[sYc]

Dennis, that is one of those things that sounds good on paper, but am afraid would cause more harm then good, at least as far as the sYc's involvement is concerned. Here is why. IMO, and this is just MY opinion, as with restored cars, there is a difference in restoration shops. On the list you posted, there are 2-3 shops I would list as #1 shops, those that are the best of the best. Cars from these shops will win most, if not all, events entered. Will score very well at national, judged events and will be used as cover/feature cars in magazines. These cars are restored the way they were new, no more, no less. The shops that do this level of work have "done their homework", and it shows. Many times employees of these shops are invovled in judging at national shows, are guest speakers at seminars, do restoration articles for magazines and some are even invovled in the publishing of restoration books.

Next on the list are the #2 shops. Cars from these shops are very well done, will do well at national events, but leave a little something to be desired. This includes cars that are "over rerstored", such as too much "high gloss" paint, or ones which have correct, dated parts, but ?, or the incorrect use of paint and stencil markings, or maybe something a simple as the cars ride height is a little off. As with #1 cars, these cars will be featured in magazines. To all but a very few "purists", these cars rate at the same level as #1s.

Next are the #3 shops. These shops are for the more budget minded folks, who want a nice restoration, but, who do not care, and/or are not willing to make the sacrifice, of time and $$$, to have the car restored by a number 1 or 2 shop. These cars are still very nice show cars, will do well at regional shows and the loosely judged national shows, but will not receive high marks at the top national shows. Faults include, the use of the wrong parts, incorrect paint colors, just not the attention to detail as the others. Shops doing this kind of work are not into making sure each and every part, such as trim pieces, nuts, bolts, etc. are correct for that application. These cars will show up in magazines, but are the ones who hender the hobby some what, as most people believe what they read/see in a books and magazines. These are the cars that fuel many of the half-truths that this, and other boards, deal with on a regular basis.

Finally, the "do it your self" shop. For various reasons, time, $$$, personel satisfaction, etc, several enthusiasts would rather do the restoration them selves. The level to which these cars are restored will vary greatly, from nice drivers to #1 cars, depending on the skills of the owner. These cars will turn up in magazines, a lot of the time because the owner did do the work himself.

Which way is the best to go, and what shop to use? That is up to each and every car owner. I have my preferences, and, in the past, have shared those (off line) with numerous individuals. But, to me, the best way to decide is, do the required legwork. Attend shows, looking at cars and visiting with owners, go through magazines, past and present, surf the net, including sites such as this one, and od course, talk to any friends who have gone through the restoration process. Ask questions, and more questions. As with most aspects of the supercar hobby, reseach is the number 1 key to a quality restoration. In closing, as long as the owner is pleased in the way the car turned out, that is all that matters. After all, I have yet to see a car that someone, somewhere, did not find fault with.

And, I might add, is why the Annual Supercar Reunion is a non-judged show. We wanted it to be about ALL supercars, whether #1, 2 or 3 restored cars, unrestored, dailey driver, whatever. All are special to the sYc!!!