Repowered Classics

[ERC]

I think is a subject that hopefully will elicit a total mix of views and a lively response.

I'll kick off and set the scene as I see it and I'll see what happens.

Using a Ford Escort as a good example, it is one where the level of purity can go from one extreme to the other.

1) Schedule K/Appendix K - pure cars as they were, 100% period, probably with a provenance (Race or Rally). Probably with extensive documentation and maybe even a race or rally history. In truth, probably worth good money.

2) A T & C Escort with period modifications or a replica built at any time, and covered by current T & C rules. In other words, someone can drop a period twin cam into a basic shell, adorn it with appropriate badges.

At this point, the Commission are happy enough, as the rules are clear cut and no one is ever really going to object too much (though I am not so sure owners of genuine AC Cobras vs Cobra replicas would see it that way...)

We then come to the repower issues which is less clear cut and is what needs a full discussion.

3) Ford Escort powered by a modern Ford (Zetec?) engine, but to a casual observer, a lookalike.

4) Ford Escort powerd by a period Ford V8, built in period and therefore with a local history.

5) As above, Ford Escort powered by a period Ford V8, but built last year.

6) Ford Escort powerd by the Ford Essex V6 ie a period engine from the same basic make but not a model that was ever produced. (Some Ford anorak will tell me that they did, but for the purposes of this thread, assume that they didn't, but could have done!)

7) Ford Escort powered by a period (ie pre 1980 or whatever) Rover V8, Fiat Twin Cam, Mazda Rotary, period Toyota/Ford 5 speed gearbox and all period parts, but not a specific model that was built in period, but could have been.

8) Ford Escort powered by a modern Nissan, Lexus, Honda engine with sequential gearbox and a load of modern goodies.

I think that from that list, you can see that the commission are faced with philosophical problems that then impact on drivers/car builders.

Having built a car that falls basically into category 6 above, supported by the marque club I might add, it is now in no man's land.

Looks like a classic, built from classic bits, but obviously not a classic. Period special? Maybe. Hot Rod? Not in my eyes, but certainly in the eyes of others. Wasn't built in period so no history, can't do it now.

No way is it a "Club Car" banished to go out mixing it with modern Subarus, Evos and Hondas. It looks wrong there, feels wrong and to me, is wrong, but that is where many see it sitting. The fact that an original 1950's classic bodyshell is now almost irreplacable (trims certainly are), means that it shouldn't really be on the track with the modern biff and bash brigade either.

This site is full of cars from the past (here and the UK) that were one offs and always proved popular. Build one now, and you are in no mans land as the NZ scene seems to be getting too bland. Far easier to go out and build yet another boring Escort or Falcodore or stuff a Ford V8 into a Capri and call it a Perana.

I'll throw it open as I know it is a can of worms, (or is it?) so let me just add, that if a race/rally meeting organiser or series committtee or marque club accepts a car, should that be the end of it, or not? Should it still be accorded some form of classic status under CR for example or a separate category created? RS Retro Saloon?

Sits back and waits for the fur to fly...