My 73 is currently 100 % numbers matching but if not purchased that way it wouldn't bother me if it wasn't.

 

No.
It looks original ( I like factory look) but with aftermarket wheels and an mild cam idle. if i had the money, i wouldnt hesitate to drop a big block engine and four to six speed transmission in my 81.

 

Only on major components.

 

Yes, it all matters to me....original drivetrain with all components having correct numbers/dates.

 

No. Mine hasn't been original since aug 0f 76.

 

No. It's too much fun customizing the way i like it than having it 100% stock. 100% stock means i could ended up seeing a car just like mine somewere and i like to be unique in all my stuff. All my cars were unique as i customized everyone of them ( that includes my daily drivers).

What not stock

-Engine (that include everything that under the hood)
-Transmission
-Seats
-Wheels
-Glass Panel

The only number that's important is 100% fun to drive.

 

Whether they are important to you personally or not, if you choose to ignore their relation to market value, you are a fool.

 

"Fool" If you buy these cars as an investment maybe... But only a .... Oh never mind....

 

For my car, nope! For "special" configuration, low production, or higher performance cars, then I would say yes, it should be important.

Its been WAY TOO MUCH FUN modding the heck out of my plain-Jane, 72, SBC, auto, T-top, low-optioned coupe!!

I certainly can appreciate why some of us wish to go the all original route.

 

I'm keeping mine original, but some items were replace before I got the car ...like the engine. So, originality is important to me, but I'm not a complete stickler for matching numbers.

 

If I were going to buy another Corvette today, I personally see numbers matching to be important if we're talking about a survivor. They have to match, ORIGINAL engine by definition. Once the car has had a lot of miles put on it, major components rebuilt at least once, I see an original block being as interesting as an original brake rotor or any other wearing part. I buy the cars to drive. I definitely WOULDN'T want one which had been heroically saved only for it's number pad.

Otherwise I see very little difference between a car with 'correct' major components, proper casting numbers and date codes, and one which we assume to be the original. NCRS sees it this way as well. A car with correct components but without the 'matching number' suffers only a minor point deduction. The point being the car is presented as they were typically built in the day.

If I were inclined to swap out the motor for another as we commonly did many years ago. No, numbers wouldn't mean anything, quite the opposite. I wouldn't pay the premium for a motor I was going to pull out.

Yes, to some, numbers are the most important attribute of the entire car. A pedigree. Most often when we're talking about a high performance version or a rare copy. For others who may have bought numbers in a high market prior to 2008, of course they're important...

A fool to not consider their effect on market value? Maybe, but I don't think I've EVER heard people who declare others to be fools come forth with any measure of how much it affects value. Never with any proof other than maybe a handful which passed through auctions. Are buyers fools or are numbers being pushed to suit someone's financial agenda or personal bias? Apparantly some care a great deal, others not at all.

 

no number matching here. my years dont even match

 

that is awesome my dream for my 79 is a ls3 or an ls6 with a t56 that is just bad ***

 

Yes, but only because I have the original engine and transmission... I still chose to make modifications and not keep it 100% stock... I plan to change the original exterior and interior colors as well...

Rogman

 

Fool? While I may well agree there are obvious examples which ought best be left original, just because resale value may not be every enthusiast's primary consideration doesn't necessarily make them all foolish. To say so is, IMHO, somewhat of a personal and rather inappropriate attack.




As for the OP's actual question, for my money it depends very much on the example in question. For instance, there having been over 15,000 1978 SAE's produced, they ain't exactly rare, so I have no regrets for having made what I consider a number of improvements over the years, but I doubt I'd hack up a genuine matching numbers one today. That said, if given a choice between the two, I'd choose my ragamuffin over any museum worthy SAE every time. Tho obviously an intolerable thought for some, there's something quite liberating about not always being restrained by originality.

 

If we were able to have more than one, I would enjoy having a numbers car. I think I would enjoy the details that go along with that type of a build. Since we have just one Vette and the original motor was gone when we got it, I would say no to the OP question. We're going to build it the way we want it and have fun.

Seems to me that the '77's I see are not worth much $$ wise and even an extreme example where it is ultra low mileage and original everything doesn't sell for much. Just not worth it to worry about numbers on the mid to late 70's models IMO.

Have fun and build it how you want!

Adam

 

I was debating this same thing. After joining the forum and learning more and more about my 75, I see that it is one of the more 'economical' C3's. Mine has a few nice options (power windows, deluxe interior, rear defrost) not any super ones (no a/c or 4-speed) with the factory paint color and interior. The rarest option on my car which wasn't very rare considering was the bright yellow paint. Other than that, the car is pretty standard.

The previous owner to the PO I bought the car from had the engine and trans re-built so I still have the factory block and intake. He also added headers and I had to get a new water pump, so I am leaning more to modding mine and not worrying so much about keeping it all original.

Being a 75, I think it will be more appealing to potential buyers if there are some upgraded features.

Just my thoughts on the topic.

 

No. The love of the car, and affordability, outweigh the love of correct numbers

 

I was able to confirm that I have a numbers matching 1975, but with apologies to other 75 owners, that's kinda the sissyvette of corvettes in terms of HP... I have to believe it has a modified CAM, definately has a non-spec exhaust (no cat, true duals), and thankfully pushes more than 165 HP.

On a 1969-1970 big block I'd be obsessive about "correct" but I can't afford one of those beauties. Maybe, that's a good thing (at least I'm trying to tell myself that), because I'd probably be afraid to drive one. If you damage a "perfect" survivor or significant Vette the heavens will open and swallow you whole.

I like a car I can make tasteful, subtle modifications to and enjoy driving around. ( I was going to put in an obnoxious, heavily modified corvette limo wagon mudder picture here but it's Friday and I'm feeling lazy) Someone else is free to do so, if they feel up to hijacking this thread.

 

I think it depends on the car you have.

If I had a 1980, I would likely pull the motor, slide in a small block 427, a 5 speed, paint it black and drive the crap out of it - with little concern for value - because I would be loving how she runs.

If I had a 1969 427 Tri-power car - there is no way that I would cut this up. I would restore it to NCRS spec's and love it - and watch the value grow - as it was a work of art when it left the factory.