If you have always wanted that rare 1963 Impala with a 409 engine or a Yenko Camaro but can’t afford it you are not alone. Not many of us have deep enough pockets to own those super rare muscle cars we commonly see on TV. For many of us, owning a clone is about as close as we can hope to get. This fact has led cloning and altering classic cars to become a big business. Some one can purchase a 6 cylinder impala, add a 409 and instantly double the value. There is nothing wrong with this (other than cutting up perfectly good original cars, which we will discuss another day). The car I am currently restoring will not go back all original. However, I will also not be trying to pass it off as original. If you want a 409, build one. Desire a Yenko? Customize your camaro. However, all too often those people cross the line when they decide to pass the car off as original.
I was recently searching ebay for parts for my Impala when I came across an auction for a blank trim tag for the car. For $325 dollars, I could purchase all the identification I needed to make my car a Super Sport (although changing the other details might cost a little more). The company selling the tag will even fill out all the details to your liking including original looking mounting hardware.
It is a sad world we live in when anytime money is involved and to be made, people will do whatever it takes, regardless of ethics, to ge there hands on it. Just beware and do all the research you can do when buying your next classic. You never know who you are dealing with.