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Since you already own the car the only time it will become important to you is when you try to sell it or if you want to get involved with NCRS judging .
Since you already own the car the only time it will become important to you is when you try to sell it or if you want to get involved with NCRS judging .
'Matching numbers' is only important to those people who put a lot of 'value' on it.
I have some customers who are all 'eat up' with 'things' having to be 'matching'...and others with bad a$$ resto-mods who care less.
Hi VF,
Having the original motor in a car along with having MANY other parts that can be appropriate for a particular car is important to many people, including myself.
If it matters to you I'm pleased you took the time to determine what you have and are happy with what you found!
Regards,
Alan
Since you asked, for me personally, matching numbers is most important if I'm buying a car presented as low mileage, original. In that case, if the numbers don't match, the car was likely abused. I realize there may be some exceptions, a few may have had defective motors but I suspect they would be rare.
If we're talking about a car which has high mileage, extensive repairs or many parts replaced, the original engine block is of minor interest, much like a brake rotor which had been replaced. A period correct replacement would suit me just fine at a lower price should I be buying. In this case I'm more interested in quality than original parts, especially if a past owner went to extreme measures to salvage what would normally be considered to be a junk block just to save numbers.
A lot of money has been invested in matching numbers. You'll often hear it's must have. With matching numbers often comes the obligation to keep everything original, car becomes more a museum exhibit than a daily driver. OK for some but not for everybody. I could go either way depending on whether I'm looking for a low mileage original or a daily driver.
Then there's the problem with restamping raising questions of whether the matching numbers are legit. A buyer had better get an expert to inspect before buying if they're paying 20% or more over non matching numbers prices, else risk losing that extra investment.
Sounds like you lean to wanting matching numbers. Glad to hear it worked out for you.
Not really. A period correct block, correct casting numbers, date codes within reason, will get you nearly all points. The lack of a stamp is a minor deduction. Matching numbers isn't an NCRS must have.
With mine I always say, it is numbers matching, but nothing is original.
What that means to me is that the numbers and dates match for the block, transmission, and rear end, but there have been so many exchanges that it really doesn't mean anything. Even the carb has been changed out, but at least it is with another 73' carb.
Take a look at the pics for my explanation, your mileage may vary:
The car was driven hard until 1989 with just 70k miles.
Hi,
People sometimes don't completely understand the difference (s) between cars which have received a Top Flight Award or a Bowtie Award, or in a few cases, BOTH of them.
Regards,
Alan
Depends on the model year and the condition of the car. If it's been modded or has deteriorated even close to the point of no return, matching numbers means nothing. Likewise, some model years are, let's say, less popular and matching numbers are not as important.
I really have no idea what the term "matching numbers" means to others. It means nothing to me, because people have found a way to twist and construe the words to fit their own purpose. Having the original engine and transmission was an absolute requirement for me, as well as original factory documentation. I looked for a long time, travelled 4000 miles and back to buy it, and paid a hefty premium.
It really depends on the car. Not all C3s were created equal and some are inherently more sought after than others. A '69 with it's original big block is quite rare, especially the solid-lifter L71, than say a '76 with it's original base motor. The market makes the rules concerning value, not any of us individually. Who knows what will happen in the future?
As I have been told and it does make sense..."A car is ONLY original ONCE".
I truly can appreciate cars that are original, un-touched and showing the signs of its age..but I do not all crazy about it..and I can appreciate the custom resto-mods and do not get too crazy about them either.
And it is funny how the quarter you have in your pocket change may be worth thousands to someone who collects coins...but to you..it is only a quarter.
Matching Numbers
'Matching numbers' is only important to those people who put a lot of 'value' on it. 
