How important is numbers matching? Options

[McLovin]

Hey all,

Just wondering how important a numbers matching car is vs. a non-matching car.

Like how important would it be for a 914-6? If the engine doesn't match, but it's otherwise the correct engine, would it be valued the same or would you expect a discount as a buyer? How much of a premium or discount?

Is there a difference in value between a car with a numbers matching 1.8L engine, or a car that's supposed to have a 1.8L, but someone has swapped in a 2.0L? All things being equal, which car is more desirable?

Thanks,

[Unobtanium-inc]

Right now for your average 4 no, 6 yes, only because they are now sought after by collectors. I get lots of call these days from guys wanting their first Porsche, "But it must be investment grade!" This is really what they say. I'm not entirely sure what that means, I think I know enough to roll my eyes. But those are the guys pushing the market up so they can't be ignored. So given comparable cars as either a driver or a project the matching numbers one will always sell faster and probably for 20-25% more. As time goes on these "collectors" will be buying up 4's too, so expect to start getting investment grade questions if you are selling your car in the next few years.