Hamburg  - For many an owner of a classic car it is an issue of faith whether to keep the car as close as possible to the original or whether to add such modern extras as anti-locking brakes (ABS), a more powerful engine or tinted windows.

One owner of a Mercedes classic would place great value on the original Becker car radio while another would have a modern sound system fitted at a cost of several thousand dollars.

Early MGA engines are prone to oil leaks with many an owner opting instead for the more powerful later version MGB engine, especially when it comes to choosing between an overhaul or the new engine for about the same price.

It is also possible to fit a V8 205 kW/279 hp engine to the "pagoda roof" Mercedes 250 or 280 SL class costing around 73,000 euros (109,000 dollars). The standard versions are mostly fitted with a V6 110 kW/150 hp motor. The ABS kit can set the owner back for another 7,500 euros (11,200 dollars).

The owner of a gas-guzzling classic might want to convert the petrol engine to liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to improve fuel economy. But in this respect licensing authorities, for instance in Germany, often remove the designation "classic" for the simple reason that the technology was not available at the time the car was built. (dpa)