[ QUOTE ]
I happen to believe that NCRS IS, IS, IS, IS responsible for the state of the art regarding restamped engines. Their judging guidelines require a block to "appear" original for full credit. Full credit means a "top" award, and accordingly an increased value of the car. There's a BIG difference between an original car and one that "appears" original.
This practice started with Corvettes; not Camaros, Chevelles, COPOs, Impalas, Fords, Mopars or any other car. It would have happened sooner or later of course for other marques, but it was the Corvette "hobby" that spawned it.
Let's have a national judging competition for fake Mona Lisas. Call in all the art experts and have them judge everyone's "reproductions". If nothing can be observed that is any different than the original, then they all get a perfect score, are deserving of the same credit as the original and are worth a LOT more money. Afterall, they've been signed off to be as (or as good as) an original. (what's the difference in that judging venue?)
And that's the WHOLE problem. There is NO difference between a clone that earns an NCRS TOP FLIGHT award and an original car that earns an NCRS TOP FLIGHT award!. Both earned the same points.......the same award......the same stature......and the same increased value......
Ah, but there is a difference between an original car that earns a Top Flight award and a clone that earns a Top Flight award, a large financial difference that a knowledgeable buyer will probably be aware of. Those inside the hobby know or should do their homework to be sure they are buying a quality car with history. That's were the leg work comes in. If you buy a clone for an original car price, it is a shame. Did the buyer do the proper leg work to determine the vehicles history, did they buy a car with no paperwork?
Does any other organization have a program to send in a copy of the paperwork, trim tag, or pad stamp for a professional opinion of its originality? If cars are being made up to satisfy judging standards, people behind the scene are helping prevent these cars from being sold as such.
Do any other organizations publish books or put on seminars on how to verify original engine stamps or trim tags?
NCRS devised a standard for quality cars to achieve a Top Flight and I respect that standard. I've had 20 cars judged over the years at NCRS events. I don't think that NCRS should be criticized for devising a standard of what a good car is and then be criticized because individuals create cars to fall into those standards. Texas has one of the strongest NCRS Chapters in the Country and our Waco Regional is attended by some of the most knowledgeable NCRS judges and finest Corvettes in existence. Some cars have restamp motors, fake trim tags, add on sidepipes and other items to maximize their points. I venture to say that most completely made up cars are not able to achieve Top Flight status, if they do, they are surrounded by suspicion. Word gets out on these cars and they don't bring the premium dollars of a real car with real paperwork and real history. Today, any car you buy had best have some history or paperwork to back it up if it is a rare piece. Do your homework because there is lots junk out there that looks pretty.
If you attend a strong NCRS event with knowledgeable judges, you'd be surprised to see the disappointed owners when they find out their trim tag has been replaced or their engine is a definite restamp. NCRS does not like that stuff, it's bad for the organization and bad for the reputation of the cars.