Matching Numbers
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
From: Natick Ma
Matching Numbers
I've often heard the phrase Matching Numbers ever since I've owned my 66 (34 yrs. now!) Just how important is that to the value of a Vett.? My baby has a 68 engine in it and has all the time I've owned it. It runs great and realize I have a great driver not a "show car" but I really wonder how much importance is there in all numbers matching? After all in many cases it's just impossible.. Interseted in your learned opinions Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
My guess is that it would depend on just who was buying the unit. To some, the matching numbers is a game to other it is a must. Any car can be brought back to matching numbers but if the original parts are gone it is just a clone, in my opinion. If the car has the "original" matching numbers pieces then it would be worth a good deal more than the clone, again my opinion. It is all relative on how you view this hobby and what you are trying to do with your car. There are some great non-numbers matching cars that I personally would pay more for than the numbers (clone) matching cars. At least those people aren't trying to fool anyone about the originality.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,202
Likes: 17
A matching numbers car can really appeal to a broader Corvette buying audience!
If you have a NOM car and few matching numbers, the car will appeal less to matching numbers sticklers!
I remember a 78 l82 4 speed car I had for sale. I built up an engine and swapped out the original, and kept every part! One buyer refused to even look at it because the original motor was out of the car! Even tho I had the complete carb to pan engine sitting on the floor!
I used to be a numbers matching perfectionist! I am now more of a correct looking, instead of having the exact part number kind of guy!
Much time can be spent obsessing over the numbers issue, that it takes the fun out of the hobby!
Your car would still appeal to many potential buyers, because they can do what they want to it, and not feel guilty!
If you ever wanted to build the correct engine, with proper build date it wouldn't be hard to do! If that non correct engine ever gets tired I would unload it and put the correct one in tho!
Just my two!
If you have a NOM car and few matching numbers, the car will appeal less to matching numbers sticklers!
I remember a 78 l82 4 speed car I had for sale. I built up an engine and swapped out the original, and kept every part! One buyer refused to even look at it because the original motor was out of the car! Even tho I had the complete carb to pan engine sitting on the floor!
I used to be a numbers matching perfectionist! I am now more of a correct looking, instead of having the exact part number kind of guy!
Much time can be spent obsessing over the numbers issue, that it takes the fun out of the hobby!
Your car would still appeal to many potential buyers, because they can do what they want to it, and not feel guilty!
If you ever wanted to build the correct engine, with proper build date it wouldn't be hard to do! If that non correct engine ever gets tired I would unload it and put the correct one in tho!
Just my two!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
From: Natick Ma
Thanks for the quick answer.My problem is that the original engine was gone when I bought the car in '75 and I would have bought it anyway..I guess I'll just keep enjoying the hell out of it and hope that my sons will do the same when I "buy the farm" and they can fight over it!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,913
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From: Twin Cities, MN
My guess is that it would depend on just who was buying the unit. To some, the matching numbers is a game to other it is a must. Any car can be brought back to matching numbers but if the original parts are gone it is just a clone, in my opinion. If the car has the "original" matching numbers pieces then it would be worth a good deal more than the clone, again my opinion. It is all relative on how you view this hobby and what you are trying to do with your car. There are some great non-numbers matching cars that I personally would pay more for than the numbers (clone) matching cars. At least those people aren't trying to fool anyone about the originality.
I completely agree with everything you said.
One other way to look at it though?
If you have a NON-matching number's car, and it mechanically sound and in good shape, it will bring less money than a matching number or even an original car would. Here's the neat part about that.
By bringing less money, you are INCREASING the number of people that will be able to afford the car, and I would think, increase the number of potential buyers. To be fair though, this is just my theory. I've never tried to sell an old vette.
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,582
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From: St. Marys Ohio
I'd say a wrong motor car that's been that way since 1975 is more real than most of the bogus matching number cars out there today !!! 
Enjoy your car. The numbers never stopped you from having fun with it yet, don't let them start to bother you now !!
Enjoy your car. The numbers never stopped you from having fun with it yet, don't let them start to bother you now !!
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Tom Hendricks tom@budschevy.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buds-Chevrolet-Buick-Corvette/176730955684255?ref=hl
Corvette Specialist Since 1993
BUDS CHEVROLET
St. Marys, Ohio
800-688-2837
WEBSITE WWW.BUDSCHEVY.COM
HOURS MON-WED 7:00AM - 5:00PM
FFRIDAY AND SATURDAY BY APPT.
OFF THURSDAYS
NCRS # 23758 Miami Valley Chapter ( Ohio )
NCM Founding Member #1143
NADA Classic Car Guide Advisiory Board Member
C5/C6 Registry Corporate Member # 5
My Corvettes. 63, 71, 73, 78.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 2
From: prescott arizona
Matching numbers
My take on our 65 coupe is that I am trying to keep it "numbers matching" but I am not obsessing about it. So far everything about it is "numbers matching" except the alternator which is a Feb. 3 1966 61 amp. unit which is fine with me because I plan on adding a Vintage a/c unit this winter and I will need the increased amperage. The car recieved a body on cosmetic restoration this past spring before I bought it and the previous owner replaced all the hardware with the correct finishes and head markings and I will continue along that line. The underbody paint finishes will not be NCRS correct but it will look A LOT BETTER underneath that when I bought it. I do feel as though a correct appearing car will sell faster and for more money. Just my 2 cents.
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From: Mustang OK
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Takd a good look at 66BlkBB's avatar.
That car is NOT EVEN CLOSE, in no way whatsoever, to a "matching number" car!!!
But have you ever priced some of the cars that look similar to that kind of a car???
