Numbers Matching Poll

[704406bblcuda]

I have been into Mopars for 20 years and have owned well over 100 of them.  Most have been big block B&E bodies and I have not once passed on a car if the #'s didn't match (have owned many of each).  I do however, prefer to buy original hi-po Mopars as that is my preference.  If one bleeds "mopar blue", the little #'s on the side of the block would not make a car more special, only real #'s under the hood are the horsepower ratings!!!

In using the reasoning some guys have on the issue, a 1970 R-code hemicuda that blew the original engine in '71 and had a warranty engine installed, is now just another modified E-body!  Tell that to the guys that spend $150k plus for non-matching hemi e-bodies   The infamous FE5 red/red '70 hemicuda ragtop that was road tested when new and has been featured in loads of Mopar mags since, has not had #'s matching engine since the early '70's.  Has not stopped recent owners from paying in the million (s) for it.

BTW- I would rather have a non-matching U, V, or R-code over a #'s matching 340-383 car.  Again, my preference

[Moparal]

I mself am just happy owning an e body  even a body.   Hard as they are to find and afford. It is good in todays standards to own one without rust. I try to put it back the way it was.  I have always been a big block person. That is really my only preference.

[cudadave72]

If I had all the money in the world I'd like to have a #s matching car of some collectable value that I could relish in my garage. The fact is that I dont have a ton of money and I like to drive my car(s) and drive em hard!! I've owned several muscle cars and have never held back to buy one because it was not matching. If I found a car that I was truely nuts about I would probably spend another 10% on it.

[Robb]

Mostly economics for me.


There are enough people that pay more for numbers matching cars that it obviously does makes a difference.   

Like it or not, Someday I, or one of my relatives will have to sell the cars and turn them into cash.   Death is inevitable.   I want as much money back (for me or for them) as I can manage to get. 

For original cars vs modified.   ANYONE can have a modified car or restore/rebuild a clunker.     Something thats still original, thats a treasure.  Its only original once.



numbers matching 318 or slant6 I would not pay extra for, cause I dont think Id get any extra money back out it.

[drewcrane]

im just happy to have a rare car i can take out and not look like everybody else

[craigsmytcudas]

How can anyone say a matching numbers car has better resale ,when hemi clone converts sell higher than a matching #s  6-bbl car .What about when resto mods bring over a 100k ,and a ta or aar  match cant bust 80k. How about a 56 chevy hot rod post car brings 200k at auction and the next car in line is a good #s BEAK AND WING thing tanks at 120k in a room full of cash . Its not what you buy ,its how you buy. All good car dealers know you make your money on the front side ,IF YOU PAY GOOD MONEY ON A MATCH THE SPREADS TWO CLOSE ,BUT A WOULD BE LESSER CAR AT A LOWER PRICE HAS MORE ROOM TO TURN A PROFIT . c

[Robb]

How can anyone say a matching numbers car has better resale ,when hemi clone converts sell higher than a matching #s  6-bbl car .What about when resto mods bring over a 100k ,and a ta or aar  match cant bust 80k. How about a 56 chevy hot rod post car brings 200k at auction and the next car in line is a good #s BEAK AND WING thing tanks at 120k in a room full of cash . Its not what you buy ,its how you buy. All good car dealers know you make your money on the front side ,IF YOU PAY GOOD MONEY ON A MATCH THE SPREADS TWO CLOSE ,BUT A WOULD BE LESSER CAR AT A LOWER PRICE HAS MORE ROOM TO TURN A PROFIT . c

A matching car vs a similar car that is not matching is an equal comparison as to which is more valuable straight across


It takes more money and time to make hemi clones and resto-mods, but it doesnt take a rare car to do it either.

You need to look at total cost and funds required (deep pockets or risk)  It takes money, to make money.
purchase price+cost of mods+time spent(time is money)+any additional overhead  vs  sale price.


From what Ive seen Its pretty dam rare that a person actually makes money when selling a customized or restored car, when theyve done the work themselves/paid to have it done.  Unless youve got a name you can attach.

EXAMPLE
"FOR SALE: XYZ car totally restored to pristine condition, 50,000$ in reciepts and 1000's of hours in labor invested....   need to sell.  35,000$ obo""  then sells for 29,000$ 


as far resto-mods and customized cars....    these things are like fashion.   whats hot today probably wont be hot tomorrow and they have a higher likelihood of turning into a white elephant.


These old cars are popular for what they were originally.

[plumcrazy704406]

I have a very good racer friend that is rather blunt with his thoughts and he has always maintained, (he is a drag racer) it's a race car! He has owned many #'s cars over his long racing career. I have always found that comment interesting though. It comes down to drive em how you want no matter what it is, or put them in a bubble for status,which he would never do.

[ntstlgl1970]

I put 10% because there wasn't a choice for 0. If it's a rare car, I'd care about numbers. I want a car I can drive anywhere and not worry about rain or if a bird craps on it or something.

[craigsmytcudas]

in my last post another point was made about same for same ,so lets say most trick mopars were made in #s less than 2500 units and half are gone or even more . if you want a color choice along with trans option and gear and hood option the numbers get lesser .so lets add gauges or bumpers  ,#s usually become a mute point now. if i am looking for a car my list starts with as follows 1 the fifth digit 2 no rust none 3 frame repair 4 cold air hood 5- 4 speed 6 color 7 original body panels 8 any cool history 9 all #s match every one survivor only .10 fat options like tops ac or radios kill the purpose of muscle . my whole point is i would like my next car to be a 69 rr convert in blue 4 speed no rust ,if i have to give up the match for quality i would even pay more than a simple engine match ,and how many could i find for sale at once to compare prices with much less be gifted with a choice.c