Matching Numbers?

[Rob Gaskin]

Guys we often see the term 'Matching Numbers' in adverts.

What do you think that actually means?

I had an idea, my mate thought differently and the internet re motorbike said different again.

Let's discuss.

 

[jonbills]

Its just where the engine number on the engine matches the engine number on the door plate.
On america cars, obvs.
Surely there aren't other meanings?
Edit: I suppose more generically it could mean that all part numbers (chassis, body, engine etc) match the numbers on the door plate.

 

[Albrecht]

Its just where the engine number on the engine matches the engine number on the door plate.

No engine number on the (Federal) door jamb plate. Only chassis/body number and declared build month/year.

The term originated (of course...) in the USA and in reference to American manufactured cars on which - in many cases - the same number was used, literally, on both the chassis and the engine block. Latterly it referred to 'Frame' (chassis) number and engine block number matching the numbers stamped into the manufacturer's tags attached to the vehicle.

It becomes difficult to apply this directly to S30-series Zs as not all variants of S30-series had their engine numbers stamped into their engine bay tags. However, North American market cars did, so the term is used there to mean that the engine block number matches that stamped on the engine bay tag and - therefore - 'original engine'.

In my experience, the majority of S30-series Z owners outside North America tend not to be too concerned with 'original' engine block being present...

 

[uk66fastback]

I think it’s more of an American muscle car thing in general …

 

[richiep]

As noted, “matching numbers” is a very American obsession, based on original engine being present, and higher value being associated with that. Outside of the US, I think it matters significantly less, unless you are talking about top tier, rare classics well above the Z level of the market.

 

[Geoff-R]

Matching numbers to me would be the engine the car originally had fitted when it left the factory. To be honest, whilst it's a nice thing, I'd rather a good engine.

 

[IbanezDan51]

Americans do tend to take it further than just the engine.

Matching numbers can often also mean correct date coded parts like carbs, heads, the correct seat belt years, glass, diff and obviously correct coded/dated ‘trans’ and plenty of other stuff. If they enter concours shows they often get picked up on incorrectly dated parts being fitted.