What It Means When A Classic Car Is "Numbers Matching"

If you've spent any time watching collector car auctions on television, you've heard people throw around the phrase "numbers matching". Numbers matching cars usually seem to bring more money in auction, retail and private sales.

A numbers matching car means that all major components are original to the specific vehicle. So when someone claims a car is numbers matching, it is supposed to imply that the car is as-delivered, rather than a "clone" or a "tribute".

As the old joke goes about desirable classics: “If 25 were made, then 53 have survived.” Collectors need proof whether cars advertised with rare factory options are original, rather than owner-made clones, because it's easy to turn a plain-Jane Barracuda coupe into a to-die-for HemiCuda or a small-block Corvette into a seemingly original L88. One of the ways to help establish authenticity is to identify casting, date and ID codes stamped on the driveline, body and accessories.

When buying a highly optioned car the seller claims has matching numbers you need to first ask how the seller defines matching numbers. While a true matching numbers car should have its factory original engine block, heads, intake manifold, carburetors, transmission, and differential, some sellers -- even well-regarded retailers, look only at the engine block numbers. A car with only a numbers matching block has a lower value than one with all original parts.

Buyers must beware. Sellers frequently advertise cars as “numbers matching” when part casting numbers are correct for a specific option, and date codes all are within a certain range even if the parts are not original to the car when it left the factory. While casting numbers are often hard to fake, VIN stampings are easily changed. Even though misrepresenting a car as numbers matching is fraud, it happens frequently.

Always ask for more documentation, such as build sheets, trim tags, window stickers and service receipts for further support.

Just remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a non-numbers matching car, especially if you plan on driving your classic. Modern non-original components often significantly improve performance, drivability and reliability.

published 2 years ago

sbarer

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