Opinions on Replicas/ Clones

[Runcharger]

I've had real cars and cars with swapped in drivetrains. These days the real stuff is getting really expensive and a lot of guys are hesitant to drive them. You can build the clone somewhat cheaper as you don't need all correct parts and date coded stuff etc. I say leave the real stuff to the investors these days and drive the stupid thing. Best car I ever owned was my matching #'s 71 Hemi Charger and I loved it and I loved driving it. However with a Hemi you should drive it hard to enjoy the thrill and demonstrate that thrill to others, worrying about the unlikely event of hurting matching #'s parts though does take a bit of the enjoyment out of it.
Another thing is when you have a real car, some know it all at a car show is going to point a finger at your incorrect tire valve stem caps and it's going to just p&^% you off, so it's best to just avoid that scenario all together.

 

[Cojohnso1]

I believe clones are ideal from modest models/options that wouldn't bring anything special if restored/survivor to stock. So no foul building to your fancy.

 

[DeltaV]

 

[T Brashears]

I can't own anything I'm afraid to drive,my bikes or cars. hell,i ding mine up in the garage. Sometimes i wish i would have gutted it,primed,and spent more money on the motor.

 

[Don Frelier]

I think people get caught up in "labeling" stuff and vin numbers.
Why can't it just be a cool car you put a hemi in rather than a Hemi car?
Not everyone is going to have a Hemi car, I don't.
But mine are pretty fun I'll say.

 

[cosgig]

If I can afford a Hemi car, I’m beating the crap out of it, because that’s what they were made for. And if I can afford to buy one, I certainly can afford to beat on it.

 

[6PKRTSE]

As long as they look good, sounds good and runs good, it's cool to me. I have never been a numbers guy. I have learned the numbers and I know the numbers now, but I really couldn't care less if it is an original Hemi car or any car or not. I built my Hemi car my way.

 

[BSB67]

What are the prevailing opinions on replica tributes? Probably the only chance of affording a nice/ well-built HEMI car…

I have an opinion, but so does everyone. Mine is no better. I think that the posts so far show you there is no correct answer, or majority opinion, only what folks have found is right for them.

I do believe if you get really, really clear on what you want, you’ll have answered your own question.

If you’re worried about resale, you’ll probably always be conflicted

 

[68BabyBlue]

I have an opinion, but so does everyone. Mine is no better. I think that the posts so far show you there is no correct answer, or majority opinion, only what folks have found is right for them.

I do believe if you get really, really clear on what you want, you’ll have answered your own question.

If you’re worried about resale, you’ll probably always be conflicted

I knew exactly what I wanted, after “the one” planted the seed back in 1969. I would have preferred a clone, but ended up with the “real deal.” You play the hand
you’re dealt. There is no right answer. I ended up owning four red ‘69 GTXs in the process, not a bad result. But it took 52 years.

 

[#41]

Almost anything goes, and all enthusiast should be welcomed in the hobby. That is until you start body-swapping or faking VINs and fender tags.

 

[T Brashears]

I think that if I worried about resale I wouldn’t enjoy the car. Mine has 4 doors,looked at me beside my buddies shop for a dozen years,finally decided it needed some love before the Pittsburgh salt killed it. I got a b body relatively cheap and it helped him out too. All good. It gets smile and honks and waves every time it goes out,I’m happy. I could have bought a super bee or r/t that needed everything for what I have in this one. I do have as much in the bumpers as I paid for the car and body parts that came with it though,ouch!