definition of a survivor car, 1974 914 1.8 Options

[brcacti]

So from what I have been reading on here if I am right a survivor car is a stock or mostly stock, not restored that is in good or better condition? Does that sound right?

[jagalyn]

Survivors are real.

I think a lot of cars get 'tinkered with', 'modified' or 'not maintained' during their life and no longer would be considered 'original'... especially with 914's. They were so looked down on that I think there were few that were left in their original condition without modification or outright neglect.

But many of these 'tinkered' and 'neglected' cars now have been 'restored' back to their 'original' condition... but then they are 'restored' and did not ever make it to the 'survivor' status.

My 73 2.0L is all original. Never been painted (Even though the clear coat on the metallic silver paint has failed). Never been modified. Never damaged. Never rusted. Never 'tinkered' with or 'personalized' by the prior owners. There's not one thing on my car that is not factory original other than the dealer installed radio and regular mechanical maintenance items like tires, struts, brakes, injectors, etc.).

I consider it a 'survivor' because it has made it (survived) 50+ years without someone trying to make it something other than what is was when it left the factory. If after 50 years a car has not been modified, damaged or restored and maintains all of it's factory paint and original equipment, then I deem it a 'Survivor' regardless of what anyone else says about it.

Now that being said, I do think there are different levels of 'survivors'. From the pristine 'garage finds' that were put away for 40 or 50 year shortly after new to the cars that were driven continuously with 100,000+ miles over those same 40 or 50 years but never painted, modified, damaged or restored. Both in my book are survivors.

That's my definition... And that's my car. It has 117,000 miles on it and still wears 100% of it's factory paint, interior, engine, transmission and standard and optional factory equipment.

[bbrock]

I consider it a 'survivor' because it has made it (survived) 50+ years without someone trying to make it something other than what is was when it left the factory. If after 50 years a car has not been modified, damaged or restored and maintains all of it's factory paint and original equipment, then I deem it a 'Survivor' regardless of what anyone else says about it.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) That's pretty much my definition too although I tend to think of survivors also being condition class 3 or better. Mileage doesn't matter but condition does. Paint doesn't have to be perfect, but should be original in my book. In short, a survivor should be able to serve as a reference for anyone trying to restore their car to original condition.

[jagalyn]

That's pretty much my definition too although I tend to think of survivors also being condition class 3 or better. Mileage doesn't matter but condition does. Paint doesn't have to be perfect, but should be original in my book. In short, a survivor should be able to serve as a reference for anyone trying to restore their car to original condition.

@bbrock Perfect addition to a survivor description... 'should be able to serve as a reference for anyone trying to restore their car to original condition.'