This is actually a large problem in the vintage auto enthusiast market

Classic example is the first generation Camaro market. Everyone and their brother wants to say they have a real DZ block, as those were designated from the factory to be put into Z/28's. Thing is, other than the stamping number, they're the same as every other Chevy small block. People love to re-stamp to make it "numbers matching" or "a real DZ motor". Totally lame. My father and I have become pretty good at spotting re-stamps, and there are some real wise people around who could help you out at spotting them as well.

The more you know, the safer you tend to be.


MTK, sick project pics, is this in the Chicagoland area, I'd love to check it out!

 

This is an awesome car project. I look to meeting your dad in-law again with the car at SR a maybe before it goes to Pebble that is. I'm sure it'll be at the level when it is finished

 

I have a friend up here in WA building a 550A also. He is real into the original Carrera's

 

Yup - as mentioned, it is a big problem, and it does happen... however, the stampings are usually in a very specific spot, and good restorers/collectors can detect whether or not its been filed, redone, or fiddled with (i.e., a stamp in the wrong or random location would be questioned vigorously). Body panels much less important than chassis and engine block, which are more difficult to falsify. Also, most cars over a certain $ figure usually have extensive written or photographic history, and sometimes even a bill of sale to document origin.

In the case of a 550, its such a rare, expensive car. and well documented car that an unexplained non-numbers-matching example would be extremely suspect.

 

For anyone interested in the origin of the 550 (and Porsche's decision to adopt the "Carrera" moniker), check this...

https://teamspeed.com/forums/porsche...americana.html

 

Good post!

I tend to not question some of these older Porsche's and Ferrari's because the scumbags who tend to falsify cars don't have the $$$ to buy into that market sector anyways. It's mostly the idiots buying up all the muscle cars.

 

Bad ass picture! Now that's cool to have a car with history.

MTK - You need to get you one.

 

you think? (i'm secretly having him do all the work) ...j/k, but not, but actually j/k

 

Please keep us updated on your dad's car that is yours but not really.

Subscribed!

 

Admins, pls change thread title to "Project of the decade"