Due to the nature of our business (TP Tools in Canfield, Ohio), I have attend the Carlisle and Hershey shows every year since 1973. At Carlisle, anything goes - there are many doing 100% restorations that go to Carlisle to get parts for their restorations and there are others going the modified route. At Hershey, things are changing rapidly and we better be prepared for that change. The big interest and most rapidly increasing cars of value are the 50s and 60s muscle cars. Some of the restorations of these cars is amazing and from what I am able to determine, the owner's family is not hurting for money. Some of these cars are kept 100% original, but many others look original until you lift the hood and see a beautiful engine compartment full of chrome and trimmed up in grand style. Even if you don't like such vehicles, I challenge you to compare their engine compartments with most of your own.
At Hersey 30 years ago, you dare not mention the word "hot rod" or "street rod" as you would be taken back a bit in no uncertain terms. Now I am amazed at how many of those at Hershey own modifieds in addition to their original cars. A younger group is coming up and they are not used to cars that don't start, headlights that are not bright, brakes that are unsafe (by today's standards) and they like an automatic transmission, as they probably never even drove stick shift. They also like air conditioning, power steering and a nice sound system. But they still like old cars and some of their restorations are beyond belief. If 100% originality was required, it is not likely that they would even be interested in old cars. These newcomers are a big part of the hobby and should be accepted soon or we won't have such a hobby. In time, this segment will be larger than our true original segment of the hobby, if not so already. My son attended the Street Rod Nationals last weekend in Louisville and the show was huge and money is being spent by those who would probably have no interest in doing a 100% original car. So my advice is to accept it and enjoy.
Most car shows today have classes for original cars and classes for modifieds and everyone seems to get along nicely. At these shows, the younger crowd (under 40) seems to be attracted to the modifieds. They also look at and appreciate the original old pre-war cars, but the modifieds seem to get more attention from the general public, who do not know about our rule that every old car should be kept original. The resale value of these modified cars can be more than the same car in original condition, so what does that mean? It means that we must all co-exist as antique car restorers and should appreciate the work of others, regardless of our particular opinion. Even many of the "old guys" have both original cars and modifieds and no longer do I hear much criticism from even them. In my case, could not believe the beauty of the older white Cadillac convertible (pictured from the GN in another post). From the outside you would never believe it had a Northstar engine. I wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of the interior if anyone has any. I bet the owner drove the car to Atlanta, but I could be wrong.
A friend of mine from Oklahoma (now deceased) owned both a 1940 Lincoln Continental (original) and a 1940 Continental (modified). From the outside, only the radial tires gave an indication that the modified car was not original. Which Lincoln did he drive all over and which did he show often ... the modified. He told me that it had a Corvette engine and drive train, power steering and brakes - "everything". He displayed it with pride at many Lincoln shows and he drove it hundreds of milles to these shows on a steady basis. He was an old car guy from day one and all of his other cars were originals. He even drove an original 1936 Ford in the Great American Race about 20 years ago. Along the way, he accepted the present changes and enjoyed these changes, yet still had a love and appreciation for true antique cars. Last Thanksgiving he was planning on attending our Thanksgiving Sale and driving his modified Lincoln from Tulsa to Ohio, but in the meantime had a serious open heart operation and sadly passed away at age 86. So what was good enough for him is good enough for me and I will accept and welcome anyone interested in any part of the hobby to the CLC and any other clubs that I favor, regardless of his or her choice of vehicle (original or modified).
I tell my friends who observe some of the costs incurred with my past original restorations that "it keeps me out of the bars" or "it's better than spending my money on drugs". Other than my 1934 Dodge Pickup (now owned by my son), all of my cars were always 100% original and I kept them original, as I am now doing with my LaSalle convertible. On the Dodge, I bought it as a street rod with a chicken wire mesh grille, roll bar, trailer rear fenders, new Chevy engine, automatic transmission and all new wiring (unfortunately wires were all red in color and no schematic). It would have been almost impossible and certainly financially impractical to bring this car back to original, but I wanted to make it look more original. I located an original grille, original fenders, original headlight buckets and original tail lights. I spent several years in putting it back to an original look, other than sealed beam headlights, dashboard, interior and wheels. I drove this pickup just about anywhere for over 20 years and it kept up easily with traffic, as it was formerly a very successful drag racing car at our local drag strip. A 1934 Dodge original pickup truck could not compare in speed, handling or ride. In my travels, never had anyone criticize the car, as it had a semi-original look and a great look as well. It had no flames, no huge wheels or spinners, no raccoon tail, nothing out of the ordinary except the wheels were modern chrome wire wheels that were very appropriate for the car. I am attaching a picture after the first restoration that provided many years of fun driving and never a mechanical problem in any of those years. An earlier post showed the truck after a complete rebuilding last year.
My idea of a perfect modified for those who want to go that route is what they call a "resto-rod", where the car looks as original as possible from the outside, but with modern drive train. For those who prefer, keeping any car 100% original is still probably the best option, but is only an option, depending on the owner's particular preference. Other than the Dodge Pickup, all of my other cars have been originals. In other words, I am willing to accept unrestored cars, restored cars or modified resto-rods. Many of these cars would never have been restored in the first place and probably junked if it were not possible to do some custom work to get them back on the road and I do not criticize anyone for doing whatever they want with their cars and their money. So either accept changes in our hobby or watch it slowly die out. I am even more concerned about attempting to restore our modern cars in 20 years with all of the computer issues that we face today and possible restrictions from our trusted politicians.
Fred Zwicker
