A matching number vehicle is one that is built entirely from the same parts it came off the assembly line with, and is worth more to serious collectors. Authenticating a pure correct and stock vehicle involves comparing parts to the original build sheet. Some vehicles are difficult to identify as original due to racing and customization. Collector clubs like those for the Chevrolet Corvette verify and certify matching number vehicles.
The term match-numbers or match-numbers refers to a car that is built entirely from the same parts it came off the assembly line with. When building a vehicle, a build sheet is used to ensure that all the proper parts are placed on the vehicle. Each of these parts is assigned a code or number that matches the build sheet. Larger components such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, and transmissions have the date of manufacture built into their cores. To authenticate a pure correct and stock vehicle, number matching begins by comparing the actual parts to the build date, code, and option list on the original build sheet.
In resale terms, a matching number vehicle can be worth several times what a mismatched vehicle could sell for, if a serious collector is interested in the vehicle. For a vehicle that will be driven daily and bought by someone who just wants a good car, the number match is usually not that important. This is the difference between a car that is a daily driver and a show quality collector’s vehicle. However, this does not require that every part of the vehicle be original.
The difference between an original vehicle and a numbers comparison vehicle can be difficult to identify for both the novice and serious collector. Most vehicles come from the factory with a full or partial Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped somewhere. When buying an original vehicle that matches the number, the buyer should be prepared to spend the most money for the vehicle. This type of vehicle is extremely rare in muscle car circles due to the racing and customization these vehicles often find straight off the showroom floor. On some US models it is difficult to identify the parts that were installed by the factories as there were many behind the scenes vehicles built and sold by the manufacturers to be used in racing applications.
With vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette, there are collector clubs that now own the original build sheets for every Corvette ever produced. This list allows the club to verify and certify a vehicle that matches a number and place it on its registration, proving the vehicle’s authenticity. These number match certifications are so important that owners travel or ship their vehicles across the country and even the world to verify them.
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