Classic vs. Custom

[sunsetclassics]

Hey Classic Chevy fans here's a question for you. I know there are some purists who are completely against any customization what so ever and some who spend years tweaking their classic cars.

I'm curious to know what the mix here is at AF

So Here is the question:
Once a car is customized can it be considered a classic anymore?

['97ventureowner]

IMO as long as it doesn't go overboard and is in good taste, mildly customized older cars should be considered classics. Way back in the '50, '60s, and '70s many car owners have done modifications to their vehicles, so some of the mods have been around 50+ years.I personally know car owners who customized their vehicles 30 years ago and still have them today, and they are still sought after and have retained their value over the years.

[maxwedge]

Again this depends on market trends, right now " virgin" cars are the most sought after.

[Blue Bowtie]

Watch the highly publicized auctions, private advertisements, and retail listings. I think you'll find that an unmolested car is almost always worth more to a broader buying public.

That said, there's nothing wrong with customization, and even a customized older vehicle will have considerable value to the right buyers if done well. It's just that the restored and original cars always seem to attract a larger buying crowd, and demand a higher price in general. Careful customization usually allows reverting to the original condition, although with some level of work. Heavy customizations usually make the vehicle very difficult to return to original condition. Shaved door handles, chopped tops, and "Z"ed or channeled frames, suicide doors, narrowed rear frames and axles, rolled fenders and quarters, and tubbed bodies can be very difficult to reverse.

[hotrod_chevyz]

Originally Posted by sunsetclassics

Hey Classic Chevy fans here's a question for you. I know there are some purists who are completely against any customization what so ever and some who spend years tweaking their classic cars.

I'm curious to know what the mix here is at AF

So Here is the question:
Once a car is customized can it be considered a classic anymore?

A classic is a classic, no matter whats been done to it. Could be a class "A" resto, could be a total hack job, but it doesnt change what it is. If your a collector your going to want it original and as close to perfect as possible. If you just like classics and dont care if its original or not you just want to drive it then mod away.

Truth is a lot of classics arent equipped to be on todays roads. 4 wheel drum brakes, no power steering ect can spell disaster on todays more congested and narrow roads, especially since speed limit signs dont read like they used to.

[sunsetclassics]

hotrod chevyz you make a good point about the safety of classic cars that hadn't even crossed my mind, especially with cars that date back past the 50's.

What then will happen 50 years down the road? Will classic cars that are more than 50-100 years old be relegated to showrooms instead of the streets? What fun will that be?

Perhaps we'll have classic cars converted to electric so we can still enjoy a nice '57 Chevy look and get 500 miles to the gallon.

You are all right about the market for "original" classics, I don't see that changing either. I think there will always be a higher demand for cars that are kept in (or restored to) their original state. But on the flip side there is always a rather large fan base for modified cars of any model it seems who would pay more for a well done custom car than the "original." I personally think there is more than enough room for both preferences.

..

[twistedtech]

Hotrod you raise a good point.BUT. Take a 69 rs/ss zapper and "butcher" it. That car will not be what it was born to be until the doctor comes to work.It " MIGHT" be a nice car but it is NOT a classic.A classic is just that. What it is and was.Very little mods.I once did the car show deal and got feedback from people.Average joe love's 1 of 2 thing's.Stock or a really nice job.All in the eye of the beholder.

[hotrod_chevyz]

A classic is a classic no matter whats done to it or how well it performs then or now. It all boils down to the title. A custom is custom no matter if its base is a would be "classic". Some cars that are considered classic shouldnt be, and some that arent should be. Its all subject to opinion.

[P51nerd]

honestly, I NEED to know, Does anyone here think its "cool" to put 24 on a lifted classic Monty Carlo? I personally think it looks like a cheep whore, or a pig in lipstik, whichever you prefer. when I see a guy in one with a window full of the normal"Need to sell, good classic for a new driver" I want to Hit a wall

[zaifulzin]

vote for custom

[Old Lar]

I don't care for the "HOT WHEELS" look on the Caprice Classic or Monte Carlo. I'm not into the "pimp mobile" look of any car as a custom option.

[phillipshaw]

i think that is still a classic. well its just customized....but that still the car.