Thing is Grober is to surf the Ebay listings for old original parts and grab them if you can.Thats what i do . Even if i need them or not .Few weeks back i clicked on buy now on a pair of rear lights for my old W124 . I won the price was £ 20 that was for postage as well . When they came these were as good as new and equal to the pair of rear lights i have opn my car at the moment. I thoght at the time that all i was getting was lenses but they were complete with bulb holders . Have a nice Christmas by the way ..
Thank you-- 2 things that the article doesn't mention is the increased ability for enthusiasts to make parts for themselves with the advent of 3D printing and the other of course is the part legacy or second hand parts can play as you say.