Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 19631964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Classic Corvette Purchasing Tips
Part Four
If you have done even a minimal amount of shopping for a classic Corvette, you have come across the term "Matching Numbers". What this means, in the strictest sense, is that the major components that were on the car the day it left the factory are still on the car. All Corvettes had at least some parts numbered, and these include the body (VIN), engine, bellhousing, transmission, differential, alternator or generator, water pump, radiator, distributor, window glass, carburetor, early fuel injection and cylinder heads. Not all these items are relevant to all years.
A Corvette that is "numbers matching" will have the correct numbers on all applicable components as listed on the build sheet.
Since many classic Corvettes are 40 or more years old, there is a problem. Most of these parts required servicing over the years and they were usually replaced rather than rebuilt as that would be fastest and cheapest. Remember that "matching numbers" is only a recent concept; back when a mid-years Corvette was first owned and maintained the ideology wasn't a priority and most owners were not aware of it. Also keep in mind that "matching numbers" Corvettes command higher prices than those that do not have matching numbers.
So how is it that these days there are so many "matching numbers" Corvettes? It is because of a magic process called "renumbering". The tools to accomplish this are easy to come by.
- An engine block on a given Corvette is replaced with a new or remanufactured block.
- The engine block removed from the Corvette (commonly known as a "core") is rebuilt, sold and installed in another car.
- Years later, a subsequent owner of the Corvette "renumbers" the new engine block so that their car is "numbers matching".
You can see where the controversy is. This is also why many seasoned Corvette fans are a bit wary of the "numbers matching" claim. Despite all this, the marketplace does put an emphasis on the concept.
Our advice is to keep these realities in mind when your are shopping for a classic Corvette. And don't let a few digits on a water pump, be they correct or not, prevent you from enjoying the ride.
Corvette Shopping at an auction
When working with an auction company, both the buyer and seller, as John points out, "are under the Mecum umbrella". For example, the financial aspect of the transaction is handled by Mecum. This is important as the amount of money changing hands is significant and since many buyers and sellers do not do this on a regular basis the process can be daunting. Mecum can also assist with details such as transportation, insurance and financing.
Mecum and the other auction companies do vet the cars prior to them hitting the auction block. This includes a thorough paperwork check so there are no issues with bad titles or VINs. They also do some basic checks of the vehicles and their observations are publicly available.
While Mecum and the other auction companies do a good job of clearing the cars, the buyer needs to understand that they are sold without warranty. Classic Corvettes are wonderful cars but they do not come with the same assurances that a new car does. No matter what venue you buy a classic Corvette, be it auction, private party or dealer, you can count on it needing some after purchase work which is your responsibility.
Although a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) can be done, and you'll often see buyers going over a car in detail with flashlights, etc, there are limitations. Only Mecum employees are allowed to drive or even start up the engines; you cannot. But you'll often see prospective buyers observing the car as it is driven from its storage position to the auction block, asking the driver questions. Mecum can put buyers and sellers in touch with each other via Mecum, which allows the buyer to ask about specific details of the car.
Mecum charges the buyer a 10% fee; that's how they pay the bills and put on the awesome show that is a modern day auction. As a buyer you'll need to keep this in mind as you bid. It's easy to forget in the excitement of the moment. There is also a sellers fee that varies depending on the hammer price of the car. A contract is involved and as with any significant transaction, both the buyer and seller needs to be aware of the terms of that contract.
Corvette Specialty Dealers
The dealers also often have shop facilities staffed with experienced mechanics that can handle necessary repairs and maintenance. This is important when it comes to classic Corvettes or any other car, as they all have "needs".
The Corvette buyer needs to remember that dealers need to make a profit on the transaction. For this reason, the prices can seem high compared to private party purchases. But the services they provide, including their ability to find the exact Corvette you are looking for, can make it worth the cost.
Classic Corvette Purchasing Tips, Part One
Classic Corvette Purchasing Tips, Part TwoClassic Corvette Purchasing Tips, Part Three
Classic Corvette Purchase: Which one? (Part One)
Classic Corvette Purchase: Which one? (Part Two)
) will lead to a larger image.
Add Comment
This policy contains information about your privacy. By posting, you are declaring that you understand this policy:
- Your name, rating, website address, town, country, state and comment will be publicly displayed if entered.
- Aside from the data entered into these form fields, other stored data about your comment will include:
- Your IP address (not displayed)
- The time/date of your submission (displayed)
- Your email address will not be shared. It is collected for only two reasons:
- Administrative purposes, should a need to contact you arise.
- To inform you of new comments, should you subscribe to receive notifications.
- A cookie may be set on your computer. This is used to remember your inputs. It will expire by itself.
This policy is subject to change at any time and without notice.
These terms and conditions contain rules about posting comments. By submitting a comment, you are declaring that you agree with these rules:
- Although the administrator will attempt to moderate comments, it is impossible for every comment to have been moderated at any given time.
- You acknowledge that all comments express the views and opinions of the original author and not those of the administrator.
- You agree not to post any material which is knowingly false, obscene, hateful, threatening, harassing or invasive of a person's privacy.
- The administrator has the right to edit, move or remove any comment for any reason and without notice.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in being banned from submitting further comments.
These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time and without notice.
Comments (2)
There was a typo in the article, I meant to say "There is also a sellers fee". Mecum, just like other auction houses, gets a commission from both the buyer and seller. As I recall, they charge the seller 8% if the car is offered at no reserve and 10% if the seller wants to put a reserve on it. Occasionally they will alter those percentages to make the sale at the time of the auction, but this is rare.
Great tips, thanks. Pls clarify: In the last paragraph under Corvette Buying At An Auction, you say "Mecum charges the buyer a 10% fee." Then three paragraphs later you say "There is also a buyer's fee that varies based on the hammer price of the car." Why the double charge? And what does Mecum charge the Seller?