Are you a purist?

Over the last few years, there have been lots of discussions/topics/threads about modern parts in older cars. A lot of guys are into this type of deal for various reasons - maybe they're after 'modern car' drivabiity and/or performance, 'updated' looks/style and 'convenience', whatever that may entail to someone.

I suppose this is all fine and good and I'm all for new ideas and such. But, there is something about some of this newer stuff that just doesn't jibe with me. Its mostly aesthetics - modern wheels and tires, seats, stereos and whatever else look out of place in an older car, at least to me.

I guess I would call myself a purist in that regard. I'm drawn to older cars because of they way they look, sound and feel. To that end, I'm OK with whatever 'warts' they have and even expect it when it comes down to it. It's part of the charm of these things I suppose. Why would I want to change that?

There's also the idea that drag racing was the prime mover behind modifications 40 and 50 years ago. You have to think that muscle car buyers would have typically favored that type of racing over road course type stuff. The cars were marketed that way. Road racing was 'sports car' territory (read=snooty or Corvette) and drag racing was for the regular dudes. Sure, I can appreciate the T/A cars and the Shelbys of that time but I'll always look to drag racing as a performance yard stick and not road racing.

It's true that technology has 'progressed' by leaps and bounds since the muscle car days. in 2013, many people seem to think that is something to aspire to. Businesses base their entire model on this premise and there's a thriving, billion dollar industry that also revolves around this notion as well.

Just off the top of my head I can name some major automotive systems that have seen a a paradigm shift - fuel delivery and injection over carbs, brake systems, electronics, creature comforts, safety and on and on.

Up until recently, I was a dealer tech at a Jeep/Chrysler/Hyundai store. It was rare that anything older than 10 years old came in, mostly because of warranty and such but every once in a while, they would roll in. When I did get to work on the older cars, I was always aware of the leaps in technology even from the late 90s to now. Those leaps are almost as large as they were from the 70s. This stuff advances so quickly now, it's hard to keep up with it.

But to what end? I mean, are we into cars because of what they 'could be' if we install all this newer technology and parts or because they provide a certain feeling on their own? What draws you to older cars if not an overall sense that they are from another time and have a certain charm, likely because of all the outdated technology?

So from this climate springs the aftermarket and all the ideas that people come up with to update our older cars. I guess its fine in a sense but really, where does it end? I see a trend happening where the only thing original to the car is the body. Everything from stem to stern has been replaced with something new. At that point is it still an old car?

I will admit that I am someone who buys 'updated' parts or as I like to call them, better mousetraps. I have some parts like that on my own car. A/F gauge, aluminum calipers and master cylinder etc. For me though, I try to find/choose things that keeps the original essence of the car in tact and does not change the outward appearance, sound or attitude of it.

There's a long list of parts and or modifications that don't really do much for me. I can rationalize why they don't but it's always subjective. You got your view, I got mine, that's what makes the world go 'round and what sells parts.

I guess I just want to hear from others out there that think like me - are you an essentialist/purist? Are you a believer in the 'charms' of older cars and the inherent flaws/charm that come with them?

Or do you like big wheels and brakes, modern seats, late-model paint and such? Do you buy into whatever new technology you can for your older car or do you choose stuff to better the original platform?

Just thinking out loud here and trying to stimulate a serious conversation. Hope this does not devolve into a pissing contest about what's better. I'm looking for why you personally favor one thing over another and what exactly it does for you. Whether you bought it just cause it was the latest thing or you researched and talked to people with a similar combo and took a shot believing it could work.

Or maybe there's another scenario that I haven't considered.

Thanks for your input!

- Greg