Can you pick out the replica?

Through the years I have owned several Camaro Pace cars and tribute vehicles. Most recently I have owned an authentic 1993 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car and a replica 1993 Camaro Indianapolis Pace car. They both were a blast to own and drive! I received a lot of attention driving both. But there is a difference between these two cars even though aesthetically they were the same. They both had the same Z28 drivetrain they had the matching interior and exterior color options and the same wheel and tire packages. Regardless of the similarities, these cars fall into two different categories. There are some points you should think about ahead of time if you’re considering purchasing a replica or a tribute vehicle.

The first thing is to know what the terms replica and tribute vehicle mean. A replica is built to match an authentic vehicle and a tribute is built to resemble. Replicas and tribute vehicles are cars that do not have matching numbers or that are not the authentic version of an original that was produced from the factory. (i.e: a 1970 Malibu cannot be documented as a 1970 Chevelle SS just because it has badging or components that make up a SS.) Most people use the words tribute or replica as a catch-all for any vehicle that has been modified to resemble a more desirable rendition of a vehicle.

There are some points you should think about ahead of time if you’re considering purchasing a replica or a tribute vehicle.

What should you do when you’re trying to find your authentic dream car?

Learn the car!!!

Research and study the car you desire and understand what factory markings, badging, and all the other specifics make that car authentic. You should always decode the VIN so that you can learn what options the car had when it was originally produced. Decoding the trim tag will tell you what exterior and interior color options it had from the manufacturer. This task of decoding should be one of the first things you do while performing your due diligence before a classic car purchase. Another option is to reach out to other owners of the same car you’re interested in and get some real-time advice from current owners. There is an abundance of knowledge that can be learned by asking key questions.

What do you need when you’re restoring an authentic classic car?

The build sheet is a huge plus to have as a project manager of auto restoration. Just having this sheet in your possession along with the coordinating car will immediately add value to the project. It will tell you how to restore the car to meet all factory specifications which can include paint spray patterns, specific hardware, and number stampings that are on specific locations throughout the structure of the vehicle. This type of restoration should only use original vintage factory parts if available or NOS (New Old Stock) parts. There should be no aftermarket parts used on an authentic restoration.  The authentic parts would function as originally produced. You will always want to validate all factory stamping prior to restoring used parts on an authentic restoration project.

Now let’s say that you love replicas and tribute vehicles. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and sometimes these renditions are friendlier to the budget. There is a benefit to buying a tribute or replica since it gives the owner the option to fully customize the car without de-valuing an authentic one.

If you do decide to purchase or build a replica you must know and understand that it is not an authentic vehicle. A replica or tribute car is usually sold at a lower price point but still can be considered a smart investment if purchased at a below-market price.

One of the most desired replicas is the 1965-1966 Shelby Cobras. These replicas or tribute builds are amazing when they are done correctly. Something to always remember though is that replicas and tributes don’t usually appreciate like the authentic versions. Their values will only remain stable if they are well cared for and maintained.

Again, I cannot emphasize enough to do your homework. If you do not have adequate knowledge of the difference between an authentic vehicle and a replica you may end up overpaying for a look-alike. Also, you want to be alert to counterfeit cars. Sadly, these are purposely built to deceive buyers. It is very rare but be cautious and if something is too good to be true…..it ALWAYS is!!

A few ways in identifying a counterfeit car are by asking for the backstory of the car from the previous owner. If the seller has gaps in the history or is unaware of some key information about the car this should be a red flag. Always check the VIN tag on the car to the VIN on the title. Sometimes there are errors in the number-letter sequence that could cause a headache later and may require further state inspections which will cause ownership and registration delays that could end up costing more.

If this is your first time acquiring a genuine-built classic car, I encourage you to consult with an expert that can guide you through the acquisition.

So, whether you buy a replica or tribute just make it a smart purchase and have fun driving it and showing it off. There is nothing wrong with owning one of these cars if you don’t get duped during the acquisition.

Among other things always love each other and hug your car!!

Gregg Ovist
www.geezzup.com

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