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What Is a Replica?
Replicas are vehicles built as an homage to a legendary automobile. Sometimes they are called clones because they can be nearly identical copies of the original. Replicas start with a different vehicle platform that gets altered to emulate the desired car.
For example, this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, offered on eBay, was built into a replica of the Plymouth Superbird that dominated stock car racing. In this case, it’s also a convertible, which was unavailable in the 1970s.
Authentic, well-documented original Plymouth Superbirds sell for over a million dollars. On the other hand, starting from a less-expensive Road Runner and adding parts to emulate the original provides an affordable route to ownership with a few opportunities for creativity.
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Replica, Tribute or Clone?
- A replica is a cosmetic replication of the original vehicle built on a donor (or manufactured) platform. Replicas are all about style, making no claims to authenticity. It’s no secret that a VW Beetle-based Speedster isn’t a Porsche with the engine running.
- A tribute pays homage to a specific trim level or iconic model, upgrading a lesser car with factory or reproduction mechanical and cosmetic parts. Owners are upfront about the vehicle’s origin. There’s a good reason why a tribute 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge sells for half the real deal’s price. Fewer than 7,000 rolled off the line. The best tribute cars might not be “real,” but they’re honest.
- A clone is similar to a tribute, minus some of the integrity. If a seller slaps a bunch of SS emblems and trim pieces on a base six-cylinder Chevrolet Chevelle and drops a big block under the hood without acknowledging the car’s Monroney sticker, it borders on fraud. Caveat emptor.
Read this: How To Certify Your Classic Car Is Authentic
Build a Replica From a Kit
Consider building a replica from a kit rather than a loaner car. For example, a replica of a Bugatti Type 35 for sale on eBay was once a VW Bug used in the Matt Damon movie We Bought A Zoo. The modular nature of the Beetle and the ubiquitousness of parts make it a great choice for scores of fiberglass-bodied replicas.
Like the Beetle, the Ford Mustang was built in high volumes for decades. Companies specializing in replicas of the iconic Cobra roadster sell their wares on eBay. Factory Five Racing offers a kit based on a 1979 to 1993 Fox-body Mustang.
Lights, Camera, Engine Start, Action!
A vehicle can also enter our hearts through television or movies. Every enthusiast can recall a scene when a vehicle steals the show. Some of us want to bring that magic to life by faithfully recreating that special film star car.
For example, consider the Knight Rider TV series. David Hasselhoff was the show’s star. But the autonomous and quick-witted KITT was also a major character. KITT was based on a Firebird, so building a KITT replica isn’t likely out of reach for dedicated superfans.
Read this: Dukes of Hazzard Fans Keep Building New “General Lee” Dodge Chargers
Why Buy or Build a Replica?
Some people have the means to buy an iconic original car and yet choose instead to have a replica. After all, driving an irreplaceable classic can be nerve-wracking. Consider the hazards of parking in a place where you could get a door ding. That classic could lose significant value in a simple trip to the store.
Not so with the replica. A replica vehicle allows you to show off your enthusiasm for a motoring icon without risking damage to your wallet.
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