Hello Dean. After spending time in Watkins Glen, N.Y. last month, I found myself surrounded by many, mostly pristine esamples of 356 cars. A large group had driven together from New England, the prime motivator being that Porsche was the "featured marque" for the event. Although I was a little uncertain how my replica would be received, I found generally no hostility and some genuine admiration for my car. This was especially interesting since my car's design represented a car that was a great departure from the originals.
I sensed that these guys and gals had a great pride of ownership and were very into their cars. Many were not shade tree mechanics and had spent vast sums on what was proabably a long term restoration. These were indeed beautiful examples of the marque.
Like you, I think, I would probably not feel right about having to pony up what one of these babies costs and I derive great pleasure with my plastic P-car. In the final analysis, I think what makes you happy and what you feel comfortable spending to get there is all that really matters.
Hoss
ps. IMHO, I would never challenge an original owner by saying mine isn't the real thing, but mine is better. I don't think that plays well for the real Porsche guys.
