define survivor car

[99ss]

Was just looking at a car and it said survivor and in the same paragraph says fresh paint...WTF
To me a survivor has not been painted.
Whats the definition of a survivor car?

 

[RustyRatRod]

I agree. Just went to a local car show Saturday. An aquaintance of mine had owned a 68 Hemi Road Runner since it was new. 128K original miles. Original paint, engine, trans, rear axle, you name it. Even plug wires. Hay, it still runs good. lol The paint covers more than 99% of the car still. Has scratches here and there. Interior is original and in very good condition. It has one small tear on the driver's side. Bench seat, 4 speed. The engine looks rough. It's all there and complete, but you can barely see any orange. lol It would be what I would call a true survivor.

 

[Dako]

I could see if it had chips touched up or minor damage repaired, but would agree with you...survivor = original paint. Don't know that others agree though.

 

[WP29440SE]

another term that is beat to death right along with barn find. everyone has their own definition and most of the time its used as a marketing ploy. in my opinion, any car that has "survived" all these years without being blown up, hacked up, crashed , crushed or vandalized and is still on the road is a "survivor". we all have survivors in one form or another. its mostly used to define cars that are 98% original and i wont argue that THAT is a "true" survivor.

 

[satman72]

If it's been repainted, it's not a survivor. Survivors are IMO all original.

I would personally allow one with a panel or two replaced and repainted due to an accident, but otherwise I would want to see it as built/ as maintained from original.

 

[Budnicks]

Survivor it's simple unmolested, all #'s matching, 99% OEM, not restored, not repainted, not overhauled, original engine, trans, radiator, valve covers, electrical, interior, paint, glass, rear end, air cleaner, wiring, gauges, lights/lenses, chrome, decals, nameplates, etc.... Just having the basic maintenance items, fuses, bulbs, brakes, hoses, belts, tires, oil, etc. changed.. their only original once That's MHO Anyway

 

[Bruzilla]

I don't see any way a survivor can have fresh paint, but this is where you can get into a big grey area. Suppose the car was new in 1970 but wrecked and repaired and repainted in 1971 and nothing's been done to it since. Is it a survivor or not? What if the car was damaged during delivery and it had to be repainted?

 

[Moparsmitty]

Survivor it's simple unmolested, all #'s matching, 99% OEM, not restored, not repainted, not overhauled, original engine, trans, radiator, valve covers, electrical, interior, paint, glass, rear end, air cleaner, wiring, gauges, lights/lenses, chrome, decals, nameplates, etc.... Just having the basic maintenance items, fuses, bulbs, brakes, hoses, belts, tires, oil, etc. changed.. their only original once That's MHO Anyway

Totally agree with you Bud.

 

[2059]

The "survivor" name has been overused for marketing. I'm with Bud and Smitty on this one. the "restored" car is not a "survivor" car. and that includes a new paint job. IMO

 

[RustyRatRod]

I think that would still count. Sorta like my friend's 70 SS 454 Chevelle I'm workin on. He had to have the transmission replaced under warranty in 1972. Since it's a certified GM reman installed by a GM dealer, with the GM reman tag clearly visible, is it still "original"? I say it is.

I don't see any way a survivor can have fresh paint, but this is where you can get into a big grey area. Suppose the car was new in 1970 but wrecked and repaired and repainted in 1971 and nothing's been done to it since. Is it a survivor or not? What if the car was damaged during delivery and it had to be repainted?

 

[99ss]

Survivor it's simple unmolested, all #'s matching, 99% OEM, not restored, not repainted, not overhauled, original engine, trans, radiator, valve covers, electrical, interior, paint, glass, rear end, air cleaner, wiring, gauges, lights/lenses, chrome, decals, nameplates, etc.... Just having the basic maintenance items, fuses, bulbs, brakes, hoses, belts, tires, oil, etc. changed.. their only original once That's MHO Anyway

x3

 

[Propwash]

x3

X4

 

[70redbee]

I think there are too many mis-used words in our hobby. Survivor, clone, tribute, rare, 1 of...., and frameoff and many other terms are used to make a buyer think they are getting something special in order to get more money than the car is worth. Look at the car you are buying and pay what it is worth to you, not what a seller is telling you it is worth or will be worth. Inspect what you expect and make an informed decision. Anyone agree? Let your thoughts be known.

 

[99ss]

THis looks to fit the category
http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/cto/3376002949.html

 

[tpodwdog]

you say potato....i say pohtatoh.....that survivor word is often misused....and abused, im with BUDNICKS and SMITTY AND THE RAT !

 

[YY1]

I'd like to use that term for my Satellite, but I can't quite do it.
Original almost everything (including 85% of the belts and hoses), but one repaint, and added sway bars and dual exhaust.
Damn close, though, although I've made it worse with some period correct, and factory available options.

I personally love it whan the term is used on a car that has a ripped up interior, lots of rusted body panels, and the motor is locked up.
Come on...it DIDN'T survive.

 

[WP29440SE]

another term that is beat to death right along with barn find. everyone has their own definition and most of the time its used as a marketing ploy. in my opinion, any car that has "survived" all these years without being blown up, hacked up, crashed , crushed or vandalized and is still on the road is a "survivor". we all have survivors in one form or another. its mostly used to define cars that are 98% original and i wont argue that THAT is a "true" survivor.

oh YEA ? well i agree with myself lol

 

[moparmarks]

To me a TRUE survivor has original paint, motor, interior, drivertain, ect. Wear parts may not be original. If it was wrecked even at 2 days after sold it really didn't survive now did it?

 

[70RR]

I am a survivor ..I survived the late 60's and the 70's with Sex Drugs & Rock-N-Roll original wheels and only Painted once!!!

Was just looking at a car and it said survivor and in the same paragraph says fresh paint...WTF
To me a survivor has not been painted.
Whats the definition of a survivor car?