This is largely a question of semantics. But I am very interested in learning the perspectives from members of this forum. As cars are presented for sale or show, certain terms are used. “Restored”, “modified”, and “survivor” come to mind. One term that interests me, as I feel there is some flexibility in its use, is “unrestored”.
In the context of this thread, I am referring to cars that are generally at least 40 years old, and more likely 50 or more years old. With that many years (and miles) on cars, some work has generally been done to them. I use a daily driver as an example. If a rock hits your windshield, you may get the chip filled but if it is a crack, the windshield is likely replaced. If a car gets enough road rash on the nose, or a door gets dinged hard, these areas might be fixed and sprayed. Of course, mechanical maintenance might include things as small as new spark plugs and wires, or large items like a new radiator, top or bottom end engine rebuild. Our coupes are known for having their early heads replaced. Exhaust systems/parts are replaced. Suspension parts are replaced as well – anything from tie rods/ball joints up to spindles, struts, etc. Brakes, other wear items - you get the point.
I would think that none of the above-mentioned items is considered a “restoration”. But what if an entire car was resprayed, even though no metal work was done? Can this be considered a restoration? Or maybe it falls under the adjacent and even more vague term of “partial restoration”.
My question is, what are the boundaries of correctly/accurately using the term “unrestored” for a car? I look forward to your insight.
In the context of this thread, I am referring to cars that are generally at least 40 years old, and more likely 50 or more years old. With that many years (and miles) on cars, some work has generally been done to them. I use a daily driver as an example. If a rock hits your windshield, you may get the chip filled but if it is a crack, the windshield is likely replaced. If a car gets enough road rash on the nose, or a door gets dinged hard, these areas might be fixed and sprayed. Of course, mechanical maintenance might include things as small as new spark plugs and wires, or large items like a new radiator, top or bottom end engine rebuild. Our coupes are known for having their early heads replaced. Exhaust systems/parts are replaced. Suspension parts are replaced as well – anything from tie rods/ball joints up to spindles, struts, etc. Brakes, other wear items - you get the point.
I would think that none of the above-mentioned items is considered a “restoration”. But what if an entire car was resprayed, even though no metal work was done? Can this be considered a restoration? Or maybe it falls under the adjacent and even more vague term of “partial restoration”.
My question is, what are the boundaries of correctly/accurately using the term “unrestored” for a car? I look forward to your insight.
