Yup, I know, it's a broad topic, and one that's probably not on everyone's front burner. Honestly, the more I think about the adjective,"vintage", the less I'm sure of what it literally means. But, I found a technical definition that does apply to autombiles (kinda) :
5. Informala. A group or collection of people or things sharing certain characteristics.
b. A year or period of origin: a car of 1942 vintage.
c. Length of existence; age.
So, just what is meant by the term "vintage race car" or "vintage racing"? It's not a simple question to answer. Modified stock cars of the 1930's and '40's were different from the '50's and '60's. Likewise those of the '70's and '80's hardly resemble those of the 1950's..........BUT all can be considered "vintage" of a particualr TIME period.
See, the meaning of the term "vintage" is inherently linked with the concept of time. To proclaim............"this car is NOT vintage..............without specifying a period in history, is a meaningless position. EVERY race car is "vintage" to a given time frame.
In automotive circles, "vintage racing" usually conjours images of pre-war coupes and coaches. However, we all remember Geoff Bodine's iconic
#99 Plymouth Valiant of the late '60's and every image I've ever seen of it in competition involved a coupe in the background. And I'd wager, Geoff's Valiant was riding on a custom fabricated chassis. Does that make it "purpose built"? You betcha..........if you had that car today, would it be a vintage race car? If you made an exact replica of it today, would it be a vintage race car? The lines get hazy, don't they?
This past New Years' Day, almost 30 classic stock cars assembled at Rockingham (NC) Speedway for a few parade laps. They all looked the part, some were on "classic" chassis, and some were riding on custom built racing chassis. Were they all "vintage" race cars? And, if not, what WERE they? One thing to keep in mind, all these nuances only fill the minds of folks like us. We know too much, we analzye, and scrutinize, and analyzed too much................but folks sitting in the stand, paying the bills, DON'T. They just see some old race cars and think "that's pretty cool, I love seeing those old things..........brings back a lot of memories"
We are on the precipice of a great past time, a true passion born of love of the subject.......old race cars! Nobody is in the pursuit for the financial reward, and that's the way it must remain. We, the experts, in the field, need to cool the jets, let the enthusiasm flow, ride the wave, and enjoy. Really.
Bobby--Great job there on describing a Vintage race car-----------up to a point! Would you call that lil ole red coupe you slave over a Classic? or a Vintage Racer?? or maybe a Modified!!Seems to me it would or could be any one of the three, depends on what show or track you go to before we group it.If you go to Dublin I think you would be classed as a Vintage racer but at Bowman Grey they would put you out there as a Modified racer. Now go over to the Rock you would be a Classic,but wait isnt there a group running around calling themselves East coast Flatheads?? Wow now there you go, Four different titles for the same era of car that just wants to shine in the light and play in the dirt. It played hard ball back in the day and now just wants to go ride around and stretch its legs a little up against another ole classic,no no a modified, no thats not right either, over at Augusta ga they having a vintage nite, now what to do?? wash up straighten up look good and go play because, Why?? because thats what you were built for wasnt it?? If you are a Garage Queen why do you mark your ground and you sure need to scrub behind them bars better---go play sir Trust me I am ---wanna go play tag???
I've satisfied myself they are all...or all should be considered "vintage race cars" broken down into four categories. Looking at it from a fans perspective along with the "vintage purist" considerations.1. Some are "authentic" or "original"..meaning they are the actual piece that was raced during their period. To some folks these are the only "true" vintage race cars. Having said that...to me there are two divisions of "authentic" vintage race cars...restored and un-restored completely original pieces. Some of these are extremely valuable...especially if their history can be documented. The more colorful their history...the more valuable they become. These cars are not allowed (should not be allowed) in true racing competition. No one in their right mind would want to race them and chance destroying them. Their competition should be contained to low speed parade laps or static shows.They were not safe then...they are not safe now to spectators and drivers.2. Next there are the replicas. These would be cars that have been restored in a period correct fashion right down to period correct engine construction, suspension components, seats, etc. Some of these cars are also valuable pieces. These cars are not allowed (should not be allowed) in true acing competition. Their competition should be contained to low speed parade laps or static shows. That type of construction wasn't safe then...they are not safe now to spectators and drivers.3. Next there are replicas that have been restored in a period correct fashion along with certain safety modifications that would allow them to compete on the track (fuel cells, seats, belts,etc). With proper safety inspection procedures, these cars can compete in a true racing environment.4. Next there are vintage bodies placed on current chassis. With proper safety inspection procedures..these cars can put on a great show for the fans.As you stated, Bobby...to most fans they all look vintage / nostalgic. And to me...there is a place for all of them. But some of them DO NOT belong on a race track in true racing situations that would endanger spectators and drivers. We are still working very hard to secure funding to create a "Vintage National Championship" series that would provide a points system for each of the divisions I described above. My hats off to all the guys and gals who bring back and preserve our racing heritage buy building, preserving, or restoring these "vintage race cars". I love em all!! Great article!