What is Considered Real? Do GS, Stage 1 or GSX Require Matching Numbers Anymore?

They were cars I parted over the years.I have seen the I'll effects of letting tags go with junked cars.This way,that won't happen.

 

I mean this with no disrespect at all - not everyone has the same goals, wants, or ethics (among other things). Some folks may only care about numbers matching, while others not-so-much. Some only care about the monetary value of the car, others the value of enjoyment, or for most, somewhere in between. There is no wrong answer.

The GS my folks bought new is numbers matching (engine, trans in storage, and rear), but not stock. If someone takes issue with the carb, distributor, and/or camshaft change (among other things), it’s just not the car for them. And that’s OK.

My 69 was originally a 390 - 4-speed Mach-1. I bought it in 1989 as a cut-up and tubbed street race car. It is now a 460 with an automatic and has a roll cage. Definitely not for the purist but it is what it is and not trying to be anything else. I built it for me, and it doesn’t matter to me what anyone else thinks. And when it’s time to sell it, it won’t matter how much I have in it, what a stock 390 Mach-1 is worth, or even if I claim it came like this from the factory; it is only worth what someone, hopefully after doing their own due diligence, will give me for it.

As for your Old powered Buick example – it’s their car and they can say or do what they want, either out of ignorance or even maliciousness. Either way, it's not right. But, the only time I would invest in caring is if I wanted to buy it. Once I identified it for what it is, I would shake my head and move on. Our hobby is full of various nonsense, and it isn’t up to us to tell people they are wrong, just to make sure we (and our friends) don’t get taken for a ride.

 

I will not "tribute badge" anything.
My cars may have "all the goodies" of an actual "badged" or special edition model, (and newer parts) but I would not go as far as putting the badging on the car. I try and keep them looking "period correct", but will add safer and or better performing parts (brakes, suspension, electronics, fuel system).
If it was offered or available from Buick, stick it in there.

(Example my Skylarks will never have "GS/Gran Sport" badging, because they never were, even if they have everything else any GS/Gran Sport ever had)

My reason is, there are enough "real deal" cars out there and too many "fakers" that will try and scam someone. As well as the time, effort and money people spend on "the real deal", should be respected and the waters not muddied. If it's a clone/tribute, declare it loud and proud, and a pox of swift and deep corrosion, on the garage of those looking to defraud!

But it is also not my place to tell anyone what they can and cannot do with their time, money and property (context of vehicles), so I am not a "hater" of clones. I rather like the look of a Stepchild sporting spoilers and even the stripes.

 

...collectable cars are no different than art, wine, etc. There have been and will always be forgers, and since there's no "consumer protection," responsibility falls to buyer for due diligence. As for the Buick GS, there's no better resource than V8Buick members...

 

That's why I like this website, an informed community that won't sugarcoat...

 

Really, people here don’t sugarcoat??? When did that happen?
Duane

 

To be honest I am usually pretty nice on this site.

If you really want my opinion on something ask me when we are standing next to each other. Then you will get my real opinion.

Especially if I have already had a few “Iced Teas”.
Duane

 

Curious which auction sites?

 

Look at Hagerty and other insurance company valuation tools. They doesn't ask if a car is numbers matching. They base the value on what the car started life as but buyers may want numbers matching or may not care. Some people think if you upgrade a engine with aluminum heads, headers, and intake it makes it more valuable and some think it hurts the value. It's all a matter of what someone believes is valuable.

 

Honestly, it's the purchaser who decides what the car is... Yes, purists would want to know what the vehicle was "born" as. If a 1970 GTO has documentation stating it came out of the factory as a Judge, it will ALWAYS be a Judge. Doesn't matter about the driveline.
How many people have we seen vehemently defend their cars "pedigree" on this board, as well as other media? How many times are there discussions, many times heated, at car shows and such? One that sticks out was a 1969 GS 400, maybe it was a 69 Stage, that the owner claimed "came out of the factory with a 1968 interior", or that the car was a "factory 350 Stage 1", or has the "rocket 350" in it? Try and correct these people and it could lead to a fight!

Purist and collector: How the car was born.
Casual owner, admirer, appreciator of classic cars: what it presents as is what it is.

In the end, it is the market (the purchaser) that dictates what the car is and what it represents...