Auction Jargon & Terminology
When reading our reports and watching the auction on Speed Channel you will hear a lot of jargon and terminology about the cars. Here is a brief primer on what some of the more common terms actually mean or imply.
Barn Find - That car that Grandpa put under a cover in the barn back in 1968 when Johnny didn't come home from Vietnam. Then one day 40 years later it was discovered by a collector who was spelunking around the farms of America, pristine and ready for a quick sale. Rare, ellusive and bordering on the fantastic. Build Sheet - The factory document that spelled out model, options, equipment, and specifications that was used on the production line as car was built. These are often found under seats, in the trunk or can be obtained from databases.
Clone - A copy of an original special edition car such as a Shelby GT-350, built from a lesser model. Also called a "Re-Creation", or "Tribute Car". These are typically not worth as much as an original.
Ground Up Restoration - A restoration in which all aspects of the car are considered to have been brought up to factory new condition.
Marti Report - A Ford sanctioned history report created by Marti Auto Works of Phoenix, AZ. The company has access to Ford build records and can provide a detailed report from a VIN number that describes exactly how a car was built at the factory as well as how many were like it. This has become the Gold Standard for Mustang collectors.
MCA Gold Winner - The highes concours honor for a quality restored Mustang. Mustang Club of America has a standard of judging and rules to measure the quality and correctness of a restoration, and this designation is for the best of the best.
NOS Parts - New Old Stock parts are factory built parts from the original era of the car. These would be replacement parts that dealers stocked when the car was new. These are the most sought after items when doing a restoration. Cars that can claim all NOS Parts are considered more correct than those who have a high content of "Repro-parts".
Nut And Bolt Restoration - A restoration that is considered to be highly detailed and correct, having turned and refurbished every nut and bolt. This implies that every single fitting, gasket, clip, and trim piece has been inspected, restored or replaced. It is however a claim every seller has a different definition of.
Original - In most cases the use of this term is very subjective. It can mean the car is correct to the way it rolled off the assembly line. This would mean it is not modified, customized, or otherwise changed.
Original can also mean not restored, or in factory condition. This would mean the paint or interior is the same material that was put on at the factory. There are very few of these cars around, but they do exist. Find one with original air in the tires and we will give you a prize.
Re-Creation - A fake car. A clone, or one that has been made to look like something else. Also known as a "Tribute Car". These were all the rage a few years ago and got a lot of money. Builders took a six-cylinder Mustang, put Shelby duds on them and sold them as such. Should not command the same money as an original, but makes a nice driver.
Restomod - A modern day term for a custom car. It means a restoration was done with modernization in mind. Modern engines, brakes, suspension, and interior features give a classic car a modern day driving experience. Has been a popular theme in recent years and lucrative for sellers. The fad is waning somewhat as money tightens up.
Rotisserie Restoration - A restoration process in which the body is stripped and placed on a rotating frame to allow fine detailing of the undercarriage, chassis, and body.
Survivor - A car that is represented to be 100% original and unrestored. This implies factory paint, interior, engine, suspension, etc. Most survivor cars would be considered a starting point for a restoration.
It can be a subjective term however.
Tribute Car - See "Recreation" or "Clone" above. |
