Many years back (over 20), a guy I met through a friend told me he has just bought a Porsche. An original 1956 356 Coupe.
It was a great restorer. Complete, straight, no rust, needed new paint, upholstery etc. But it was a very good unmodified original example.
He joined the Porsche Car Club. He then began the 'restoration'.
He stripped the car and begun not a 're'-build but a 're'-placement. He replaced the original motor with a Mazda 13B rotary. Fitted Mazda RX4 seats (in pink velour of course) Holden (GM) front disc brakes, ROH mags, an ridiculous sound system, lots of flashing lights, roof console, and about 300lbs of fibreglass flares, sideskirts, whaletails, and spoilers.
So what did the Porsche Club Club think of all his efforts?
Obviously not much.
They kicked him out and gave him a lifetime ban.
If he done this to a late VW Beetle, I don't think it would have mattered quite as much!
Which brings me to my point.
Whether it be cars, antiques etc once you own something do you morally have the right to do with it what you like? I know legally you can... it's yours.
I'm referring more to 'classic' examples that are becoming items of rarity.
There's no doubt this guy seriously devalued his 356 Coupe. His judgement was obviously lacking somewhat (although I'm sure he would have disgareed at the time).
To some, any non standard changes to a classic car at all are considered sacrelige. Others may say that minor mods that are in keeping with the the vehicles heritage are okay. For example fitting items that were available at the time by either the original manufacturer, or a recognised performance parts supplier of the day.
Plenty of us mod our own cars, but say in another 25 years or so, would we like someone telling us we can't because E34's are getting rare and there aren't enough original examples left.
A case in point would be something like an E34 Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo (about 500 produced)
If one of us on this forum bought an original example and then proceeded to totally 'pimp it out' would they find themselves alienated by many on this forum?