Overhaulin' - Not original engine in my classic car?

Not original engine in my classic car?

Ok so I am selling my Classic car and it was appraised at 13G. The appraisal indicated that its not the original engine and the price was adjusted on it but now the guy wants to offer me 7500 for it because its not original. Does price really matter on a classic car? I know that matching numbers are preferred but the value shouldn't go way down. Its not like its a Studebaker or Rambler or some car they don't make anymore that's worth over 100G right?

Public Comments

matching numbers are a big part of the vehicle's value on a classic car. without matching numbers it might as well be an old used car.
When dealing in classic cars the value is in the originality of the vehicle. if the car isn't 100% original it won't be worth collector car prices. Prices decline severely when the car is not all original. A fully restored 100% original 1969 Camaro is worth upwards to $65,000. A 1969 Camaro with the wrong engine even if it was fully restored is worth about $15,000. Originality is everything in the collector car market. If you expect collector car prices you have to have an original car.
If it was professionally appraised at $13,000 the offer should be close to that. He is trying to "low ball" you. Having the original engine does make a huge difference in cars that the engines are VIN coded to the chassis like GM cars. FWIW...there aren't many Studebakers or Ramblers worth $100K
What classic car is it. De-value it only if the car is very rare and unique. $13,000 car sound like a normal car. The motor does not have to number matching and no one cares. Many have put LS1 in first gen Camaro or 5.0 in Mustang. And it does not de-value the car. Have a 455 in a 1966 GTO? Does not del-value it. Ultimately it is still supply and demand.
It is worth only what someone will pay and if that buyer does not want to pay more, (for whatever reason) then you can look elsewhere or lower your expectations. Anyone every pay $100,000 for any Rambler in any condition ???
it it was appraised at $13,000 then that's a starting point. he's offering way too low so just keep it until someone offers way more