Matching numbers vs. Value

[ed martin]

If I install an engine (1965 356 C engine/ 100,000 miles) into a '65 C car does that constitute a matching numbers car? Or is the engine number specific to the Vin number? How much would this influence the overall value of the car as opposed to installing a later year 912 (fresh rebuild). Ultimately I'm going to sell the car.

Presently I have the complete components of a 912 ('67) engine machined and ready for assembly. I just spotted an ad for a near complete engine for $2500 for a '65 and am contemplating pulling the trigger on that instead.

[racer]

A same year 356 motor will hold value better than a 1967 motor imho. The most valuable motor is the one the car came with from the factory.

A "numbers matching" car is one that has the same chassis, engine and trans numbers as installed at the factory. Everything else, while "period correct" is non-matching.

In the end, the "value" will be placed not by you, but by the buyer and his/her intended goals. Someone may not care at all as long as the car runs. Others might want a matching numbers car. Others still, given the rarity of numbers matching, would next prefer a "correct year" motor.

[ed martin]

Ok, a same year motor will hold better value, in terms of percentage or even dollar amount, how much better would you say?

[nota]

never have followed 356 values sence the run up out of my world

BUT a buddy had a very very nice 69 Z28
car had perfect 302 replacement correct non original motor
value was 1/2 same car with numbers matching [vin on block]

BTW GM cars esp vetts go nuts on numbers
they want all parts date codes to be correct
that means replacement parts must be date coded near build date and never after for stuff like pumps or alt that are replaced over the life of the car
some real crazies want correct make and model hoses and belts so car looks just like it left the factory
even air cleaner and oil filter must be as original

I think they are totaly NUTS but a car so equiped will bring very top dollars

do the early P cars have date codes on the accesserys?

[matt13421342]

A same year motor will definitely increase the value to a collector. You just have to ask yourself if your car is anything close to collector quality. If it's a driver that will likely spend its life on the road having fun it's probably not really that important to keep the numbers correct. A car with the exact original engine is worth substantially more, I'd say as much as 25% in a very high end scenario. take that down a notch to an engine that is only in the right range for the year, and you're probably looking at 5-10% more value. Bear in mind that these percentages will diminish in proportion to the overall collectibility of the car.

I know those are a lot of variables, but that's how the market goes, always overly complex. But to answer your original question, every car has a specific engine case number that goes with it. If you request a COA from Porsche it will give the original engine number, but expect to wait months for the info.

[POORSH]

I think the scale goes from:
1) original engine
2) correct engine but not original
3) different period engine (same make)
4) different make engine (VW in a Pors.)
Again, like previous replies, it also depend on conditions. That is why I think most people would not take a non-original engine car and restore it to show car status, unless it is something really special. Please correct if I am wrong with my views.