Original motor vs. replacement

[njsteve]

The value also has to do with whether the car can be documented as "real" without having the original engine. Mopars tend to retain their high value without the original engine block. For example, a Hemicuda convertible is still worth $4,000,000 whether it has its original block or not. The main reason is that Mopars are easy to document as the 5th digit in the VIN says what the engine is. Compare that to a Camaro you think may be a COPO, but isnt on the COPO VIN list- you cant confirm its status as a COPO because there is no corresponding VIN engine code to prove it and the original engine is gone. That is one of the reasons Chevy supercars really need their original drivetran or some heavy documentation to maintain a high $$$ value.