Does "numbers matching" matter for a '74 911s?

[gshiwota]

Does matching numbers matter on a middie? I'm looking at a unmodified run of the mill '74 coupe (not a Carrera) that drives but is well used and needs a full restoration. The car has a 2.7 in it from a different year car. The seller has its original 2.7 available but it needs a rebuild.

I know that it matters in the 356 world but does putting the "original engine" back in the car add significant value to this car? Maybe I should ask, would any of you guys pay a significant premium for a numbers matching '74 911s vs one with the wrong year 2.7 engine all other things being equal?

[Matt Monson]

In the current market it absolutely matters. Don't break up that car.

[techweenie]

Not important today, but who knows about 10 years from now?

On older cars, it's often enough to have the original engine available, even if it's in a box on the shelf.

[COLB]

Originally Posted by gshiwota

Does matching numbers matter on a middie? I'm looking at a unmodified run of the mill '74 coupe (not a Carrera) that drives but is well used and needs a full restoration. The car has a 2.7 in it from a different year car. The seller has its original 2.7 available but it needs a rebuild.

I know that it matters in the 356 world but does putting the "original engine" back in the car add significant value to this car? Maybe I should ask, would any of you guys pay a significant premium for a numbers matching '74 911s vs one with the wrong year 2.7 engine all other things being equal?

Excluding special performance models, speedsters, etc., a 74 911S may well end up being the most coveted impact bumper 911.

None of the standard impact bumper cars are going to turn a near-term profit from restoration, but a 74 S that doesn't need a ton of rust repair has as good a shot as any at returning lots of fun and the prospect of appreciation to boot.

[The Geologist]

I think it matters most if you intend to keep the car very close to stock (obviously, a timeserted case, Carrera tensioners, turbo valve covers, etc. are considered "acceptable" modifications). In that case, I think matching numbers matter a lot, especially for a '74, because so many of the mid-years have rusted away or have been highly modified because they were perceived as "undesireable." Because of that, there are relatively few good examples of unmolested, numbers-matching mid-year 911s, especially the '74s with the chrome brightwork, narrow hips and missing passenger-side mirror, and extra especially the 1974 911s models.

I own a pristine, completely rust-free 1974 911s in a unique color with numbers matching engine and transaxle. The engine is a little tired and the transaxle grinds and whines, but there's no way I would ever replace them, so I'm saving up for a proper overhaul rather than a drop-in solution. When I do the engine I'd love to ditch the CIS for electronic fuel injection "while I'm in there," but while I know it would pep up the car and make it more fun to drive I also realize it would detract from the car's value.

[techweenie]

Mr Geologist, a solution many have adopted is to pull the tired matching engine is and drop in a happy 3.0 to get you down the road. Rebuild the original at leisure.