numbers matching?

What does original numbers mean to you? Is it that all the components were made in that model year and the same as original, or that the engine, transmission and rear were the ones that originally came in the vehicle.

No experience myself but in the collector car/truck market, the TV shows I watch now and then on Velocity TV tell me it is the engine and tranny (but not sure about the differential). Apparently numbers matching means just what it says, a duplicate set of numbers/serial numbers stamped on the casting somewhere I think. Makes a BIG difference in collectability and value. Some guys buy a collector car and then go hunting for the original drive train components. That must not be a lot of fun.

I think your second definition is correct. Having the build sheet can add to the value.
Happy New Year Chip. Stop onto Rudy's sometime.

To me it means the original engine that was put in at the factory.

I don't think there were serial numbers recorded for the rest of the drive train on your average car, probably were on the exotics.

It's more for the show car fanatics, those who either keep the car exactly as it left the factory as a survivor, or those who do meticulous restorations, down to the specs in the guide books the judges use for determining originality. Some are in it for the pride of winning, some are in it for getting a premium price for their investment.

Those books are amazing! Down to the most minuscule detail, stitches per inch on the upholstery, only factory bolts allowed, measurements and specifications that make you wonder how they were ever kept on some of the obscure, limited production, even one off hand built vehicles!

I remember when "hot rodding" was fun. "Investors" seem to enter every hobby, trying to make money, and take all the fun out of it.

My 1939 Farmall M has matching numbers, the frame and serial # and the engine block are all the same. #1094.

I know a guy who has cars etc. that have affidavits that they are original and all number match. He has probably over a million dollar in the cars he owns. One car I remember is a Ford T bird form the early 60s with a factory convertible top that is a hard top and that goes into the trunk and the factory back seat delete cover

Hi Pete, We were there last night. Next week I hope to see you.

I know a friend that sells used corvette car parts, rents a stamp kit to make sure all your parts are the right numbers

I restored a '68 Chevelle SS396. The original restoration was paint/interior/mechanical rebuild/get it running to have fun. In 2004 I attended Chevelle-a-bration which was like the National Chevelle show. That's when I learned about "matching numbers" and decided to build my car to that standard. The car had almost all of its original parts, but over the years some had been replaced.

Many of the assemblies and parts on cars of that era have stamps that show the date the item was built, usually an alphanumeric code using letters for the month and numbers for the day. To be a numbers-matching part it needs to be built from 1 week to 2~3 months of the date of the car's manufacture. Some options that were not made in large numbers could be earlier. Engines and transmissions of GM products were stamped with a partial VIN that should match the VIN of the car. Engines were also stamped at the assembly plant with a two letter stamp that indicated the displacement, HP rating, and transmission application. These are the numbers that are frequently "restamped" by unscrupulous builders to add perceived value to the car.

Searching for and finding the parts I needed was a lot of fun for me. Not as much fun as driving the car to all the shows and meeting folks and seeing their cars. I guess that numbers matching added a little to the value of the car when I sold it, but it was mostly the quality of the build that brought the $$$.
BillL

Sorry Rich. Only retractable hardtop convertibles Ford ever made were the 57-59 Skyliners and one year Continental, 61 I think. No Tbirds.

Old stupid man your 1000% wrong I know the guy and I have driven the car and I know it is 100% factory correct. John Kelsy would never make a mistake like that and I know how well and he also is well known for his classic tire for car business.

So again like you do so often your off your rocker and flat or stupidly wrong

(quoted from post at 20:57:15 01/05/20) Old stupid man your 1000% wrong I know the guy and I have driven the car and I know it is 100% factory correct. John Kelsy would never make a mistake like that and I know how well and he also is well known for his classic tire for car business.

So again like you do so often your off your rocker and flat or stupidly wrong

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No, old stupid man, (apparently that is an acceptable term), he's right and you're wrong.

1962 Thunderbird Convertible. Obviously a SOFT top convertible:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEmM4DrIxhQ

Clarence (and Old) ...... I'll step in here as judge and jury and declare Clarence the winner of the argument. Old and his friend (whoever he is) are forever banished to the hardtop convertible false news wall of shame ..... LOL. Check out the link below, if you have any questions then contact Wikipedia ....
Convertible Hardtop History ....

(quoted from post at 12:38:41 01/06/20) Clarence (and Old) ...... I'll step in here as judge and jury and declare Clarence the winner of the argument. Old and his friend (whoever he is) are forever banished to the hardtop convertible false news wall of shame ..... LOL. Check out the link below, if you have any questions then contact Wikipedia ....
Convertible Hardtop History ....

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There is no argument. There is just a stating of facts. One is true and the other isn't.