You will often hear people ask “it is numbers matching?” but what is this and is it important?
Numbers matching refers to whether the VIN number matches the engine number and you could equally say the gearbox number in some cases. The VIN or chassis number is the factory provided unique vehicle identification number which the registration is later attached too. The engine number is a unique block casting for the engine. On the original spec sheet and registration these two numbers will be shown. If your classic American car or any classic car for that matter has matching numbers it’s basically deemed original.
So is this important? Many would say yes as this means the car is wholly original and that adds value. In particular this when it comes to iconic cars this is totally understandable. For example a late 1960’s Ford Mustang Fastback which is ripe for complete original restoration and holds significant value it would mean a lot to be the original engine. Obviously if there is any question of the VIN on the registration paperwork then potentially this is worth walking away from anyway.
What if the engine number doesn’t match? Well to be honest it’s not a major deal really, it might drop some value on certain vehicles but that engine was removed for good reason. Maybe the engine gave up and it meant a new engine at some point kept the car on the road. Sometimes when it comes to a resto-mod a brand new crate engine gives the car a complete new lease of life. We have often seen V6 cars have V8 replacements. At the end of the day its about being able to continue to drive a classic car and also most importantly enjoy it. As an example a 1970’s Chevrolet 350 engine may give a 180 bhp a modern base Chevrolet crate engine would add 90-100 bhp it which obviously enhances performance and fun.
