I've heard many opinions on this over the years. What is your opinion of when a numbers matching car is worth more than a modified car and vice versa? For example, let's say you were looking at 2 identical cars for sale. One is a 1970 SS454 with numbers matching LS-5, trans., rear end, etc. and the other is the same except it has let's say a ramjet 502. Now, the 502 is obviously a more desirable engine, but does numbers matching make the first one worth more? Or do modifications that improve the car make it worth more or less than numbers matching. I understand that LS-6 cars will always be worth more numbers matching, maybe a 1975 El Camino that is numbers matching doesn't mean much though. When/where do you draw that line?

Personally, I think that the only thing good about "numbers matching" is you supposedly know for sure that what you have is what it's supposed to be. Even then, with what con artists can do, I think you need a lot more than just numbers that match. I had a '75 Corvette 4-speed that was totally stock, therefore the numbers matched. It wouldn't fall out of a tree if you pushed it :eek: One of the first things I would have done if I had kept it (traded it for my '72 Malibu graemlins/thumbsup.gif ) was to do some serious engine work. In my mind, that would make the "numbers matching" rather meaningless since the engine would no longer be what it was supposed to be.

This is one of those areas where its a matter of personal choice...

I would pay more money for the matching numbers car, but only because I know that there are others that would also pay that premium should I ever decide to sell...

If I had a matching numbers car, I would probably pull the motor and install another one, so that original block could remain unharmed should I ever decide to sell (and increase the value)...

I think its supply and demand... There are only so many "matching Numbers" cars left.


:D

Dads 70 SS was originally a 396 car. Bench seat, column shift turbo 400, no gauges, no cowl induction, and only A/C. It now sports a Ramjet 502. A lot of time and money gets invested either way you go. Dads car was missing the original drivetrain, so even though its a documented SS does that really mean anything? It does draw just as much of a crowd as any numbers matching chevelle I have seen. You would be hard pressed to get him to sell if you walked up with numbers matching cash for a 454 car. We both are just not interested in selling it because its something we both enjoy immensely now. It doesn't have the trailer queen "don't hurt me" mentality behind it. Its driven and enjoyed, and in my opinion makes it worth much more in personal satisfaction than you can put a dollar amount on.
You need to decide what you WANT and then look at the dollar factor. The ram jet swap probably cost the guy over 10 grand, and that should be taken in to consideration when pricing the car.
Maybe you could drive both cars and figure out which is best for you?

I personally wouldnt want a numbers matching car, you can't do anything to it,cept drive it, to maintain value,which is debatable,,,,but in the same breath I'm having trouble with deciding whether I want to put a rollbar in my car,so I can go faster at the track,I'm the 3rd owner,had two small rust spots behind the front wheels in front fenders,so its a very solid car,decisions,decisions,decisions :confused: .

When a person has to ask this question then there is no good answer that can be given. Why? Because to ask means that you are not focusing on what turns you on in the automotive universe. Forget about everyone else for the moment - ask yourself what you really like or want to like about your own personal cars. Do you like to burn rubber or go drag racing, or do you enjoy connecting all the dots on a documented original car? This does not mean that you cannot enjoy the full spectrum of automobile enthusiasts - just what would you do if no one were watching?

Don't ever do things to please others - this is supposed to be a FUN hobby. I guarantee that it will cease being fun the more you let others decide your next move for you.

I enjoy and appreciate those people who have sought out and documented the various pieces of automotive history - but I will make no apologies for my desire to cut up and modify nearly every hobby car I have owned.

Thomas

Originally posted by Bomber '67:
When a person has to ask this question then there is no good answer that can be given. Why? Because to ask means that you are not focusing on what turns you on in the automotive universe. Forget about everyone else for the moment - ask yourself what you really like or want to like about your own personal cars. Do you like to burn rubber or go drag racing, or do you enjoy connecting all the dots on a documented original car? This does not mean that you cannot enjoy the full spectrum of automobile enthusiasts - just what would you do if no one were watching?
Don't ever do things to please others - this is supposed to be a FUN hobby. I guarantee that it will cease being fun the more you let others decide your next move for you.
I enjoy and appreciate those people who have sought out and documented the various pieces of automotive history - but I will make no apologies for my desire to cut up and modify nearly every hobby car I have owned.
Thomas
Amen,brother. graemlins/thumbsup.gif