Ship of Theseus

The Ship of Theseus is a replacement paradox also known as Theseus's paradox.

Automobiles

A similar situation exists with automobile Vehicle Identification Numbers. Each automobile is identified with a unique number inscribed in various locations, and this number is associated with the vehicle's legal registration. However, any number of parts can be replaced and it will still be considered to be the same vehicle. In some cases, an antique or desirable wrecked vehicle will be "repaired" by having its identification markers transferred to a new vehicle.

Related Topics:
Automobile - Vehicle Identification Number

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This is especially common in the cases of vehicles like the Volkswagen Beetle or Mini which remained in production for many years and have become collectable. Although such alteration was looked down on by enthusiasts and governments, at least one American company specialized in importing Beetles from Mexico to be resold as antique (and thus street- and emissions-legal) models.

Related Topics:
Volkswagen Beetle - Mini

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On April 7, 2005, Boyd Coddington, famed hot rod designer and star of the American Discovery Channel television program American Hot Rod, pleaded guilty of perpetrating this type of fraud. Coddington's hot rods had been registered as antique automobiles in order to avoid emissions and tax liabilities. However, many of the vehicles no longer contained any parts from the original cars, and some were entirely unrelated to their supposed donor vehicles.

Related Topics:
April 7 - 2005 - Boyd Coddington - Hot rod - Discovery Channel - American Hot Rod

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