Author Topic: Value difference with numbers matching engine  (Read 925 times)

Offline Bring Sally Up

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Value difference with numbers matching engine
« on: July 25, 2019, 10:50:18 PM »
Hi Guys
       I was just wondering if there was a big difference value wise in a numbers matching vs a date code correct engine .So  if we take a 68 Shelby fully restored with the original engine beside a 68 Shelby fully restored with a date code correct engine but not original to the car what would the difference in value be ?
Thanks !

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Value difference with numbers matching engine
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2019, 01:43:35 AM »
Like most things related to the value or selling of these cars - it depends on the potential buyer. For some a car without the original engine is a non-starter while others could care less. So your left with the group that cares about dates and details but are not completely turned off or bothered by the lack of original engine but has a period correct engine and are willing to consider it for a discount from a matching numbers original example for sale elsewhere.  Since you did provide that the car in question is a restored 68 Shelby that removes some of the other components of the deal and narrows our scope. 

As a non-regular buyer of these cars in more recent years I would guess that you might be in the 15-25% area. Sure others will have more informed opinions. Maybe the 68 guys (like Pete or Tim) will have a more focused response and experiences.
Jeff Speegle

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Offline RoyceP

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Re: Value difference with numbers matching engine
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2019, 05:59:22 PM »
If it were a J code Shelby it would be less of a dollar amount, but I think as a general rule of thumb Jeff is correct with the percentage range given. A '68 GT500 would be a bigger amount of cash, and a GT500KR an even larger pile. And we have to have two identical color cars, with identical options, restored to an identical level of perfection.

In the real world all those things are unlikely to be equal. One guy might overlook the non - matching engine if he just had to have a certain set of options or a certain color combination. A different guy might not even consider buying a car that was not numbers matching, under any circumstances. So the dollar value is one thing, and the ability to sell the car is another thing. A matching numbers car will always hold at least one advantage over a non - matching one, or many advantages.


Like most things related to the value or selling of these cars - it depends on the potential buyer. For some a car without the original engine is a non-starter while others could care less. So your left with the group that cares about dates and details but are not completely turned off or bothered by the lack of original engine but has a period correct engine and are willing to consider it for a discount from a matching numbers original example for sale elsewhere.  Since you did provide that the car in question is a restored 68 Shelby that removes some of the other components of the deal and narrows our scope. 

As a non-regular buyer of these cars in more recent years I would guess that you might be in the 15-25% area. Sure others will have more informed opinions. Maybe the 68 guys (like Pete or Tim) will have a more focused response and experiences.
1968 W code 427 Cougar XR-7 GTE Feb 23 Dearborn C6 / 3.50 open
1968 R code 428CJ Cougar XR-7 May 13 Dearborn C6 / 3.91 T - Lock

Offline KevinK

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Re: Value difference with numbers matching engine
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2019, 01:31:15 AM »
While I do not disagree on the price discounting for non-original engines, I have noticed Blue Book values often discount values by 10-25% for the less desirable numbers matching engine.

With that said, wrong engine type and non-match numbers could result in even more discounted pricing.
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Offline Coralsnake

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Re: Value difference with numbers matching engine
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2019, 08:36:05 PM »
I think Kevin’s numbers are good

As Jeff S said, it really depends on the buyer

As far as 1968 Shelbys go, I assume it does not have the correct motor and add that 10-15% to a car where the engine can be authenticated