This is my opinion on what these definitions mean. We all have an opinion, some are more truer than others. The following is how I approach a truck and I am not looking to show it or have it judged.
Original: As from the factory. No modifications or replaced parts. Does not necessarily mean in pristine condition or show worthy. (Rare to find a thirty year old vehicle in this shape) Sometimes referred to as a Survivor.
In Original Condition: O.E.M. Parts used in repair or replacement. Original paint, tires, hoses and misc. Some parts may have been replaced. No or minimal modifications ie: exhaust, non stock radio etc.
It's when you start talking restoration is where I have a hard time explaining. Is it restored to original specifications using only NOS parts and will it rate more than 95 points with the judging standards?
Most of the Restorations are done to the owners specifications and they include parts from other year vehicles. They may have the original type radio, but is it the specific year radio? The tires are from a different manufacturer and they are mounted on rims that have been powder coated etc.
There are few on this board that can afford a Concourse truck, either restored or a true Survivor. And from what I have seen inn the last few years, there are a number of trucks that are being sold at the B/J Auctions that are what they say they are.
I once found a 1954 Chrysler New Yorker with under eleven thousand miles on it. It was original down to the spare tire. It had been stored for over forty years in a garage. The problem was that the garage roof had collapsed and was sitting on the cars roof, the windows were partially opened and the mildew had destroyed the interior. It was probably one of the lowest miles New Yorker around, but it was only good for parts or an expensive restoration project.
Jay Leno found a 1930 Deusenburg in New York, it had been stored in this commercial garage since 1931. Unfortunately he has to restore it because of the way it had been stored.
Like others say, there are those that take this too seriously and spend $$$ on making sure that each replacement bolt was exactly as it was from the factory, they even try and match the numbers on the headlight lenses (Model A Fords) and this wasn't even done in the factory.
My Suburban will look original, but it will be far from it.
