"Numbers Matching"?
 

The expression "Numbers Matching" lead me to assume that such a car still has it's original tub, engine, and transmission, all with the same serial numbers. My 911 '87 model has the original tub, engine and tranny, but none of the numbers match. Please educate us.

Number matching - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia -- it's my understanding that Porsche engines and transmissions are not generally assembled for a particular car and instead carry their own serial numbers. Numbers matching either references the engine and transmission serial numbers matching those originally installed in the car (per certificate of authenticity) or falling within the proper range for the car's build date.

This makes sense, thanks.

The numbers match the factory records recorded when the car was completed. That is where the value of the Certificate of Authenticity is placed.
So there is only one set that matches, not a range, not the correct type only, not a near miss.

Dave, many people consider any engine or transmission number recorded by the factory for a particular car to fall within the "matching numbers" definition. For instance, an engine replaced by the factory when the car was relatively new, or later by an authorized dealer under warranty. In those cases, the replacement numbers appear on the Kardex and COA, so such an engine, while not original, would "match" factory records.

The engine number in my old BMW literally matches the chassis number, they are the same number and so "match". Porsche never followed this practice, so there is no obvious meaning of "matching numbers" for a Porsche. Some consider it "matching" factory records, and some only consider it whatever was original to the car. There is no single, official definition of "matching numbers" for a Porsche, although for any legitimate definition, the numbers should certainly "match" something.

Yes, for a Porsche, the meaning is to match factory records. There are a few variations on this; basically original build components and factory replaced components. There is one 911 I have the Kardex for that has replacement body, engine & transmission; I consider this 3 steps down from all original build components. There is a premium or deduction for each item that was part of the original build.