The Sincere Definition of Numbers Matching
Numbers Matching: From a Legal Standpoint
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Attorney-at-Law
BShook@shooklegal.com
A seller, an auction house, a broker, etc., all have express duties to not mislead buyers. It is the presentation that entices and induces a prospective buyer to make an offer or bid on a car. Often included within this presentation is the phrase “numbers matching”. Rarely in any field does a single term mean so much; in the field of car collecting, the term “numbers matching” means everything; or does it?
The phrase “numbers matching” was coined an untold number of years ago to describe a vehicle which retained its original driveline (i.e. the driveline that was installed into the vehicle during its initial assembly at its manufacturer’s plant). Specifically and most important in this definition is the engine; as this is the single most important aspect of a vehicle’s originality. There are some in the hobby, however that would have you believe that the phrase “numbers matching” has parted ways with its original and understood definition. These individuals would have you believe that the phrase “numbers matching” means that the driveline, has numbers appearing on its components, that look as though they could have been placed on there during the initial assembly process on the manufacturer’s line. This is where the issue with restamped engines and transmissions becomes ever apparent.
This disingenuous play on words is polluting our hobby.
Numbers Matching means ORIGINAL; the phrase and the meaning of “numbers matching” have never parted company. Numbers matching still means, as it always has, that the engine, transmission and rear axle are original to that particular vehicle. For the phrase to have any other meaning would render it flawed and unnecessary. The use of the phrase “numbers matching” in a disingenuous fashion opens the seller to a high level of legal exposure. The buyer who learns after he purchases the vehicle that the vehicle, is not “as advertised”, has the right to revoke his acceptance of the vehicle and enjoys many protections that come along with legal revocation. For example, these protections could include a statutorily created security interest in the vehicle up to the amount paid for the vehicle, plus certain expenses and other damages.
Any misleading use of the phrase “numbers matching” blackens the eye of the hobby. The only reason one would use such a deceitful definition of “numbers matching” would be in a calculated attempt to mask the true nature of the vehicle for self-serving purposes. This ultimately has a negative impact on the hobby.
For more information on what your rights are in such a transaction, please call or email me, I would be more than happy to discuss this or any other matter concerning car collecting with you.
Bryan W. Shook, Esquire is a licensed Pennsylvania lawyer. Attorney Shook’s office is headquartered in central Pennsylvania although his practice takes him across the country. During his career, Attorney Bryan Shook has become a powerful advocate for his clients and one of the foremost collector, antique and automotive fraud and misrepresentation attorneys in the country. He has successfully tried as well as amicably resolved cases throughout the United States. Bryan Shook can be reached by e-mail at BShook@shooklegal.com or by phone at 717-884-9010.
Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Automotive
Fall Auctions – What Lies Ahead?
So now that Monterey is over, what lies ahead?
By all accounts Monterey was a success; collectors once again proved that no-nonsense cars still bring big money. The collector car market is alive and well. There were 14 cars alone that sold for more than $1,000,000.00 during RM’s Saturday night sale in Monterey. Similarly other auctions around the peninsula reported big numbers and record bidders.
So, what lies ahead? The fall is packed with great auctions which plan to offer something for everyone. Here is a sampling:
- September 2nd through 5th, 2010 – Auburn Collector Car Auction – Auctions America by RM
- September 16th through 19th, 2010 – Mecum’s St. Charles Illinois sale
- September 23rd through 25th, 2010 – Barrett Jackson – Las Vegas
- September 30th through October 1st, 2010 – Carlisle, Pennsyvlanaia – Carlisle Auctions held in conjuctionw ith Fall Carlisle Swap Meet
- October 7th through 8th, 2010 – RM Auctions – Vintage Motorcars of Hershey
- November 5th through 6th, 2010 – The Bob McDorman Collection (featuring one of the world’s most complete collection of Corvettes) – Mecum Auctions
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com
Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Car Law
Mid Atlantic Regional NCRS Meet – Gettysburg, PA – May 6-9-2010
NCRS REGIONAL MEET IN GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA SCHEDULED FOR MAY 6-8, 2010
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
Call all Corvette enthusiasts, after a long winter’s wait, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society is hosting the Gettysburg Regional NCRS Meet on May 6-8, 2010. This is a can’t miss event for East Coast Corvette Enthusiasts.
Several special vehicles are scheduled to be on display including a low mileage, all original, Polo Green, 1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 formerly of the Chip Miller Collection. The car’s current owner, Andrew Saft of Harrisburg, is proud to offer this important ZR1 for flight judging. Corvettes released from the prized Chip Miller Collection have been known throughout the hobby for years for their quality, provenance and pedigree. This NCRS appearance represents a coming out of sorts for the current Saft Collection ZR1. While ANY ZR1 is exciting both to see and drive, this particular all original ZR1 is sure to please the spectators and enthusiasts that get an opportunity to view it at the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Regional Meet next week.
