Looks like even Mr Nissan is confused as to the perceived interpretation of tribute / homage ?
On the contrary. I think they've got the definition down pat. If that thing (bearing in mind it doesn't even exist, as it is a CGI) isn't a good example of how a company can pay tribute/homage to its own history, then what is? I think it is a clever bit of thought-provoking fun. It puts some important Z-related Nissan history in front of a lot of people who won't otherwise know about it. Textbook ad work.
I for one like this build and agree its not to everyone's taste. Its individual and as you rightly point out a bit if a mish-
mash of styles and influences.
Let's celebrate that.
He can build what he likes (or rather, other people can build what he cooked up after his Google-based 'research') and good luck to him. What I object to mainly is the idea that the car is any kind of "
tribute" to (as they claim) the car which won the 1971 E.A. Safari Rally. I see - literally - no connection whatsoever. They simply do not seem to 'get it'. I don't think that's something to celebrate. If anything it is somewhat
disrespectful. The whole thing comes off as typical SEMA-related commercial hype. I'm surprised it hasn't got the usual 'shopping list' parts supplier graphics down the side of it, or one of those false jeopardy TV shows where they rush to meet a deadline.
if I call it a copy or (dare I even mention it ? I do...) 'replica' you and others will at least look for an S20 inside and whereas an RB could be dressed up as such, my plan is to stay true to a period engine so yes, it does sound like a paint-job and not much else especially with a stripped interior but believe me it'll be executed with more good taste than we see 'outre-mer'.
That's why I asked. These words (copy/replica/tribute/evocation/lookalike/fake etc etc) are moveable feasts anyway, so trying to pin down a true definition is probably a waste of time. But still, the words 'replica' and 'lookalike' at least seem to have an ocean of space between them and I'm pretty sure the Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica definition is long lost.
A long time ago in Japan I owned a Honda CBR400-RR, and Honda said that that one of those Rs was an abbreviation of the word 'Replica'. Like Frazer Nash, I guess that was within their gift as manufacturers of the original. But if I - as a private individual - attempt to 'replicate' something then I feel I should at least make an effort to replicate the essential,
the essence of the original, as much as is possible. So, for me it has to be a lot more than a paint job.
I don't see how you can do an adequate job of capturing the essence of a 432, let alone a 432-R, without something very close to the correct drivetrain.
