This item seems to return in a lot of topics. Building/owning an Abarth replica or a body with as many parts as possible. Even the word "replica" is sometimes point of discussion.
Now this orange look-a-like has come up and the discussionpoint rises again
When i build my first replica back in 1988 i took a 1600L body. I think most of the members here have no problem with that. I used as many Abarth parts as possible and affordable to make it look like an Oliofiat rally car.
Six years later i bought a restored Racing with an Abarth bodywork kit. It had some other features, but that aside. It was a Racing modified, not by me but by another. Is that alright then?
Then i decided to turn this second car into an Alitalia look-a-Like. Call it my second replica. Did the same thing to it as i did with my first. I guess you could call this a replica as well.
Then i bought me a Panorama. Turned it into an orange Racing/Sport replica(??). I used all parts available to fit the estate. Now, how to call that car? A Racing replica or a Panorama with only the bits of a Racing?
Today my everyday car is a 1600 CL with lots of Racing bits attached. How shall i call that?
Next to that i have my two originals.
My point is this: it will always be a bad thing to turn a Racing/Sport into an Abarth-thingy, in the eye of the purist. But those who can't afford the real thing have no other option sometimes to have themselves a Racing to try to come as close to their dreamcar as possible. Even if it means butchering up a (perfect) Racing/Sport.
2-door bodies are getting rare and turning a 4-door car into a 2-door version is a lot of work. I admire those who did or are still working on one.
Fire away, lads
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