The NCRS flight process is not a process to be taken lightly, only the best cars are awarded flight awards and any owner who leaves Gettysburg with such an award has surely added much deserved province to his or her beloved Corvette. Best of Luck!
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
NCRS # 51181
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Car Law
Estate Sale of Important Cars Nets Nearly $500,000.00
30+ Antique Cars Sell for $494,400.00 at Rural
Pennsylvania Sale
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
Estate Sale – Allen Shaffer, Esquire
April 24, 2010 – Millersburg, Pennsylvania
Allen Shaffer, a well respected local attorney recently passed away and this past Saturday the majority of his car collection came to sale. Over thirty lots were offered with no reserve, no bidder registration charges and with no buyers premium.
By the mid afternoon, all of the vehicles had been sold and the proceeds realized were just about $500,000.00 from the sale of the vehicles.
Here are the results along with the comments of Bryan W. Shook who personally attended the sale.
|
Year |
Make |
Model/Type |
Comments |
Price |
|
1931 |
Ford |
Model T – 5 -Window Coupe |
$19,000.00 |
|
|
1981 |
Delorean |
$20,000.00 |
||
|
1923 |
Buick |
Touring |
bad water pump – lower hose disconnected & pump corroded |
$18,000.00 |
|
1949 |
Studebaker |
Commander convertible |
Nicely Restored |
$25,000.00 |
|
1917 |
Maxwell |
Touring |
Restored 10yrs ago – didn’t run at time of sale |
$17,000.00 |
|
1925 |
Nash |
2dr Sedan |
Nicely Restored |
$11,000.00 |
|
1915 |
Ford |
Model T |
$13,000.00 |
|
|
1925 |
Nash |
Touring |
Great Condition, very nice car |
$20,000.00 |
|
1913 |
Buick |
Touring |
No Title – Yet |
$28,000.00 |
|
1929 |
Lincoln |
7 Passenger Phaeton |
$65,000.00 |
|
|
1910 |
Buick |
Run-a-bout Roadster |
$20,000.00 |
|
|
1908 |
International |
High-Wheeler |
Nice Original – found in barn in New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa in mid 1940s |
$19,000.00 |
|
1953 |
Ford |
F100 |
Titled as 1954 – OHV I6 |
$15,500.00 |
|
1906 |
Cadillac |
Tulip Roadster |
$54,000.00 |
|
|
1954 |
Ford |
Crestline 4dr |
Needed work & carpeting |
$8,000.00 |
|
1917 |
Studebaker |
Touring |
Nice older restoration |
$23,500.00 |
|
1962 |
Studebaker |
Lark convertible |
$7,500.00 |
|
|
1927 |
Ford |
Coupe |
$8,000.00 |
|
|
1972 |
Chevrolet |
Impala convertible |
Shoddy Repaint – overspray evident, poorly masked |
$9,000.00 |
|
1918 |
Stanley |
Steamer Touring |
$46,000.00 |
|
|
1976 |
Lincoln |
Continental |
$1,600.00 |
|
|
1922 |
Dodge |
Touring |
3 owners from new, had side window curtains – very nice potential |
$9,000.00 |
|
1976 |
Buick |
LeSabre |
$1,300.00 |
|
|
1922 |
Whippet |
4dr sedan |
$9,000.00 |
|
|
1999 |
Ford |
F150 pickup truck |
6cyl 4wd |
$8,000.00 |
|
1951 |
Kaiser |
4dr sedan |
No Title |
$5,000.00 |
|
1965 |
Chevrolet |
Corvair |
Possible missing VIN Plate??? Total Mess |
$1,800.00 |
|
1951 |
Henry J |
Corsair Deluxe |
Cooling Issue |
$8,500.00 |
|
1969 |
AMC |
Rebel SST 4dr Sedan |
6cyl – Very Nice Original |
$1,200.00 |
|
1958 |
Mercedes |
190D – 4dr |
Project car with good parts, some trim, but hood wouldn’t open |
$500.00 |
|
1991 |
Yugo |
“Needs Fuel Pump” |
$2,000.00 |
|
Total Sales: $494,400.00
|
|
As one can surmise from the results listed above, the sales prices were fairly reflective of the market today. While the auction was largely under promoted, collectors, brokers and dealers showed up from several states including, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey to bid on and buy cars and automobilia from this great collection.
Most of the cars in the collection were operational and nearly all of them presented very well. The cars purchased from this collection are sure to be coveted pieces in future collections. While higher prices may have been realized had an auction house such as Carlisle Auctions, RM Auctions, Bonhams or Goodling offered the vehicles, this sale proves that not all collections must be sold through a large auction venue to achieve market value results.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Car Law
