Get your priorities right

I’ve just read the Editor’s Welcome in Octane 166 headed ‘Continuation cars: good or bad?’

As a car enthusiast, not an investor, I can’t believe this is actually a question. At a time when it’s becoming harder and harder to find cars that offer a truly involving driving experience, how could you say no to more XKSSs [above] or DB4 GTs being on the road and driven? Given the opportunity, I would much rather have one of these than a modern supercar of equal value.

Dealers and owners of the originals might be against the idea because it could lower the value of their cars. I understand this, but it’s a bit selfish. Should no one else be able to experience the joy of driving these great cars because the value of your ‘investment’ would go down a bit?

I’m sorry, but as someone who just loves cars I think the more they can be enjoyed and experienced by others, the better. The original cars will still be much more special and, as mentioned, the newly available parts would be greatly beneficial for them.

Yes, manufacturers are doing it for financial gain; they are businesses that exist to make money. Do you think the originals were created just for the fun of it?

I think these continuations are only going to become more common as modern cars continue to move further away from the raw driving thrills that older cars provide. Personally, I couldn’t be more excited about it. The last thing I would be thinking as I nailed a perfect heel-toe downshift, 3.4-litre straight-six roaring, steering wheel writhing in my hands and wind blowing through my hair, is ‘Yes, but it’s not an original.’ Rob Schlegel, Colorado, USA