[Update: 06.10.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. In the spring there was a judicial decision by the district court of Hamburg that is of interest to the classic car scene. The theme was the phrase "Matching Numbers“, Which appears every now and then in connection with classic cars. Specifically, it was about a precious jaguar. The apparently "fake" big cat from Converty was the subject of the proceedings. Specifically, a small series model as XK150S Roadster.
What was it about?
A classic car friend bought the car in the Netherlands in 2015. It was given to him as a 150 Jaguar XK 1960 S Roadster offered, with 3,8-liter engine and Left hand drive. It is probably the rarest model in the XK series and there are probably a maximum of 14 copies worldwide. According to the seller, the purchase was “a great investment”. In addition, everything is original. Even the engine number - "VAS 1193-9“Be real. It is therefore a so-called Matching number. So the English bought for slack 305.000,00 € the vehicle.
Two years later, the owner wanted to turn the Jaguar back into money. It was around this time that he learned of a rumor that he had bought a fake. So he hired three experts. They pointed out certain irregularities related to the authenticity of the XK. For example was the engine no matching number. The engine block bearing the engine number was changed to one from 1964 and was therefore no longer the one with which the vehicle was first delivered.
The case came to court. The district court of Hamburg obtained a separate expert opinion regarding the understanding of what can be understood as “matching numbers” in the classic scene. The court came to the conclusion that it did not matter how the numbers of the engine, transmission and chassis were identical.
Mention of the matching numbers components - what to look for when buying?
"Matching Numbers" are not only Vehicle-relevant numbers, the digits of which must match. Rather, the vehicle must have components with which it first delivered became. And then of course the replaced engine block fell out. The vehicle was therefore not a matching number. In the end, this judgment takes care of dealing with the term Matching Numbers for significantly more legal security. The confusion with the previously used definition "Number equality“Is over. Because if you only assume that numbers are the same, it would ultimately make no difference how the numbers were matched in the first place. So the creation would have been possible later!
To note: The Hamburg Regional Court only ruled on a matching number engine. The judgment therefore does not answer the question of which other components of a classic must be included in the term matching numbers if they are used without further specification. Normally it unfortunately only refers to the engine and the gearbox. So it is certainly not wrong that when the term “matching numbers” appears in the sales contract, one insists that it be specifically mentioned what it refers to.
1. Definition of “Matching Numbers”
- What is meant by “matching numbers”? Matching Numbers refers to the correspondence of a vehicle's identifying numbers (e.g., chassis number, engine number) to those it had when delivered from the factory. This serves as a measure of the authenticity and originality of the vehicle, especially in the context of vintage and collector cars.
- Why is number matching important? Matching is particularly important for collectors and investors as it provides a... Impact on value of a vintage or collector car. A vehicle with matching numbers is often viewed as more authentic and valuable.
2. Main components and identification numbers
- Which vehicle components are typically part of the “matching numbers”? All Main components This includes in particular the engine, the transmission and sometimes other parts such as the frame, intake manifold, exhaust manifold and more.
- How can you check the “matching numbers” of a vehicle? Verification can be done by comparing the current numbers with those mentioned in the factory records or historical documents. Individual parts, such as Parts, such as the engine, should have casting numbers, stamped numbers, or special codes that match the original documents.
3. Value and authenticity
- What influence do “matching numbers” have on the value of a vehicle? Vehicles that retain their original or correctly assigned major components usually have one higher market value as those in which components have been replaced.
- What does it mean if a vehicle does NOT have “matching numbers”? Missing matching numbers may indicate that the vehicle has undergone major modifications or repairs throughout its history, potentially reducing its value in the collector market.
4. Legal aspects and protection against counterfeiting
- How to protect yourself from counterfeits and dishonest sellers? Maintain transparent communication and, if possible, request Documentation and certificates, which confirm the authenticity and history of the vehicle. An inspection by an independent expert can also be a measure.
- What are the legal implications of the term “matching numbers”? Court rulings, such as that of the Hamburg Regional Court, have determined that “matching numbers” means more than just a match between the numbers. It is intended to ensure that the vehicle still has the components with which it was originally delivered.
5. Special features of motorcycles
- How is the term “matching numbers” used in the context of motorcycles? For motorcycles, “matching numbers” refers to the matching of the serial numbers of the engine and frame. In the US this has been standardized through regulations since around 1970, while prior to that point there could have been differences.
Summary
Matching numbers are essential for collectors and investors of vintage and collector cars to confirm authenticity and value. From purchase to restoration, it is crucial to ensure that the identification numbers consistently match or to be documented in a comprehensible manner in order to preserve the historical and monetary value of the vehicle.
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