and Pacifica proudly proclaim for all the world that we are a humble people, with no need for fancy imported frippery and whatnot. The Speedster flies an Intermeccanica badge on the dash, and a Super/Duper badge on the deck-lid (because the Type 1 is, well, "Super Duper").

Super-Duper

It is only the glorious Presidential Limousine that truly lets its colors be unfurled (or as the first lady calls it, "lets the freak flags fly").

Limo Driver

^ That's me pictured above (staring heroically into the middle distance). You can tell by my chauffer's hat and by my tuxedo tee-shirt that I'm a man of the people. You can tell by my moobs and skin-tight double-extra jumbo tee-shirt that I didn't miss many meals during the lockdown.

So you see, the badges and gimcrackery are apropos for certain cars. If yours is one of them, then by all means, you should display them. If you feel that restraint is in order, so as not to arouse discontent in the proletariat, that is understood as well.

You do you. I'll be out here in my little corner of flyover country doing me to the very best of my ability.

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Last edited by Stan Galat

@Stan Galat, we have an open meeting invitation for drinks and a discussion on the origin of the lore of Stanistan.

Regarding the badges.... I don't know about you Speedster guys but I bought the Spyder because I thought it was a beautiful car. I knew it was a replica but no one really prepares you for all the questions (sometimes ridiculous, sometimes annoying) you get. There truly is a "long and short" answer when asked. Like or unlike some, I really don't enjoy talking to everyone interested in the car. I also don't generally want to spend the 20 minutes explaining it. So, in those situations the short, untruthful answer is 5 seconds and I can go about my day. I find myself taking the time to talk the longest when someone knows what it is (a fake). I don't want to be misleading, I just can't be bothered to take the time.

Having said that, I find it odd that those who buy the fiberglass replica '54 Ford" restomods loudly proclaim it as a '54 Ford (sans replica) even though there is nothing '54 about most of them. There may be a Ford engine but it's a modern crate.

I am sometimes envious of the "Shelby Cobra" guys because at this point, almost everyone knows it's a replica so they are not constantly forced into a 20 minute explanation with literally everyone in the parking lot, a red traffic light, out the window in the lane next to them, going the opposite way and stopping in moving traffic (actually happened), the ER entrance in an emergency or trying to eat a taco.

The badges are there because I thought that's what you do but I feel if they weren't, I'd never get anything done.

My outlaw IM proudly wears a Porsche badge on the front and Speedster on the sides. The title says it's a Street Rod Replica and the model is Porsche (it's a Hawaii thing). I'm hoping nobody figures out that it isn't one of those $200k real thing

You're undervaluing the real thing, Michael.  A real Speedster in the shape yours is in is worth 4-$500,00 or more (much, much more) if it has some sort of racing or ownership provenance/history (and of course an original 4 cam car is $1,000,000 +).  Just recently (in the last year?) a rusty, somewhat dilapidated 'driver' sold for $270,000.

I am in touch with Your Custom Emblem. The pics below show past work. I am considering a design similar to the 1600 (top) Super (bottom) that came with my 2019 VMC Speedster. it would read either 2300 or 2332 on the top, and either "super-duper" or "super-dooper" on the bottom. Cost for a single emblem is approximately $135-$215 depending on the finish.Screenshot 2021-04-04 at 1.33.51 PM

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I was pulled in to a bit of a pickle at a car show a few years back. We trailered in 3 cars. Usually I follow in my truck with all of the other car show crap (cooler, chairs, etc). However, the day was so perfect - low to mid 70's, not a cloud in the sky. So I took the speedster. My car is pretty obnoxious looking (I did the Carrera Panamericana thing). When I pulled up just to park in the lot, they motioned me on to the grass with the other cars. Who am I to complain? This also put me close to the cars I brought in to actually display. Parked, unloaded, and walked 50 yards away. Went back to the speedster about 4 hours later to grab a rag out of the frunk. I could see marks on fender where some had felt the car up to see if it was glass. Rude at a car show, but no big deal. Then I get called out. That's a replica. Yep. it was built in 2006  by Vintage. Couldn't leave it home on day like this. It was a very easy/pleasant conversation. Then the guy says (in the middle of the Porsche section/owners), "your car is beautiful, you would have to be a really stupid pretentious asshole to buy this car (pointing at the real 356 sitting next to mine) - and yours is probably faster. People can be so stupid... more money than brains". The guy in the 911 behind me fires off "Some of us prefer a true Porsche instead of trying to pass off a fake piece of crap".

I had no where to hide. It was horribly uncomfortable.

I simply said that i never misrepresented the car and it appeared this was an issue that the two of them needed to resolve. Then I walked back over to my other cars.

