[Jeff H]

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I like and agree with what X11 71 71 said! NEVER had these numbers and "Do not drive" problems till the non car guys got into the mix.

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I disagree with that because back in the late 80's a #'s matching Z28 or SS396 was out of my price range so I couldn't buy one. Into the early 90's and the same thing, they continued to be out of my price range. Then in the late 90's I decided to make it happen and got a large loan so I could buy what I wanted to have. I've been through several loans now to get where I am with my 2 cars. So to me, #'s matching has always meant original drivetrain and combine that with a high performance car they have always commanded a premium. When the stock market tanked in 2001, everything changed and investors got into the musclecar market. I'd like to complain about the prices going up, but the good thing about the price increase is that it allowed for much better quality restorations. And today, people who have the funds, are willing to spend the money for the car they always wanted. But it's the sellers(and it's not just classic car dealers) have manipulated the term "matching number's" to sound like original equipment when it may not be original to that particular car. The only reason they do it is to inflate the price. "Matching number's" is not used to win awards at car shows, it's used to represent the car as original and increase the price/value. That's how I remember things happening but I'm sure everyone has their own thoughts and it's not really something anyone needs to argue about.