Opinions on Replicas/ Clones

[cosgig]

Having done two I’d call it semi-clones, if hoping to make money if the time comes to sell it, I certainly wouldn’t bank on it. I didn’t get what I put into the first one, not a terribly bad loss, but the hundreds of hours I spent working on it was free labor costs for the buyer. It started out as a rusted hulk. The 2nd one I still have, is a CA car, and an unbelievable difference in the work required, but I shopped out a few more things than I did with the first one. Still, pert-near $40,000 invested and 100’s of hours of my labor.

There will come the time to sell it, whether I do being still able, or one of my kids having no interest in the car when I’m a pile of ashes in a box. I built the car the way I wanted it to be knowing that – that cash wouldn’t be recovered in a sell.
The Frank Sinatra tune comes to mind: “I did it my way”.

Sing it Frankie, you speak the truth!

 

[Some Car Guy]

Having done two I’d call it semi-clones, if hoping to make money if the time comes to sell it, I certainly wouldn’t bank on it. I didn’t get what I put into the first one, not a terribly bad loss, but the hundreds of hours I spent working on it was free labor costs for the buyer. It started out as a rusted hulk. The 2nd one I still have, is a CA car, and an unbelievable difference in the work required, but I shopped out a few more things than I did with the first one. Still, pert-near $40,000 invested and 100’s of hours of my labor.

There will come the time to sell it, whether I do being still able, or one of my kids having no interest in the car when I’m a pile of ashes in a box. I built the car the way I wanted it to be knowing that – that cash wouldn’t be recovered in a sell.
The Frank Sinatra tune comes to mind: “I did it my way”.

Sounds like you understand it. Many don’t.

 

[Ron H]

Sounds like you understand it. Many don’t.

Been the topic in several threads, people having done restorations saying the same. There are great cars to be had turn-key if you know what to look for and from what I’ve observed, you can buy them for less cash than the builder put into it. Of course, always the exceptions.

Few years ago at a show was talking to the owner of a ’64 Fury, just a gorgeous car. I complimented him on the restoration and he said he bought it. We walked to the trunk and he had photo albums of its restoration, just amazing pictures of every step of the resto. One way to know exactly what you’re buying. I did the same with my restoration, some 300 photos so the buyer can see what it was and is. If I’m looking to buy a road ready classic, been thinking about it, since my restorations are behind, I’d sure be more comfortable seeing lots of pictures of the build. Too many sad stories of guys buying a pig with lipstick on it, not knowing what to look for or not having someone along that does.

 

[68BabyBlue]

I have been fortunate to have owned multiple turn key GTXs. They were all excellent cars, were relatively cheap to own. Catch was, it took nearly a decade to locate each one. Most what’s on the market has issues.

 

[Ron H]

I have been fortunate to have owned multiple turn key GTXs. They were all excellent cars, were relatively cheap to own. Catch was, it took nearly a decade to locate each one. Most what’s on the market has issues.

Sounds like you know what to look for reducing the luck factor to end up with a cherry car.
Prices on a GTX isn’t for the faint-hearted, lol.

 

[1KoolBee]

Three words: GO FOR IT ! Three reasons: 1) it makes YOU happy 2) don't have to raid fort knox to buy it 3) you're not afraid to drive it.

And # 4 , you can’t tell if it’s numbers matching when you put your right foot to the floor!

 

[1KoolBee]

My ‘67 GTX Clone I affectionately refer to as “The Mongrel”. 66 Shell, 67 fenders, grille, bumper, trunk lid, interior, emblems, dash. ‘70 440 block, Timing cover, and main seal retainer are only factory engine parts. ‘70 hemi 4-speed, ‘70 3.54 Dana. 500 inches, six-pack. Absolutely nothing numbers matching or numbers correct, but it will be fun!!

 

[JPrusinows]

And # 4 , you can’t tell if it’s numbers matching when you put your right foot to the floor!

Amen brother!!!

 

[68BabyBlue]

Sounds like you know what to look for reducing the luck factor to end up with a cherry car.
Prices on a GTX isn’t for the faint-hearted, lol.

Bill and Julie Clark taught me what to look for, and personally advised me on the first two I purchased. Seems destiny that their GTX is in my hands today. Julie also told me I needed to focus on my career, and I’d be able to afford the good ones.

 

[Hwy145]

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. We couldn’t come together on a price…