The History of "Matching Numbers"

[Mike Sasser]

Re: The History of "Matching Numbers"

My point is that some people did not seem to realize that advertising a car as completely original, then telling them on the phone it was completely original, that it was a numbers matching car. To me the answer was obvious, but I still got the question. Now if I had advertised the car as numbers matching, I could understand being questioned about originality. I hope I make some sense here

[Mark Milner]

That is because they only know buzz words.

They are not real car people, at least not yet. They have minimum knowledge and you know the saying about having a little knowledge is dangerous.

They know some Corvette appreciate in value.

They know the ones that do the most have "matching numbers".

They don't have a clue as to what those numbers are, where they can be found, or how many have to match.

And so they have no idea that matching numbers has any connection to part numbers, casting numbers, stamped numbers, embossed numbers, crayon numbers, and ink numbers. And some letters, too.

[Rick A.]

Re: That is because they only know buzz words.

sure sounds like "all original" to me!?

[Mike E.]

Re: That is because they only know buzz words.

My experience is that "matching numbers" may mean anything along the spectrum from a) every component is factory original and has original tag/stamping/dating, to b)the VIN tag has the same numbers as the title.
That is a rather wide variety, obviously.

[Warren F.]

Re: That is because they only know buzz words.

Mike:

Very well said!!

I think the same way on this issue as well.

[Bill Braun 33186]

Re: Loren, you've always been known to...

AND they charge you for it!

Hiya Loren!

Bill 33186 (aka btdf)

[Dave Suesz]

You got that right, & it gets worse...

As you may know from my other posts, I have also worked with Mustangs. I have seen Mustangs portrayed, and ADVERTSED FOR SALE,as "numbers matched" and "frame-off restoration". Now, with very few exeptions, there were no drivetrain VIN stamps on Mustangs, and no production Mustang ever HAD a frame... Makes you wonder if these people are crooks or just stupid. Come to think of it, my experience with crooks is they are usually both. Sadly, they don't confine themselves to Ford products, where at least the engine type is in the VIN. Of course, for the total "originality purist", there are some gray areas. Go to any show- do you REALLY think 9 out of 10 Mustangs came with a console? I'm sure this phenomenon affects Corvettes, too. I am probably immune to this only because my year Corvette was not offered with options. Hmmm, my C1 WOULD to awesome with a set of knock-offs...