Is Your Classic Muscle Car an Original? Look at These Two Things
Posted on: 8 February 2019
If you decide that you would like to purchase a classic muscle car and want to make sure that it is original so that it has higher value, you may wonder how you can tell the difference between a classic, a car that has been modified, and a kit car. If so, there are two places you can look that will tell you whether the parts are original or not.
1. Look for the VIN on the engine block
The first place you should look when trying to determine whether the car has original parts is the engine block. If the car does not have the original block, the value is typically less.
However, if it is the original block, the car's value will go up because it is often difficult to find a classic muscle car that has not had its engine replaced by a newer one. Even if slight modifications have been made to the engine, such as upgraded headers, it is still considered the original.
To tell whether the block is original, look at the last few digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is typically found inside the driver's side door. Then, compare these numbers to the one on the block. If they match, the block is the one that came with the car when it was new.
2. Check for date stamps on the rear axle and transmission
Along with checking the VIN on the engine block, you should also compare the date stamp of the car with the numbers on the rear axle and transmission. The date stamp lets you know what date the car was manufactured, along with its chassis and transmission. If either of these is not original, the value of the car decreases.
When looking at the VIN, look for the date code to compare to the stamp on the axle or transmission, which is usually the tenth or twelfth number or letter. However, since VIN codes were not standardized back in the muscle car days, the code may vary between makes. If you are unsure as to which digit is the date, ask a reputable dealer who is knowledgeable about old muscle cars.
Even if you generally know where to look for these numbers, you may have difficulty finding them because of wear due to age or rust. If you are having problems finding the numbers or if you want to acquire a muscle car, ask a dealer, such as Muscle Cars For Sale Inc., who offers muscle cars for sale for their assistance.
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