Impact of non-original motor on value

[CharlesTurner]

On any given day, 2 cars equal other than 1 having an original engine and the other not, no guarantee one sells for more than the other. 

Agree that most buyers (and sellers) wouldn't know how to identify an original VIN stamp anyway.  Even the best of us here have likely been tricked in the past.

[Bob Gaines]

What it really boils down to is the buyer.

If BaT is any indication, most buyers think its important, but really dont know how to tell.

My personal feeling is the vast majority of people dont place that much importance on it.

Its an overrated topic and is probably really only important to a small percentage of sales

+1 . Just like "numbers matching" it is mentioned but most do not know how to identify.

[FL SAAC]

I think the original motor is more important in a more valuable car. Let's face it, the 1968 GT350 is the least desirable Shelby. A more desirable Shelby would be the 1967 GT500 - if one of those has its original 428 it is unusual because most of them were blown up long ago. Maybe in that case it would affect value - most folks would prefer a roller motor 347 in a '68 GT350. At least I would. 

Royce
Big plus one

[FL SAAC]

..... the reason I am looking to sell it is it is worth too much for me to enjoy ......im starting to get involved in 30's Hot Rodding. This is a lot of fun with an awesome following due to the custom nature of the cars...

Same reason I lost interest in finishing mine. I built other Mustangs to drive and race without the risk of losing big money. I too got into the 30s stuff. Check out your local Model A clubs. I hate to say it but these guys are dying off at a rapid rate and their families are dumping their collections for pennies on the dollar. 4 cylinder Bangers seems to be the way to go. Flatheads have gotten too pricey. I'm building a B engine for my Coupe. 7:1 head, Winfield cam and dual strombergs. I've also got an OHV B engine that still holds an Australian record. Yes that's a pair of 500 cfm Holley 2 bbl carbs. You'd like it, it's got Pontiac rods. It ran 133 at El Mirage in a roadster.

That is true for all generations of vehicles, they become dust in the wind

Coming on strong today are the J.D.M.s

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Coming on strong today are the J.D.M.s

My nephews first new car was an Accura Integra Type R. He still owns it with less than 5,000 miles on it. Whenever he gets it out there are offers to buy it. He's turned down $150,000 for it.

[joephil]

I think the original motor is more important in a more valuable car. Let's face it, the 1968 GT350 is the least desirable Shelby. A more desirable Shelby would be the 1967 GT500 - if one of those has its original 428 it is unusual because most of them were blown up long ago. Maybe in that case it would affect value - most folks would prefer a roller motor 347 in a '68 GT350. At least I would. 

But the 1967 GT500 is the only Shelby where it is impossible to know if it is the original engine because in 1967 the 428 engines did not have the VIN stamped so you just need to have the correct date.

[hurlbird]

wow i did not know that..... so much for it being important here

[Bill]

wow i did not know that..... so much for it being important here

I believe the closer to concourse a car is, the more originality gets factored in to the value of a specific car. If your car is a detailed weekend local show class car or below, then originality may not be a major factor. Two different buyer pools, both looking for different things.

[ShelbyMan2024]

Take two similar Shelbys in similar condition and with similar options but one has the original motor/trans, body panels and wheels with a nice repaint.  The other was rebuilt using the NPD catalog from stem to stern and included that same repaint.  I would think the more original car would be worth more money.  How much is up to the buyer and seller.  And to the comment about auction cars, unless a bidder has the Shelby inspected or there is provenance to describe the car, how does a buyer know if the car is really worth the money and all the correct date-coded parts are there? 

[SBCARGUY]

Great Topic....

Since I own and have bought and sold Many Shelbys....

First Two Questions Asked:

Original Sheet Metal???

Orignal Drivetrain???

At times however, these things do not matter IF the seller gets lucky on BaT, etc.

[FL SAAC]

Take two similar Shelbys in similar condition and with similar options but one has the original motor/trans, body panels and wheels with a nice repaint.  The other was rebuilt using the NPD catalog from stem to stern and included that same repaint.  I would think the more original car would be worth more money.  How much is up to the buyer and seller.  And to the comment about auction cars, unless a bidder has the Shelby inspected or there is provenance to describe the car, how does a buyer know if the car is really worth the money and all the correct date-coded parts are there? 

Fantastic points you bring to light.

I have always said "its only original once''

After that, "it really doesn't matter"

Carry on

[Rcbach302]

I look at it a little differently. A documented original engine would yield a positive 10-20% over a non original but correct engine, with all other things being equal on a high end car. And there's way more variation due to market timing, selling venue and color combination.

[hurlbird]

agreed

[FL SAAC]

Don't loose any sleep on this

Just clean it up nicely and it will do well