Caveat Emptor – “Numbers Matching” Corvettes

1972 Chevrolet Corvette aCaveat EmptorThe phrase and its use as a disclaimer of warranties arise from the fact that buyers typically have less information about the good or service they are purchasing, while the seller has more information. The quality of this situation is known as ‘information asymmetry’. Defects in the good or service may be hidden from the buyer, and only known to the seller.

There’s been much talk over the years about “numbers matching” Corvettes. Such cars can easily bring 20-30% more in sales price than a non-numbers matching example and are considered by many to be the “purest” Corvette one can buy. Add a really rare option such as an L-88 big block and the difference could be in the six-figures.

When it comes to describing engines, many familiar phrases such as “numbers-matching,” “date-correct,” ”original-type,” “factory replacement,” “restamped,” and “restorod” are bantered around as well.

In other words, if a seller is placing a higher value on a car because of the engine in it, then you have to decide exactly how correct the engine is — and how much more you will pay for a car with a correct engine rather than an incorrect one.

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Hence, it should come as no surprise that there are more than a few instances where non-original engine blocks have been restamped to make a car with a replacement engine into one with an “original” engine.

Collector car insurer Hagerty, tells the story of a recent high-end Corvette sale at auction and illustrates an increasingly common pitfall in buying a collector car.

“One Midwestern buyer recently learned his lesson after finding out that the 1967 big-block Corvette roadster he bought for more than $100,000 might be worth far less. He hired a Corvette expert, Kevin Mackay, to inspect the car, but only after it had been rejected by a judge from the National Corvette Restorers Society for having a reproduction trim tag.

1963-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-Matching-Numbers-Engine-Stamp_Mecum-Auctions

Above - Stamped engine block number... Below - Typical body tags

Mackay explained that the term “numbers matching” simply means the tags match the numbers stamped on the engine and transmission. All can be faked. By rubbing lacquer thinner near the 1967’s trim tag, Mackay uncovered overspray of its original color, Marlboro Maroon.

Using the same technique on a hidden part of the dash revealed the interior color to be Saddle. Without the Corvette’s original tags, though, Mackay could not know its true powertrain and options, though the NCRS judge identified components that would suggest it had been built as a small-block car.”

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Taking a bath on a high end car wouldn’t be much fun.

This particular buyer sued and ended up losing in court. According to Hagerty, “The court decreed that buyer had purchased exactly what the seller offered: a white 1967 Corvette roadster with a 427, four-speed and blue interior. The seller never claimed the car was authentic; the buyer only trusted that it was.”

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Bottom line? Stay clear of auction house sales unless you accept that in the frenzy of bidding, you surrender the option to pre-inspect before you buy. If an auction car came with NCRS documentation that would probably lessen the risk for a buyer.

We think buying a car from a reputable dealer–ProTeam/Terry Michaelis or Corvette Mike’s comes to mind–would be acceptable as these guys have been in business for years and are noted experts.

Whether or not the numbers match may be the least of your concerns. A wrecked or rebuilt car or a color change is more of an issue as far as we’re concerned.

If you’re buying a collector Corvette, hire an inspector/guru that can tell the real cars from the fakes. $500 spent before the sale could make all the difference in the world.

Happy hunting and use due diligence.

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About the author

Dave Cruikshank

Dave Cruikshank is a lifelong car enthusiast and an editor at Power Automedia. He digs all flavors of automobiles, from classic cars to modern EVs. Dave loves music, design, tech, current events, and fitness.
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