Matching Numbers - How to know?
 

I am looking at several pre-70 early cars. Some of them I care abut matching numbers, some of them I do not. How do I know if the engine and chassis numbers match? I have one of the books that lists the numbers for the various years so I can confirm if a given chassis and engine number is from a given year. My mechanic indicated that is all I really need to worry about??

The Porsche certificate of Authenticity provides VIN, engine #, and transaxle #. Other than getting this factory info from the seller, you might be able to get it by contacting PCNA.

Matching numbers is a "Chevy" thing....VIN #s matching the engine block. Most of the good P-car books like Anderson's will give you the range of engine/trans numbers for each model year.

Certificates of Authenticity take weeks to get and are frequently bare of essentials when you most need them. They also are pricey....

Yes, pricey. But, if you pays your money (about $125, IIRC), I think you can get them (the lady at PCNA) to say yes or no to the number you give her in advance of the certificate.

So, if you zero in on a car and want to be sure, at least give her a call. Does Barbara sound right? Her son works with her last I knew about a year ago. Most of the time, someone will answer the phone.

I believe if you search "certificate," you will find the phone and everthing else about this.

Thanks guys - the few cars where I do care about numbers have the right numbers for the engine and chassis for the year of manufacture. I guess I will give PCNA a call to see what they can tell me. I was told by a few people that for 69 and earlier cars, the factory did not record the engine number with the VIN number??

Could be that case for '69's. My CoA has all numbers (VIN, eng. #, tranny #) recorded, so I can say that my '73E "Chevy"'s number match. ;)

All my car's options as delivered by the factory are shown, too. The CoA is indeed pricey...thankfully the PO incurred that cost. :)

Hi Jim - it is interesting what they decide to record at the factory. I have seen a CoA for a 1970 911s and it lists the VIN and engine number, but for the transmission number it simply says "Not Recorded".