Non-matching engines in vintage car

In one the the latest issues of Cavallino, the details of The Ferrari Classiche certification programme were outlined (you can also find this info at the Ferrari owners site). With regards to engines, it reads:

The engine will be deemed authentic if:

a) a check of the identyfying elements (original punching) and of the external accesories will result in it being that originally installed on the Car;

b) it is of the same type as that originally installed on the Car, but displaying identifying elements (original punching) of another car of the same type (engine number does not correspond to the chassis number).

Of course this is the official Ferrari view; prospective buyers might not agree...

 

Originality is great, but does not neccessarily increase the enjoyment of driving the cars. It can increase the "mental joy" knowing that you have an original engine/trans, etc.

Also, The Ferrari Owners' site might not issue you a Heritage Certificate or Build Sheet if all the driveline components are not original to the car.

It all depends on your personal reasons for ownership and enjoyment. LJH

 

as Sempre Gilles pointed out - the Ferrari authenitcation folks, as well as concours judges, are looking for the right motor tipo. If memory serves and you are looking at a 1965 330, I think the tipo is 209?

and if it is a 2+2, I'd spend more time driving it and grinning than worrying about a matching number . .

 

One thing to consider is that a non numbers-matching Ferrari should trade at a discount, since it can never be restored to "as it was when it left the factory" condition (unless you find the original engine). This is just one of those stigmas that many classic cars with replacement engines have. But if you take this in to consideration on the purchase price you pay for it now, you'll probably end up with a great car for less money, and you can just go out and enjoy it.

 

With many mass produced cars like Corvettes, Camaros or Cudas that came with a plethora of different engine options, matching numbers is critical. A '67 Corvette is not a rare car. A '67 Corvette with a matching numbers 427/435hp and 4 speed is a different thing... rare and valuable. Same goes for the Cuda... got Hemi?

On cars like the Ferrari where the car is in fact rare in and of itself and there was only 1 engine installed in all cars of the same model, matching numbers means far less. Note I did not say it means nothing....

On a 2+2 330GT if the car has a strong running engine of the correct type but just not the original engine to the car, I wouldnt care one bit. I honestly dont think such a swap would impact price or value on the car unless it was a true 100pt showcar or you planned on restoring it to concours standards and showing it at major shows. Then again a 330GT isnt going to get many invites to "major shows" so that may be moot...

I am looking for a series I 4.2 Jaguar XKE Roadster right now. I want a really nice driver condition car, not a 100pt JCNA trailer queen. AS long as it has the correct 9:1 compression triple SU carbed 4.2 liter engine type I could care less if the numbers match. I also would not detract for price on such a car as long a the engine is in top shape.

YMMV


Terry

 

A non matching number engine should not affect the value or enjoyment of this car at all. It would not keep me from buying the car.

 

Car A:

Well conditioned, different but correct engine type.

Car B:

Tired with a little rust, original engine....


"A" by a land slide.

 

Does the original engine exist?

If not I have a grinder and some number punches ... only joking as I think that is illegal ... but I have seen a few engines with dodgy numbers!

Pete's not serious

ps: You find me a 250GTO/TR, etc. that has a long hard racing career with the original block. If apparently it has, I would be interested for the CSI/FBI/whatever to use science to prove if it actually is the original block and not a modern recast with the same numbers ... you can only weld up so much.

 

David:

I'm in Dallas, Lake Highlands area, have a 64 330 2+2. Drop me an email if you want to talk to another local 330 owner.

 

Personally, I could care less about matching numbers. Condition realtive to price is what matters.

 

From what you say without having inspected the car, price sounds reasonable, but no bargain