I did see the 911 owner later in the day when he walked by the other cars I had in the show. I said hi. I did not get a response. I don't think it would have mattered if the speedster would have had Chevy Citation badges on it. Just a bad situation all the way around.

It was awful. No more shows for me. I just drive and enjoy.   

Last edited by Scott S

Two things

1. I went to a classic Porsche dealership show with the Spyder. I told everyone that it was a replica upfront and the guys with the authentic 356s actually loved the Spyder. One guy actually trailered his car because he doesn't drive it at all. The newer Porsche guys are the ones who turn up their noses more often than not. When I go to CnC, the Spyder gets way more attention than the super-cars and the guys wearing slip-on loafers with their car's emblem on them. That's where I get the most hate. By the way, the replica won a trophy at the classic Porsche show.

2. I was at another show (cruise really) where this guy who owned a classic 911 was asking questions. The whole time I was talking to him, he was stroking my car gently with his fingers. It was super-creepy and the funny thing was, I have no issues telling people to stop touching my car or saying pretty much anything. However, I was so distracted by what he was actually doing that the inner-monologue in my head stopped me from saying anything at all. After I noticed what he was doing, I said to myself......... "is he doing what I think he is doing?", "why is he doing that?", "who does that? Especially when they own a classic car and know the rules?", "is that sexual assault of a car?". I wasn't even paying attention to what he was saying and he was gone by the time I was done processing it.

Two things

1. I went to a classic Porsche dealership show with the Spyder. I told everyone that it was a replica upfront and the guys with the authentic 356s actually loved the Spyder. One guy actually trailered his car because he doesn't drive it at all. The newer Porsche guys are the ones who turn up their noses more often than not. When I go to CnC, the Spyder gets way more attention than the super-cars and the guys wearing slip-on loafers with their car's emblem on them. That's where I get the most hate. By the way, the replica won a trophy at the classic Porsche show.

2. I was at another show (cruise really) where this guy who owned a classic 911 was asking questions. The whole time I was talking to him, he was stroking my car gently with his fingers. It was super-creepy and the funny thing was, I have no issues telling people to stop touching my car or saying pretty much anything. However, I was so distracted by what he was actually doing that the inner-monologue in my head stopped me from saying anything at all. After I noticed what he was doing, I said to myself......... "is he doing what I think he is doing?", "why is he doing that?", "who does that? Especially when they own a classic car and know the rules?", "is that sexual assault of a car?". I wasn't even paying attention to what he was saying and he was gone by the time I was done processing it.

Where was his OTHER hand?

"nolite te bastardes carborundorum"

That was about the only thing I remember from my one year of classes in what I believed, back then, was a total waste of time; the quest of Latin Enlightenment.  

billthecat01

It says:  "Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down" and it applies to all those, thankfully infrequent, car show gnats who don't "get it".  These cars (real and replica alike) were made for driving, not sitting at shows and THEY don't get that fact.

THEY don't get to touch my car - Only little kids of my choosing get to do that, along with photos of them in the seats, if their parents wish.  THEY are quickly told, "hands off".

THEY can go back to their car and buddies and mind their own business - Most everybody is over near my car, anyway.

THEY get confronted with a terse answer to their "Kit Car?" question and a stare that bores right through their head until they return to their car's area - it never takes long.

THEY usually leave me alone - Besides, I'm usually busy answering questions of the small crowd around my car, that they never have to contend with over at THEIR car.

It is almost ALWAYS a 911 owner looking down their nose at a 356 owner because, as we all know, much of the early 356 cars were made with Volkswagen parts and Porsche only became "legitimate" when they "upgraded" to the 911 model.  It's not just us replica folks and all this started back around 1967.  That is the reason so many 356 clubs started around the USA.  So just don't let it bother you and see the purists for the dick-heads that they show themselves to be.  Many 911-ish owners are really cool and take a great interest in our cars.  They are not the purist dick-heads.

Drive your car.  THAT is the biggest thumbing-your-nose at the purists that can be.

Addendum:  A few years back at the prestigious Lars Anderson Auto Museum "German Car Day" near Boston, Prarit Bhargava brought his beautiful Graphite Gray with Red interior Seduction 550 Spyder to the show.  It was a spectator judged event and he won "Best in Show" but he had already left when the awards were handed out (me, too).  The purists (some were in the TYP356ne club) went Bat$hit when they found out he had won and pointed out to the woman who oversaw the awards that it was a replica.  "A replica of what?", she asked.

"It's a fake Porsche 550", they told her.  "It's not a REAL Porsche!"

