Lady & the Tramp

European Concours' de Elegance have long recognized the value in leaving a vehicle in the state it was found.

Events in the states have caught on, but many California over restorers have had their way with machines that were more valuable pre-restoration.

High profile events tend to be deceiving, because what wins the highest accolades, is a vehicle that often began as only fraction of what you see. A restored machine, by definition, means an existing machine is brought back to its former glory. What really takes place is the replacing, remanufacturing, & recreating of a machine that now is brought to modern day specs, of paint, polish & detail, that far surpasses the level of quality that existed in the state the machine began.

Unmolested machines, virgins, original paint, as raced, & a clear provenance, backed with a paper trail of photos, timing certs, & news clippings, are held in higher esteem to my point of view.

What is even more precious than the vehicle that just rolled off the show room floor, is that rare bird, that just rolled of the track.

I know toy collectors that use the phase, "the right red" & JJ's new toy is just right!