Market Value and "Numbers Matching" versus "Original Motor"

[67since67]

My take on this may well not align with others thoughts here.

A CE block installed as a warranty replacement when the car was near new, in an otherwise real, legit, documented car, would be ok, but with an appropriate price adjustment. My feeling is that it's part of the legitimate history of the car. In the dealership where I was employed in the late '60's forward it was daily routine for a warranty engine replacement in some Chevy. I have a CE block in my garage.

A Yenko, COPO, Corvette, or other ultra rare muscle car with the original block unavailable, a real engine from a similar car is OK, but I'd really have to want it.

A "stamper" engine will never cross my threshold, under any circumstances!

I have walked away from otherwise great cars (ie '67 Chevelle L78) due to the last two scenario's.

Just my thoughts. - Bill W

[carnut4life]

Originally Posted by 67since67

My take on this may well not align with others thoughts here.

A CE block installed as a warranty replacement when the car was near new, in an otherwise real, legit, documented car, would be ok, but with an appropriate price adjustment. My feeling is that it's part of the legitimate history of the car. In the dealership where I was employed in the late '60's forward it was daily routine for a warranty engine replacement in some Chevy. I have a CE block in my garage.

A Yenko, COPO, Corvette, or other ultra rare muscle car with the original block unavailable, a real engine from a similar car is OK, but I'd really have to want it.

A "stamper" engine will never cross my threshold, under any circumstances!

I have walked away from otherwise great cars (ie '67 Chevelle L78) due to the last two scenario's.

Just my thoughts. - Bill W

If a car doesn't have the original engine I'd rather have a CE block in it than a dated block with the wrong VIN too Bill. I know a dated block will get you more points at certain shows but I don't show my cars so that's not an issue for me.

I wasn't around back then but I've talked to a lot of guys that were and every single one of them has told me the same thing, if given the option back in the day to have the original engine rebuilt by the dealer under warranty, or to have a new engine installed, every single one of them picked the new engine over having their original engine repaired back then because nobody was worried about originality or numbers matching. That doesn't get talked about much these days, but it's one of the biggest reasons I'd rather have a CE block over a dated block if the original is MIA.

[Flying Undertaker]

My ZL-1 Camaro was stolen along with four other ZL-1 Camaros from Merollis Chevrolet back in July 1969. My engine complete, the 4 speed M-21 trans. tires and wheels, The original bucket seats, Bent neck, BBC radiator, clutch Z-bar. My ZL-1 is the only surviving ZL-1 out of Five stolen. My cars original ZL-1 was used to run on Woodward or a flat bottom speed boat. The engine and trans. were never recovered, according to ZL-1 gurus. I have a CE block in it today, along with a CT trans.

[EZ Nova]

Originally Posted by Flying Undertaker

My ZL-1 Camaro was stolen along with four other ZL-1 Camaros from Merollis Chevrolet back in July 1969. My engine complete, the 4 speed M-21 trans. tires and wheels, The original bucket seats, Bent neck, BBC radiator, clutch Z-bar. My ZL-1 is the only surviving ZL-1 out of Five stolen. My cars original ZL-1 was used to run on Woodward or a flat bottom speed boat. The engine and trans. were never recovered, according to ZL-1 gurus. I have a CE block in it today, along with a CT trans.

Undertaker, that understandable and fully acceptable. BUT if you were a prospective buyer of a 1969 Camaro ZL1 today, and you look at these 3 options:

1. YOUR CAR with BORN-WITH ZL1 with full history and discloser since new. What should it's value be?

2. YOUR car, being sold as "number's matching" car?

3. YOUR car as you described above?

It's the refection in the price/value between the 3 opton? Quite obvious that #1 would by far be the most $$$$, follow by #2 then #3 respectfully. YOU were honest and upfront about the the parts stolen from your car before it even left the dealership. NOT ALL the sellers are this way and some do try to pass there cars as something it just isn't these days of high $$$ cars.