by Dangermouse » Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:31 pm
Well, let me clarify what I said early, having talked to a buddy here who’s into this kind of stuff. I was under the impression that the cars original bill of sale listed the serial numbers of the major components and that “Matching Numbers” meant that the car today has exactly the same components as when it was built, but it’s not quite as simple as that. (Frankly, it’s all a bit anoraky, if you ask me).
From the VIN number of an American car, the enthusiast can tell what year the car was made and what factory it was made in and what engine it should have. From other documentation he can find out that a, say, ’77 Corvette from Bowling Green KY plant could have either an L48 engine (350 cubic inch (5.7L) 180 HP) or an L82 (350 cubic inch 210 HP). He can also find out what month the car was built (say June).
Furthermore he can find out that L48 engines used at the vette factory in June 1977 should have a stamped engine code, say, ABCD. Other L48 engine batches in other months or other factories for other car models would have different stamped codes. They aren’t stamped with individual serial numbers, more like batch numbers.
So for the seller today of that 77 Corvette, to make the claim of “matching numbers”, his engine should have that ABCD stamping. It is completely permissible that if the original engine goes kaput, that the owner can source a replacement 350 engine, from the same batch number and install it in his car, and retain the “numbers matching” claim.
Same applies for the transmission, chassis, etc.
Enthusiast pay a premium for originality (or a close approximation thereof)
So in the Delorean world I don’t know if the engines are considered to be all from the same batch/type. I don’t think there were any production changes. So all of our cars would be “matching numbers”, except those that put in a PRV from a later source.
It seems like our cars are somewhat unique in having individually numbered engines.
Dermot
vin 2743
Ex-Dunmurry-ite,
but now nr. Atlanta GA
US o'A
Vin 2743 – Black, Auto, non-lowered, non-Spaxed, non-carbed, non-turbo’d, non-de-catted, just as Neal drove it on the boat in August ‘81