Misleading Descriptions

I have read with interest over the last few issues of MOTOR SPORT the controversy on authenticity and/or originalitv iif racing cars and Mr. Alan Cathcart’s letter — particularly on racing motor-bikes. Whilst I sf0.0 in principle, what disturbs mr mu, all is when a car does get buds up I om all bus mid i.c

new parts and not necessarily from an original car that had any history), and the owner has the original log-book or number plate, then sells it as the exso-and-so car.

Unfortunately I know this goes on in our own car section — the XK Register of the Jaguar Drivers’ Clock— but where to draw the line is the problem.

It is a ca. of the “chopper and handle”. Replace the handk because it breaks, then replace the head later on when it is broken. A somevvhat similar situation arises with Concours d’Elegance cars. Onc can purchase a car that has been completely restored — “cheque-book” restoration, where practically everything has b.n replaced except usually for the chassis, then it is advertised as the winner of the “XY Concours” and is “absolutely original”. By definition Concours d’Elegance means a “Contest of Elegance” no it should boon looks as well as originality, therefore cars should be advertised as “as original” andior “bog standard”. But to state that it is “original” anti “just as it left the factory” etc. etc. surely is wrong, let alone breaking the Trade Descriptions Act when it is offered for sale. This has prompted no to look at some of the adverts again. Here are some comments on some of the cars advertised:

I. Completely restored — excellent and original!

2. Totally original— save road engine . . .!

3. A most original unrestored car, new seats and trim!

4. Totally and meticulously restored — now in original etc. etc.!!

These comments were taken from Trade advertisements (May issue).

Now, before you all go rushing pen to paper to say what the advertisers mean is that the one is restored to how it was, then this should be stated `as original’ or ‘same as original’, ‘original type’ etc. etc.

Thank you for an excellent magazine which I have bean reading for over 20 years, with a collection starting in 1944. Headley, Berke J. DAVENPORT