How Does Matching Frame and Engine Numbers Affect Value?

Curt Campbell

Curt Campbell

Senior Member
I discovered today when flooring was removed that my 1926 Tudor has matching frame and engine numbers. I will be doing a frame off restoration on it when my Model A is completed this summer. The frame number was very clear to read...that surprised me. Most of the ones I have seen are almost indistinguishable.

How much if any does original matching numbers affect the cars value or desirability?

Thanks guys...

(Rehabilitated Muscle car and street rod guy....have gone from 500 hp to 20 and 40....hmmm)

:D
 
I gather it's a big deal in the muscle car world. In the Model T world, not so much. The T was made for nineteen years. Only in the final year and five months did it have the serial number stamped on the frame, so on most T's there's nothing to match. If the engine and frame numbers match on your 26-27 Ford it's nice, but I think any effect on value is little or none. If I'm shopping for a T, I care about its condition and how complete and/or correct it is. Most T guys are satisfied if the serial number on the engine matches the year of the body, and some don't even care about that.
 
Some people thinks its no big deal, and some people like the idea of having an unaltered, original auto. I respect both views, but why have a serial number system if it means nothing. The purist will search for documented confirmation of dates etc., and will sometimes pay extra for that. Does it add value? Yes, to the person searching for it. And no to the person who does not care one way or another. I personally look for numbers matching vehicles, its a habit of being detail oriented. Its the hobby that counts, not the money.
 
Just because the engine and frame number match still does not mean the engine was original to the car. The number could have been re-stamped. For most of the production of Model T's the number will give approx. date built but be on that not much more, the very early years is a different story. For the later years, it's nice to have the original motor but not a big deal to most T'ers as long as the number matches the title and the parts fit the correct year built. MHO
 
It sure don't hurt. It's an all original car and that helps and should be mentioned if selling. Honestly though I've had 1 matching #'s and 2 that didn't and the buyer's didn't mind in either case.
 
I think to most of the guys I know that have them or have had them. It does not matter. Most people I think want them to ride around for a bit on the weekend. Or put in a perade or two every year
 
The only time I have seen it matter was at the upscale auctions like R&M and Barrett Jackson and they make a big deal about it !
Al
 
Sometimes it makes a big difference, especially on the 1926 and 1927 Model T's that had both frame and engine stamps. I was selling a nicely restored 1926 Model T Doctor's coupe a year or two back, and a guy from Nevada came out to Illinois and wanted to see it (I had it listed in Hemmings). He liked the way it looked, ran and almost everything about it.

Then he asked if he could verify the engine and frame numbers. The engine number was there, but not the frame number. He said he couldn't even try to register the car in Nevada without a number on the frame. He walked away, even though he loved the car.

Sometimes matching numbers matter.

I eventually sold the car for $12,500 and the Maryland buyer loved it even more than the Nevada guy.
 
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