Restore to Original or Build a Mod?
Hello all. I am the proud owner of an all original 66 coupe that was factory ordered by my father in 1965. Have all the original paperwork and complete history of the car. He purchased the car as an anniversary present for my mother and to be a daily driven car. Due to the need to pull a trailer he had it special ordered with a towing package and modified cam (3/4). Unique to this car is the fact it came with the standard 289 V8 with the two barrel carb but is classified on the original bill of sale as a high performance V8. 3 speed trans. Burgandy with black pony interior and oddly GT stripes on the floor mats.
Over they years the car was driven daily from 66 to 1979 then sat for almost 6 years. At times dad and I would tinker with to get running again and even had the engine worked on ever so slightly in 1987. But almost everythng in the car was kept original. I drove for 5 years before it was stolen and driven to its almost grave. By God's Mercy the car was recovered in 1993 and brought back to our home but the condition was terrible. Was a very sad day. The enterior had been cut with a knife, rear seat was found on a another NC highway and returned 33 days after the car. Clutch and transmission were literally torn to pieces not to mention differential. Had obviously been taken off road from the debris under the car as well as dents to the panels. With some work the car has been restored cosmetically.
With all that said...Here's my question. Since the block is original and all numbers match and 90% of the car is original except floor pans and new interior, Should I do a frame off restoration to keep as original as possible or should I turn this pony into a modified peformance car that can be driven daily? My heart is torn and there is so much sentimental value in this car being the original owners. Any suggestions?
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January 5th, 2007, 05:35 PM
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