Number matching
Encyclopedia
Number matching or matching numbers is a term often used in the collector
car industry to describe cars with original major components, or major components that match one another.
Many times these major components contain dates, casting numbers, model numbers, Vehicle Identification Number
s (VIN), stamped numbers, or codes that can match the original components that were on the car when it was new.
, transmission
, rear-axle assembly, and frame of the car. Many times these components contain dates, casting numbers, model numbers, VIN, stamped numbers, or codes that can match the original components that were on the car when it was new. In some cases intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, body panels, and carburettors could also be considered major components.
, regardless of being original or not. These are parts that are commonly replaced due to regular wear and tear. Parts such as the interior fabric, paint
, chrome trim, brakes, instruments, electrical components and wiring are considered minor components.
For example, an engine’s assembly date must come before the build date of the car, and the casting dates must come before the assembly date of the engine because an engine assembly date (the date the engine was assembled, usually at a different location) could not be after the assembly date of the whole car. Engines are assembled prior to being installed in the car at the factory. Therefore, the assembly date of the car would have to be after the assembly date of the engine
. Casting dates (the dates formed in the metal of a component at the foundry
) could not be after the assembly date of the engine
. And casting dates would need to be well in advance of the assembly date of the engine
. Numbers and dates help track an accurate history of how a car was built and when and where the car and the parts used to create the car were made.
If a car has number matching major components it helps define how collectible a car is. Number matching cars typically will have a much greater value than non-number matching cars.
Number matching cars represent a look back in history at what was occurring in the automobile industry, and it may be for this reason that matching numbers are tied to collector car values.
Collecting
The hobby of collecting includes seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining whatever items are of interest to the individual collector. Some collectors are generalists, accumulating merchandise, or stamps from all countries of the world...
car industry to describe cars with original major components, or major components that match one another.
Many times these major components contain dates, casting numbers, model numbers, Vehicle Identification Number
Vehicle identification number
A Vehicle Identification Number, commonly abbreviated to VIN, is a unique serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. VINs were first used in 1954...
s (VIN), stamped numbers, or codes that can match the original components that were on the car when it was new.
Definition
The term "number matching" (or "matching numbers") is a term used in the collector car industry to describe the authenticity of collectible or investment quality cars. Number matching generally means that a particular car still contains its original major components or has major components that match exactly the major components the car had when it was new. These "major components" are not always agreed on. The appearance of a number matching car likely could not distinguished from an original car. A site by the name numbermatching.com (direct link removed since Firefox reports this site as "suspicious." Visit at own risk) has established a standard of specifications for a common definition of "number matching" and can certify them according to their company's definition.Major Components
The car's major not maching components are parts such as the engineEngine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
, transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
, rear-axle assembly, and frame of the car. Many times these components contain dates, casting numbers, model numbers, VIN, stamped numbers, or codes that can match the original components that were on the car when it was new. In some cases intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, body panels, and carburettors could also be considered major components.
Minor Components
Minor components are components that would not dramatically affect the overall value of a carČar
Čar is a village in the municipality of Bujanovac, Serbia. According to the 2002 census, the town has a population of 296 people.-References:...
, regardless of being original or not. These are parts that are commonly replaced due to regular wear and tear. Parts such as the interior fabric, paint
Paint
Paint is any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition which after application to a substrate in a thin layer is converted to an opaque solid film. One may also consider the digital mimicry thereof...
, chrome trim, brakes, instruments, electrical components and wiring are considered minor components.
How does number matching work?
The numbers or casting dates on the major components of a car must be present and fall in a particular order.For example, an engine’s assembly date must come before the build date of the car, and the casting dates must come before the assembly date of the engine because an engine assembly date (the date the engine was assembled, usually at a different location) could not be after the assembly date of the whole car. Engines are assembled prior to being installed in the car at the factory. Therefore, the assembly date of the car would have to be after the assembly date of the engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
. Casting dates (the dates formed in the metal of a component at the foundry
Foundry
A foundry is a factory that produces metal castings. Metals are cast into shapes by melting them into a liquid, pouring the metal in a mold, and removing the mold material or casting after the metal has solidified as it cools. The most common metals processed are aluminum and cast iron...
) could not be after the assembly date of the engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
. And casting dates would need to be well in advance of the assembly date of the engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
. Numbers and dates help track an accurate history of how a car was built and when and where the car and the parts used to create the car were made.
If a car has number matching major components it helps define how collectible a car is. Number matching cars typically will have a much greater value than non-number matching cars.
Why are number matching cars collectible?
Number matching cars are collectible because they are much rarer than non-number matching cars.Number matching cars represent a look back in history at what was occurring in the automobile industry, and it may be for this reason that matching numbers are tied to collector car values.