We've had discussions about the term "numbers matching" and its use and misuse. And I've said that it is pretty much a meaningless term. If fact to me, its use indicates the users *doesn't* know what he's talking about.
Here's a perfect example (No offense to anybody involved with this car. I am not criticizing the car involved at all):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WOW-O...3A1|240%3A1318

In the text:
"1966 OLDSMOBILE CUTLAS 442 EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL NUMBER MATCHING CAR"

Okay lets see what follows:
"WAS BORN AUTO BUT HE TURNED IT OVER TO A HURST 4 SPEED
10 BOLT 342 OR 391 REAR END"

Hummm, neither the the trans nor the rear are original, and at least the rear isn't even correct. What's so bad about that? Nothing. *IF* he didn't say numbers matching.
Which brings me back to the question I always ask when "numbers matching" is used: "What numbers match what?"
My advice is that whenever you hear "numbers matching" (without an explanation of what numbers match what) consider that is only means one thing: the user of that term is uninformed.

 

The term has become cliche, and I think people use it to try to add cred to their car. (Read: justify jacking up the asking price.)

It's really interesting when they try to claim numbers matching on pre-60s GM cars, when the best you can do is translate individual components' build date to the Fisher assembly date.

As usual we can thank the Corvette/Chevy crowd for the obsession with numbers. But considering how many Chevrolet products underwent transplants, I can understand why a correct numbers Chevrolet should be considered more valuable.

 

Yeah, this is right up there with W-36 stripes on my list of hot buttons. I usually ask the seller to please show me the numbers that "match".

 

Well, I'm pretty sure it was SUPPOSED to mean that the car is with the original engine & components, transmission, rear end that came with the car from the factory. Sadly, due to people wanting to screw others over for a few bucks, it has come to mean "yes, this has an engine with numbers. what numbers, I don't know."

 

All I can say is, the collar has to match the cuffs, so to speak!

 

I guess its more like a launching pad than a button for me.

Yeah, but it usually means "noose fits the neck"

 

Just changed my profile...Wow....

 

I'm so sorry! I didn't mean this to be critical of you! You have an awesome car, and nothing changes that. Frankly, I'm much more impressed with your car than I am with all of those high dollar restorations out there.
My apologies!

 

is that like the "curtains matching the carpet" type comparison?

 

Get rid of the carpet, and no one cares about matching the drapes

 

This thread has gone straight into the gutter!

 

He started it...

 

More like: People who use whatever terminology sounds the coolest, regardless of its accuracy.

"Numbers matching" means: Never having to admit that ones car is not original.

Norm

 

You kept it going young man.

Would you walk off a cliff if everybody else did!?

I wonder what numbers matching used NOS parts are?

 

Get yourself a set of numbered punches or stamps or what ever they is called and all numbers will match, they just wont be right.

 

I have a numbers matching washing machine does that count Had it since new, so I know it's all original, any offers?

 

with dealers on ebay,matching numbers means the title and vin# match.

 

I had somebody ask me today what option was the 350 with the 400 trans in the 85 Delta 88

 

Originally, I too thought numbers matching meant that it had the correct engine and trans. After discovering that my W has all the correct engine components, the rear end, the master cylinder, all the glass, anything that I could decipher, I realized what numbers matching should mean. I don't have the correct alt or water pump but I can definitely tell you what does match.

 

Maybe he meant that the first "4" matched the second "4" in 442 and the first "6" matched the second "6" in 1966?