Real vs. Replica! - Which would you choose?

Hi Everyone! This is a conceptual piece. It applies to anything that gets copied from a Rolex to a Cobra to a 550 Spyder. The cars featured are just an example of that concept. It was never meant to be a direct comparison thus the title. Real or Replica?? That is the question :) Which would you choose? Do you agree with my points? Let me know!! Driving review of the Beck Spyder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMGz8c-1hxQ Driving and full review of the 356: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzJorLyHBIg

Replica. And have fun. Life is too short to have something parked In your garage.

I love kit cars and replicas :) A car that looks like a classic beauty but has modern tech, suspension, engine and safety is an absolute winner in my books

Between a $3mil original and $40k replica, that not a "choice" any of us are going to be making anytime soon

For many years I'd restore a car to totally original but then only drive it to shows because it was "too nice." I decided I'd rather drive the cars than have them just sit in the garage until the next show. I appreciate the show quality original car very much but I'd choose the replica. Cars may be art but they were made to be driven. Great video - thank you!

That Beck 550 Spyder is beautiful.

I owned a 1955 Speedster. It turned out to be a rust bucket. I bought it anyway, drove it hard, and enjoyed every second. I found it in DC IN THE EARLY 60's when I was working at Pax River NAS, MD. every afternoon 2 other engineers and I would race back to town . The race was to see who could stay in front. If I was, they couldn't keep up. The others were driving a TR-3 and an XK-120' the jag could pass only on the straights, then leave us in the dust. My Porsche has magnesium wheels an aluminum doors, hood, and engine hatch. When I had to go back to Long Island, I sold the Porsche for what I paid for it. Sure missed it. Bought a Mercedes instead. It had a better heater. I envy your pair, both on my wish list. I would like the Beck 550 replica in today's environment.livin in FL, I d go for a replica coupe with A/C. YOU DID AN EXCELLENT job in your video. ..

I agree completely with your evaluation of pros and cons. Truly I think I enjoy the outlaw originals more than the originals, so a replica just makes sense for me.

Just wanted to add a comment I am new to your channel What a breath of fresh air. Could listen to you explain mechanics all day. What a great discovery. Watched your whole series on the spyder. Can’t wait to watch more of what ever you decide to do next

Excellent, balanced discussion of two very different cars (even though they share a vintage look). There's no right or wrong choice between vintage and replica. Franny's done a great job articulating pros and cons of each. A buyer's resources, skills, and anticipated activities with the car will point to the right choice for them. To each her (or his) own. Your "Garage" videos are really great, and getting better all the time. Thanks and keep up the good work!

I love cars and very much appreciate seeing a woman with knowledge and same passion for cars. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

Great video Franny! I've been a fan of the 550 Spyder for decades. How could I not be. After all, James Dean was a huge influence on my life having seen "Rebel Without a Cause" when I was 12 years old.

Fanny, I really adore your videos. You are absolutely asking the right questions and have all the right answers. I 100% agree with you on this video. Thumbs up!

The Beck 550 is definitely my dream leisure car. You can live with it without worries and I love that it makes the snobby crowds a little angry. They’re cars people, built for happiness not investment!

I have both a Bugatti 35B & 65 Cobra replica... Both still turn heads when I drive around. Both get a thumbs up or "cool car dude" Both are cheap to keep and insure. I love my replicas.

I'm 63. I started driving at 16, but in NY, 18 was the magic number. Ever since then, I have 30 or so vehicles. This viD, states a much more practical view on replicas

Great post !!! My Dad had a 1956 356 A when we lived in California in the mid 70s. He regretted selling it to his dying day. As far as the 550 , not much chance of getting one of those. If I did , I'd build a room around it and treat it as a museum piece !! lol

Having spent thirty years restoring cars I can appreciate the 356. I'm retired now and would prefer the 550 as I would want a "fun car" that I could bang around the country roads here. As a side note, most of the people around here wouldn't know a Porsche from a Ferrari anyway! You did a fantastic job on the video. I look forward to more videos because you seem quite knowledgeable.

Wow...after listening to you I feel more excited about my Honda and getting it waxed this week.

Hi Franny, really enjoyed your comments on replicas and originals. Completely agree that the wonderful old original cars are being parked up and ownership is becoming burdensome. Thankfully I've got one old and one new so I make the effort to drive each on alternate weekends - we're lucky down under because the weather isn't too extreme in winter and great in the evenings in summer. Great job with your site, keep it up.