Her reply to them (and to Prarit on the phone when she told him about the award) was that, the Marshalls let him in as a German car AND gave him a prominent lawn position because his car was special.  It was not a Porsche judging event, but a spectator-judged event and the spectators chose Prarit's car as Best in Show (by a wide margin, I might add.)  She was very happy that he had won and when could he drop by to pick up his trophy?

If THEY wanted to win, perhaps they just needed a prettier car?

billthecat01

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Last edited by Gordon Nichols

BTW:  This is the late Norm Brust.  The unfinished body work is over 40 years old and was intentionally left that way "Just to annoy the Purists!"

Norm was NOT a purist, even though he bought this car in 1962 and still owned (and drove) it when he died at 92 last year from Covid.  He was a good friend of mine and he "got" the whole replica thing:  "It's just like my car, drives the same and is less dear to fix for a lot less money.  What's not to like?"  

Norm was a driver and drove his car.  Everywhere.  Anytime.  At well above the posted speed limits.   RIP, my friend.

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Last edited by Gordon Nichols

"

I did see the 911 owner later in the day when he walked by the other cars I had in the show. I said hi. I did not get a response. I don't think it would have mattered if the speedster would have had Chevy Citation badges on it. Just a bad situation all the way around.

It was awful. No more shows for me. I just drive and enjoy.   '



I have been there.  Those guys are around everywhere you go, some show you their two decimal place IQ and their lack of upbringing.  Since when does owning a high end car, something you bought,  makes you part of some elite club, or that they are better than the other because they have more money toys etc.  It's the same with degrees, jobs, professions, trades etc.  Not too many people that own cars are kings in real life, maybe only in their own minds.  

R

I place the placard on my car mostly to take the wind out of the blowhards. The ones who like to boast loudly enough for anyone within 20 feet to hear how they can tell it's a fake.IMG_1430

When returning to my car at one event, someone asked "Why have a replica?"

My reply "Well, they're kinda like breast implants. EVERYONE knows they're fake, yet they're still nice to look at...and way more fun than the originals".

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@MusbJim posted:

I place the placard on my car mostly to take the wind out of the blowhards. The ones who like to boast loudly enough for anyone within 20 feet to hear how they can tell it's a fake.IMG_1430

When returning to my car at one event, someone asked "Why have a replica?"

My reply "Well, they're kinda like breast implants. EVERYONE knows they're fake, yet they're still nice to look at...and way more fun than the originals".

GOOD ONE!!!.....I need to start writing these all down and write a book and...maybe cut a book deal..ha,ha

.

Gordon, what's the Latin for, "Life is too short" ?

This is part of that sticky stuff on one's shoe that you have to deal with when you drive a replica. Most people love these cars, and will tell you so without being asked, and regardless of what they drive.

Eventually, though, you will run into Zuffenhausen's anointed people. They have been sent here to do God's work and are tireless in their devotion. They wear the trademark of their religion woven into their garments. The zeal of the true believer is in their eyes. They do not tolerate the infidel in their midst.

For me, life is indeed too short to get bogged down in matters of theology when I just want to be enjoying a sunny day. The few car shows I go to, I attend as a spectator. I park in the parking lot with the rest of the riff raff. If the parking lot is the show - like at a C&C - I have a little card for my windshield (like the one in Jim's photo) that says in big type 'replica' right up top, with some mechanical details below. And if any of the anointed people come calling, I've got the little 'Plastic Car Club' sticker to mess with them.

On the whole, though, I'd rather be driving than parking. I do a C&C every so often more to see than to be seen. I usually get away from the Speedster as quick as possible and let the little card do the talking.

It's in a language laymen can understand.

.

Both my plastic clown cars are badged as if they were the real thing. The one on the right could hardly be farther, mechanically, from what it's aping. The engine's in the wrong end! But it dutifully sports the full compliment of "MG" badges despite having only about 12 or 15 ounces of genuine MG components. So far at least, MG purists have given little trouble, as I am always delighted to tell them exactly what the car is, in as much detail as they'll endure. It's not every day you see an MG TD with a fuel-injected Subaru engine mounted in the back!

And it probably helps that well maintained real-deal TDs change hands for about $15,000. The stakes here are very low, and no one with an interest in '50s British cars can afford not to have a sense of humor. It is for that reason that I also affixed the "Finzio's Sinclair" and "The Last Open Road" stickers to the fake gas tank.

The Spyder you know about. I made it to look as much like 550-0051 as I could—down to the fasteners for the Wendler badges—and so far, even the 911 guys seem to like it fine. I still harbor the hope that those very rare marque experts who encounter it will appreciate the effort I made to replicate the many parts not normally seen on our clown car renditions of the Spyder. Of course they will forever be invisible to most people.

IMG_7398

Now I just need to fix the damn brakes...again.

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