Stock or modified?

Evans debates the merits of keeping your classic in factory condition or adding upgrades to make it more suitable for today’s roads

Huw Evans

In the world of classic cars and, I’ll wager,particularly on this side of the pond, the age-old argument of factory stock versus modified continues. Most of us, no doubt, are drawn to classic cars and trucks due to the way they look, both their exterior styling and interior features. Yet, depending on the age of the vehicle, its intrinsic value and, often, the condition it was purchased in, can have a healthy bearing on whether we decide to keep it as it is, or restore it to the way it came from the assembly plant, or add some personal touches for both mechanical improvement and aesthetic exclusivity.

Really, I think it comes down to personal taste and preference. Traditionally, at many stateside car shows, modified rides tend to outnumber factory stock vehicles by at least two to one. If we look at staples such as early Thirties Fords, Tri-Chevys, early Camaros and Mustangs, most of them will be hot-rodded or customised in some form or another.