I point this out because the car in that avatar is the extreme example of a non matching number car, but yet its value is sky high.
Soooooooooo, it all depends on what you're dealing with.
Actually, I'd LOVE to own something similar to an early-mid 30s non matching roadster or 3-window coupe with a totally WRONG engine! But they are priced out of my budget!
Tom Parsons
That car is NOT EVEN CLOSE, in no way whatsoever, to a "matching number" car!!!
But have you ever priced some of the cars that look similar to that kind of a car???
I point this out because the car in that avatar is the extreme example of a non matching number car, but yet its value is sky high.
Soooooooooo, it all depends on what you're dealing with.
Actually, I'd LOVE to own something similar to an early-mid 30s non matching roadster or 3-window coupe with a totally WRONG engine! But they are priced out of my budget!
Tom Parsons
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Takd a good look at 66BlkBB's avatar.
That car is NOT EVEN CLOSE, in no way whatsoever, to a "matching number" car!!!
But have you ever priced some of the cars that look similar to that kind of a car???
I point this out because the car in that avatar is the extreme example of a non matching number car, but yet its value is sky high.
Soooooooooo, it all depends on what you're dealing with.
Actually, I'd LOVE to own something similar to an early-mid 30s non matching roadster or 3-window coupe with a totally WRONG engine! But they are priced out of my budget!
Tom Parsons
That car is NOT EVEN CLOSE, in no way whatsoever, to a "matching number" car!!!
But have you ever priced some of the cars that look similar to that kind of a car???
I point this out because the car in that avatar is the extreme example of a non matching number car, but yet its value is sky high.
Soooooooooo, it all depends on what you're dealing with.
Actually, I'd LOVE to own something similar to an early-mid 30s non matching roadster or 3-window coupe with a totally WRONG engine! But they are priced out of my budget!
Tom Parsons
Tom,
You are so correct on the car in my avatar. However, you are wrong on the "priced out of my budget" comment. These can be had more realistically than the C-1 and C-2 vettes. Admittedly I bought my car some years ago but I would have a hard time pulling any substantial type of increase in the value out of this unit if I were to sell it. My car is old technology and with what is going into these cars these days mine would be at the bottom of the street rod market. Its saving grace is that it is a steel 32/3 window and not many of the originals are left un-detected ready for restoration or street rodding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 414
From: Maine
My 66 Roadster is a matching numbers car
Tom,
You are so correct on the car in my avatar. However, you are wrong on the "priced out of my budget" comment. These can be had more realistically than the C-1 and C-2 vettes. Admittedly I bought my car some years ago but I would have a hard time pulling any substantial type of increase in the value out of this unit if I were to sell it. My car is old technology and with what is going into these cars these days mine would be at the bottom of the street rod market. Its saving grace is that it is a steel 32/3 window and not many of the originals are left un-detected ready for restoration or street rodding.
You are so correct on the car in my avatar. However, you are wrong on the "priced out of my budget" comment. These can be had more realistically than the C-1 and C-2 vettes. Admittedly I bought my car some years ago but I would have a hard time pulling any substantial type of increase in the value out of this unit if I were to sell it. My car is old technology and with what is going into these cars these days mine would be at the bottom of the street rod market. Its saving grace is that it is a steel 32/3 window and not many of the originals are left un-detected ready for restoration or street rodding.
In some circles , people say I am crazy for driving it with the original engine it it. They want me to take it out and put a crate one in. Preserve it for the guy who will buy it from me. Well I don't think so...
My son will get it, and he put his arm around me an said," Don't worry Dad , when you die , I will not sell your car."
Why, save it, for money, I was 22 when I bought it , it was not a legend then, just a used corvette, It was my dream car and still is, 250,000 miles later. I understand those who treat their cars and museum pieces, it is a hobby for them.
Me , I like to leave a little rubber around town , when I can get away with it.
Enjoy your car, life is short and then you die
Jack
Last edited by Jackfit; Nov 11, 2009 at 06:47 AM. Reason: spelling
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 922
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From: Delta BC
To me #'s matching simply means that every part that had a the VIN stamped on it is still in the car (engine, transmission, frame) but it could have incorrect accessory parts. Then there is #'s matching, all original which would mean it also has every original piece on it (alternator, starter, master cylinder, fuel pump, carburetor, springs, ball joints, etc, etc. Finally there is #'s matching, date correct which is all the original VIN items and some of the accessories have been replaced with date correct restored original pieces (this of course would be up to the owner to disclose).
Cheers,
Bob
Cheers,
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Down on the bayou in south Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '10
Tom,
You are so correct on the car in my avatar. However, you are wrong on the "priced out of my budget" comment. These can be had more realistically than the C-1 and C-2 vettes. Admittedly I bought my car some years ago but I would have a hard time pulling any substantial type of increase in the value out of this unit if I were to sell it. My car is old technology and with what is going into these cars these days mine would be at the bottom of the street rod market. Its saving grace is that it is a steel 32/3 window and not many of the originals are left un-detected ready for restoration or street rodding.
You are so correct on the car in my avatar. However, you are wrong on the "priced out of my budget" comment. These can be had more realistically than the C-1 and C-2 vettes. Admittedly I bought my car some years ago but I would have a hard time pulling any substantial type of increase in the value out of this unit if I were to sell it. My car is old technology and with what is going into these cars these days mine would be at the bottom of the street rod market. Its saving grace is that it is a steel 32/3 window and not many of the originals are left un-detected ready for restoration or street rodding.
I'm running a 31' 5 window with a 302 ford. I wouldn't get rid of it for anything but it's yestertech and the value is well south of a nice C2. 
