I pulled up some old threads, 8/5/3 years old, on the topics of date correct vs matching numbers and what value it adds to the car. It appears to me that the more time that has passed, the less and less people are caring about numbers matching. I have been doing a lot of shopping around and the cars I see for dont seem to add much value for having a numbers matching car. More important to the value is what has been put into the car to restore it. I am still very new and maybe I'm wrong but these are my observations. Just curious what everyone else thinks on this topic as I couldnt find a more recent thread about this then 3 years ago.

 

That's because there are about 175 different definitions for "numbers-matching", depending on who's buying or selling, which is why that term can mean almost anything, and isn't used by NCRS or Bloomington Gold. If you do an advanced search for "numbers matching", you'll get lots of hits; after reading them, you won't be any less confused about what it means or how it affects value.

 

Here we go again

 

i'm staying out of this one this time.....

 

You just can't make a definitive statement about which is worth more. Prices are all over the board. Guys like me will swear that the numbers game isn't that big of deal anymore, quality, performance, looks is what really matters. NCRS guys will tell you the value is in the rarity and how original the car is, less original equal less value, more original equal more value. The truth is value is set by what each buyer desires and is willing to pay for not what a seller is asking. Some will say as a general rule this is worth more than that etc, it just depends on who is doing the talking. All the C2 corvettes are desirable to someone, how desirable depends on whats important to that someone.

 

I think a 'no hit' body is the only important thing.

 

No hit body, number matching restamp, but it has to be a '67 big block, but only with original factory air — in the tires.

 

Here is my opinion, and it may or may not agree with anyone.

30 years ago and more --
Long ago, matching numbers meant original engine, and that meant the car was more likely to have not been abused and was more likely to be a good car to own and drive.

In restoring, having all the items the correct numbers and correct dates was good as it gets unless you were lucky to have the original block. However, there were some stamping even back then.




20 years ago or so --
Matching numbers was meaning less as there were many known cases of stamping.

Original was more important, although the little guys still lived with correct dates and numbers.




10 years ago or so --
Matching numbers was a salesman's line, designed to peel your higher dollars from your fingers, thinking it was original, but covering his rear legally when you found it was a restamp.

Original still was high dollar.

Merely correct dates and numbers was better than the NOM drivers that were aftermarket parts or hot rods but no one sought a correct numbers and correct dates car unless they stumbled on it.




Now --
Matching numbers is a joke. Everyone knows this is a line from car dealers except noobs and the unwashed. Long ago, the saying was everyone gets screwed on their first Corvette. Now it was still true, but because they were believing 20 and 30 year old "clues", like feeling under the front fenders to see if it was wrecked.

Original is still considered a good investment, although resto mods are bring higher prices. But then, resto mods cost a lot more to make.

I doubt I have heard anyone mention correct dates and numbers in a long time as a selling feature.