BK3
*** When it comes to your C3.....***
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Important to me yes.......but when replacing my broken M1131 T-top this winter, I was just happy to find one that was in storage for 30 odd years and in mint condition.......date codes didn't really matter. As the old saying used to go "keep your GM car all GM"....but parts do wear out.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I would have to say no. I have an LS3 from an 09 Vette in mine and a T56 from a 06 GTO and not one of the parts on the rest of the car is original. Just the way I like it. I like to see the original ones but I enjoy the performance of mine also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 5
From: N.Richland Hills Texas
I would have to say NO ... I have restored antique planes and tractors ect. but I like to have my Corvette ready to go.. anywhere, anytime... I do appreciate the numbers matching cars... But if I can only have one... I want it to be the way I want it....
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
My 73 had to many things missing/changed when I bought it to worry. I have done a lot of upgrades and fixes through the years. I love the guys that keep their Vettes original but it is not in my budget or wishes for the 73. I just want to keep it running and LOOKING GOOD.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
I can see either viewpoint. I own a total mongrel 1977 and I'm fine with that, but if I were interested in say a 1970 LT-1 convertible or ZR-1 I would be pretty obsessive about the numbers. Post 1973 C3s should be built and enjoyed regardless of what mods the owner dreams up for sure!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
Mine was redone before I got it so numbers were not even a question. I always wanted a hotrod anyway so this one really fit the bill. I do like to see the survivors and numbers matching cars though, and I really appreciate the attention to detail and workmanship that has gone into them. I'm not sure if I would enjoy owning, with limited driving, a numbers matching car as much as I do driving mine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
My 74 is my first all "real" car...Ive owned a few cloned SS cars, a T-Type[As opposed to a real GN], etc...
Had my car not been an original BBC car, with the original motor, I would not have bought it. For a short while I toyed with putting together another motor and bagging the original. I have since then decided to always keep the original block in the car.
Its not the most valuable corvette ever, but its the rarest Corvette I will ever be able to own. Not to be a snob, but I wouldnt think that number matching would matter to anyone on any other rubber bumper car, outside of convertible models
Had my car not been an original BBC car, with the original motor, I would not have bought it. For a short while I toyed with putting together another motor and bagging the original. I have since then decided to always keep the original block in the car.
Its not the most valuable corvette ever, but its the rarest Corvette I will ever be able to own. Not to be a snob, but I wouldnt think that number matching would matter to anyone on any other rubber bumper car, outside of convertible models
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
NO matching numbers for me. I like hot rod Corvettes. I enjoy looking at them all though but I enjoy looking at the craftsmanship and effort that goes into creating a perfect car. I don't pick them apart trying to find what's not correct.
There's room here for everybody and if not lets make room.
There's room here for everybody and if not lets make room.
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,009
Likes: 240
From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
The only numbers I care about matching are what is displayed on the tach vs actual engine rpm!! 
I have a NCRS Corvette - as in Not Correctly Restored Stingray!
I have a NCRS Corvette - as in Not Correctly Restored Stingray!
Last edited by 7t2vette; Apr 6, 2012 at 09:44 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Yes and no! My 69 is a numbers matching car so I try diligently to stay within the framework of how it came off the assembly line.
My 78 is not numbers matching so it will be nothing like anything that came off the assembly line! Already converted it from automatic to a 4 speed with much more to come.
My 78 is not numbers matching so it will be nothing like anything that came off the assembly line! Already converted it from automatic to a 4 speed with much more to come.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Yes....but the two vettes we have had both "merited" being kept original numbers matching ...... wouldn't bother me to have one, in fact it would be nice to be able to have my own way with one....without de-valuing it.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Kept my old 73 100% numbers matching come sale time it counted for nothing, 0 zilch nada. Noone gives a rats butt or would pay any more for it than a similar car in its condition
So all the time I had it I drove a boring slow slug and resisting modding it with the thought I would hurt its value.
What a waste that was!!!
nice looking at them at shows but Id never own another
Threw all caution to the wind with the ZR1 and modded it the way I wanted it. Helped sell the car. Go figure.
It may have helped some on the 70 Z28...internally modded the motor it (sound) sold the car.
On my 67 Camino Custom (higly optioned) there is nothing original except the 1/4 panels dash and the frame lol. Least I get to enjoy this one.
So all the time I had it I drove a boring slow slug and resisting modding it with the thought I would hurt its value.
What a waste that was!!!
nice looking at them at shows but Id never own another
Threw all caution to the wind with the ZR1 and modded it the way I wanted it. Helped sell the car. Go figure.
It may have helped some on the 70 Z28...internally modded the motor it (sound) sold the car.
On my 67 Camino Custom (higly optioned) there is nothing original except the 1/4 panels dash and the frame lol. Least I get to enjoy this one.
Last edited by cv67; Apr 6, 2012 at 09:59 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
We bought a "numbers matching" car from it`s second owner. We are doing a frame-on resto, and plan to keep it original, including a date coded windshield. We WILL drive this car.... a LOT when it`s done.
The wife`s Mustang is the same way, we`re the second owner, total number matching original car. But we have a couple other "mongrels" (as mentioned above), and we love them just the same.
As to the OP question, is it important to us? Somewhat. If it can be kept original, then why not? If it`s not..... who cares?!
The wife`s Mustang is the same way, we`re the second owner, total number matching original car. But we have a couple other "mongrels" (as mentioned above), and we love them just the same.
As to the OP question, is it important to us? Somewhat. If it can be kept original, then why not? If it`s not..... who cares?!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Not important to me.Own a 76 I keep it looking stock but it's far from being stock.Only thing numbers match is the block.It was an auto changed to a 6spd manual.Changed that 76 Vega steering wheel.
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Like was said earlier if it was a 73 or earlier that would be a different story..
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[/IMG]Like was said earlier if it was a 73 or earlier that would be a different story..
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,366
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
A non matching numbers car is just as much fun to drive as a full matching number car. However, it is an important factor in determining value when you are shopping. I like both but there is a difference in value.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
************NO************
It wasn't numbers matching 40 years ago when I bought it off a Chevy dealer's used car lot. I rescued it from its first life as a dragstrip car. Since then it's been in multiple accidents with utility poles, barbed wire fences and whitetailed deer. Way too late to worry about matching numbers and date codes!
It wasn't numbers matching 40 years ago when I bought it off a Chevy dealer's used car lot. I rescued it from its first life as a dragstrip car. Since then it's been in multiple accidents with utility poles, barbed wire fences and whitetailed deer. Way too late to worry about matching numbers and date codes!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
I didn't really care when I bought mine. (Its an 80). But it ended up happening. So I will try to keep it that way. But if something needs to be replaced, depending on why I need too, I may hang on to the part for nostalgic sake.
Storage space is also a factor.
Storage space is also a factor.