Matching numbers
Discussion
In my world of pre 1930's cars original and matching numbers for chassis/engine/gearbox together with index number are all important. Replacement of these items (for me)devalues the car in both monetary and historical terms. Can my attitude regards this apply to the modern classics of the 1950's era onwards or is it less important? What say you. (Exclude the top end collectors cars)
If the car in question is being sold as a 'matching numbers' car then, yes it will attract a price premium or not be devalued pro-rata if not matching - I sometimes think that a non matching numbers car in some respects has its very own attraction in as much as you can then make modifications and improvements without affecting value in the same way as a matching no.s car.
Where do we stand on original registration numbers? Given how many plates are sold off.
I have engine, gearbox, body & chassis numbers all matching, but I think the car is on it's third or fourth number plate. Eventually I might contact Swansea and have a go, but is it really worth it or is it just OCD time wasting.
I have engine, gearbox, body & chassis numbers all matching, but I think the car is on it's third or fourth number plate. Eventually I might contact Swansea and have a go, but is it really worth it or is it just OCD time wasting.
I remember in the early 50`s when my dad owned a couple of 120`s one of the cars engines blew up, we went along to the breakers on the Commercial road East London, bought a secondhand engine from another 120 for £50, started putting it in the car outside our house in the street, kerbside, no pit, no garage just an old jack and some chains with a makeshift hoist,he started at 5pm,i helped (i was 6 !) by midnight it was all done, next day we went to Scotland in the car, no matching numbers, just a fab old car with loads more life put back in her.....whats all this matching numbers malarky coming to, it seems to be getting worse,and sadly people are not stopping and thinking, does it really honestly matter ? i personally think not, it does`nt detract the joy of driving one of these fanatstic old cars if it has`nt got the "correct" engine in it, after all they all came from Browns lane whatever sequence of 6 little digits were stamped on the block.
Matching numbers...i think it should all be put to bed.
Matching numbers...i think it should all be put to bed.
Edited by exkay on Tuesday 20th August 08:53
exkay said:
I just think that its more fun to own and drive these things rather than worry and be paranoid about the fact thats its got the original engine in, after all we dont worry about original tyres and oil, or do they, will they ??
Depends if you're buying a car to own it and drive it, or if you're buying it as an investment... two very different types of 'punter'.I don't mind either way really, I'd rather buy a better condition classic, than one with more 'provenance', but Dad gets very hung up on it. He's currently on the look out for a Healey 3-litre, but it has to be the 'right' car.
Scenario......matching numbers car for sale, needs total resoration, it goes of to the best restorer out there, has all the panels replaced,engine fully rebuilt,new pistons crankshaft ect ect, new interior, new wheels, a brand new car worth lottsa money, heritage cert says "a matching numbers car" must be original then....but is it ???
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