Evan's (REAL1) Car On The Market

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by jhv48

But is it original?

OK, I admit that the air in the tires, the gas in the tank and some other things are not as they were in 1963. But the VIN plate was placed in 1963.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Tommy

OK, I admit that the air in the tires, the gas in the tank and some other things are not as they were in 1963. But the VIN plate was placed in 1963.

Opps - there goes the Top Flight award.

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Opps - there goes the Top Flight award.

Not so fast. If the VIN matches the title it's a numbers matching, right?

[Ron61]

No, it is a numbers matching vehicle if the number on the block matches that of the car.

Ron

Originally Posted by Tommy

Not so fast. If the VIN matches the title it's a numbers matching, right?

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by Ron61

No, it is a numbers matching vehicle if the number on the block matches that of the car.

Ron

Depending on the organization and the originality of the car, numbers matching can mean every part on the car is original, as delivered from the factory. However, lately, the term can be used if only the original engine is present.

1. What does "numbers matching" mean?
1958-Corvette-Fuelie_Numbers-Matching_Mecum-Auctions.jpg -
To verify matching numbers on an older Corvette like this 1958, appraisers check the build date and cast date stamped on the engine. Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Written as either "numbers matching" or "matching numbers," this term signifies that the Corvette still includes original parts. The specific parts required to constitute a numbers matching Corvette can vary from one organization to another, but one item is always included: the original engine. Mecum Auctions, for example, only requires owners to verify the engine stamp in order to claim they have a numbers matching car. Before selling their Corvette at auction, owners must "typically check four numbers on the block: engine casting number, engine casting date, engine assembly data and VIN or serial derivative," says Mecum Auctions' Christine Giovingo. Once the engine has been changed -- even if the correct size was dropped back in -- Corvettes newer than 1960 can no longer claim to be numbers matching.

To verify a numbers matching car, owners check their VIN against numbers stamped on their engine and other parts. Chevrolet began stamping matching production numbers on VINs, engines and transmissions in 1960, which made this process easier. For Corvettes built before 1960 the process is less precise, with appraisers comparing the cast date and the build date on the engine with the dates on the car itself. Learn how to find out if your Corvette has matching numbers here.

Components like starters, alternators and carburetors will also match on Corvettes that are significantly original. For these parts, the stamped number won't be identical to the VIN. Instead, owners can maintain their "original" designation by replacing these parts with components that have the right number stamped on them.