The Purity Of Cars

To me, of course, cars are more than just transportation. Many of them are rolling sculptures and/or masterpieces of engineering.

To restomod or not to restomod has always been the subject of quite a debate in the car world. The difference between restoring and restomodding is well described by this excerpt from this webpage:

“Restoration essentially refers to taking a great classic car and bringing it back to life with all (or most) of the original factory parts. The process involves repair of the visible parts (e.g., body trim, interior, etc.), as well as the parts not easily seen (e.g., electrical, suspension, brakes, etc.). The result is a beautifully preserved automobile in factory-new condition with authentic parts – just like it came off the showroom floor decades ago.”

“Restomod (restoration + modern parts/technology) draws from all the amazing advancements in automobile technology over the past 40+ years to enhance the performance, comfort and safety of the classic car. A restomod car has the timeless appearance of the original, but the outdated guts of the car have been replaced with the more modern, high-performance parts of today. You achieve the same great look, but your vintage car will be revved up with all the latest bells and whistles to create a much better ride for the owner.”

Not surprisingly, since these definitions come from a website called restomodstore.com it’s no shock that they prefer restomods. I am thinking about this topic because I am still thinking about buying a car like this, although 2-3 years in the future (if I live that long):

From Mecum auctions a picture of a 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk offered at their 2012 Indianapolis auction. Once again, the intent is not for this car to replace my 2016 Corvette Z06, but to be a “companion” to it.

Part of me would prefer to keep the car stock, if possible. I mean, if the car’s original drivetrain is shot I probably wouldn’t buy it, anyway, because of the cost of replacement. However, and as I have stated in the past, I believe that since this is the 21st century, why wouldn’t I want to drive a car with more modern components?

At the heart of this debate for me would be whether or not to do an EFI conversion for an original Studebaker engine, if such a thing is even possible. Oh…EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection. In that way, the car retains its original engine, but an engine that will run more reliably with more power and better fuel economy.

Obviously, the cost of such a project would play a role in whether or not I would do it. All other things being equal, though, I must report that at this time and place far removed from my acquisition of such a car, I am leaning towards doing the EFI conversion. Who knows? Maybe it would be something that I might try to do myself with the help of a friend.

I would very much like to read your thoughts on this debate, on the subject of the purity of cars.

#PurityOfCars

#StudebakerGranTurismoHawk

#somanycarsjustonelife

#disaffectedmusings

If you like this blog please tell your friends and share the blog URL (https://disaffectedmusings.com). Thanks.