In a world where sleek, modern cars are designed for efficiency, it's no wonder that many car enthusiasts long for the classic, vintage aesthetics of the past. The timeless style of classic cars from the 1970s and earlier is undeniable, but sadly, auto companies have moved on, leaving a void for those seeking a piece of automotive history.
This void has created an unexpected boom for certain businesses, particularly in Indonesia and China. In a legal grey area, an Indonesian firm has found success by crafting stunning replicas of iconic vehicles like the 1950s Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. And they're not alone; Chinese factories are also getting in on the act, producing 3D-scanned body shells for legendary models like the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender.
But here's where it gets controversial... these replicas are not just for show. They're being sold to affluent collectors, mostly men, who crave the personality and individuality that modern cars often lack. These voluptuous vintage cars may creak, but they ooze character, and that's what makes them so desirable.
Hagerty estimates that there are a staggering 45 million classic and vintage vehicles in the US alone, valued at a trillion dollars. This market has given rise to automotive ateliers that create 'replicars', faithfully replicating the classic outlines of the past with modern twists. Some even add non-period features like polished exhaust pipes and rear-view cameras, blurring the lines between old and new.
One of the most copied period cars is the Shelby Cobra, originally hand-built with an aluminum body. Today, many replica Cobra shells are made from fiberglass molds, often under license. But for those seeking a more authentic experience, there are workshops that restore and modify genuine vintage cars, upgrading them with modern conveniences like beefier brakes and performance engines.
And this is the part most people miss... the popularity of these restomod shops has created a growing market for what some might call 'counterfeit' cars, but which buyers and workshops refer to as 'continuation' cars. Some auto brands have sold the rights to their classic models, allowing replica makers to use the original blueprints, materials, and building techniques.
"Copying something is the best form of flattery," says Paul Lucas, an English kit car enthusiast who has built replica cars, including a faux Ferrari. He adds, "I never pretended it was the real thing, though."
One company, Juncheng, based in China's Jiangsu province, has taken this trend to a new level. With three production bases spanning 120 acres, they produce body shells for a wide range of classic cars, including the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender. And they're not just selling to the domestic market; Juncheng is actively expanding into the US and Europe, exhibiting at motor shows and establishing overseas stockists.
But here's the catch... these body shells are not always protected by international trademarks. Trade dress, a type of intellectual property protection for recognizable shapes associated with a brand, is often difficult to enforce, especially when it comes to car shapes. The design must be distinctive and not primarily practical, and it must have acquired distinctiveness over time through consumer association.
Juncheng, along with other Chinese makers like Jiangsu Gugao and Aodun, may be walking a fine line when it comes to trade dress infringement. Ford and JLR, the owner of the Land Rover brand, would need to defend trade dress from decades ago, and prove that it is non-utilitarian. It's a complex legal battle, and one that these companies may choose to avoid, especially when the replica makers are not directly exporting to their home jurisdictions.
Despite the legal grey areas, Juncheng's business is thriving. They now sell in 90 countries, and their attendance at international car shows has generated significant interest. But buyers should be cautious. OEM bodies are built to exacting standards, and cheap alternatives may not meet the same quality and safety requirements.
The influx of Chinese body shells will undoubtedly force domestic suppliers to up their game. It's a fascinating development in the world of automotive restoration and modification, and one that highlights the enduring appeal of classic car aesthetics.
