What constitutes "restoration"?, Looks like the PCR's will put me in resto class next year Options

[Pat Garvey]

I would hardly call my '72 914 "restored".

Yes, most of the exterior panels were repainted - in 1979!

But, the PCR gurus tell me it's "restored". One says if it was repainted anywhere, it's restored. Another says "if 30% of the panels were repainted, it's restored". I just love this degree of decisiveness!

So, here's what was repainted - all exterior panels, except the engine lid (which was used to match the degree of orange peel). No, the engine bay was not painted, nor the undersides of the lids, nor any of the belly parts or trunks. Nor were the door jambs. The repaint was to original specs by a Mercedes shop in Cincinnati. In '79 they wanted no part of the car, but owed a favor to a buddy of mine. Did a wonderful job!

Beyond that, I've maintained the rest of the finishes of the car. Yep, I've replaced a bunch of parts through the years that needed it - I still call this maintenance. I've always used factory parts to maintain the car. I have a stockpile of factory parts to use as the years go buy, but they are maintenance parts.

So, instead of a black and white poll - tell me your thoughts on whether this car is resored or preserved. It'll help me make a decision in January.

All questions are considered fair, and will be answered. All comments are considered fair - I will accept all (except tire questions/comments).

Let's hear it!
Pat

ps: If you want pics, fine.

[horizontally-opposed]

Hey Pat!

To me your car is *not* restored, but then it is not technically "original" either, and certainly not by the PCR. I applaud the new rules because I was tired of seeing what I consider great, well preserved older Porsches - sometimes even with a lot of originality intact - being pulled apart and totally restored to perfection. How 1980s.

I guess the problem with the new categories is that they don't account for cars like yours, which are niether totally original "survivors" nor totally restored trailer queens. While I'm always amazed by the survivors and think they do a huge service to enthusiasts everywhere, cars that have been driven and maintained are perhaps most worthy of celebration. Of course, cars with big miles AND original paint are the ultimate.

In any event, I think between "original" and "restored" is "preserved and maintained." I might be alone in that, however...

No matter what, your car is amazing!

Pete

[Pat Garvey]

Hey Pat!

To me your car is *not* restored, but then it is not technically "original" either, and certainly not by the PCR. I applaud the new rules because I was tired of seeing what I consider great, well preserved older Porsches - sometimes even with a lot of originality intact - being pulled apart and totally restored to perfection. How 1980s.

I guess the problem with the new categories is that they don't account for cars like yours, which are niether totally original "survivors" nor totally restored trailer queens. While I'm always amazed by the survivors and think they do a huge service to enthusiasts everywhere, cars that have been driven and maintained are perhaps most worthy of celebration. Of course, cars with big miles AND original paint are the ultimate.

In any event, I think between "original" and "restored" is "preserved and maintained." I might be alone in that, however...

No matter what, your car is amazing!

Pete

Thanks Pete! But I (as a purist) have finally come to grips with the fact that a repaint (even if it was nearly 30 years ago) constitutes "restoration". Oh, and I did have the sail panels cut out & refabricated- there were no replacement panels available then, so I needed to hire a good panel beater!

No matter, because I can't make the Parade this year, as I had planned for 3 years!
Pat