Exactly what makes a MOPAR a "Matching Numbers" car?

Short answer...

A numbers matching car has the vin stamped on the engine, trans and hidden sheet metal on a car.

Before 68 (IIRC) the vin was not stamped on the engine, trans, or body. There was a sequence number for 67 back to sometime in the past that ties the engine, trans and body together with the fender tag and build sheets but does not tie it to the VIN except if you have a build sheet maybe an IBM card(???)


As for date correct parts...

If you have a Jan 67 built Dart and you have 1980 Alternator it is not date correct. Even an Apr 67 alternator would not be date correct. An Oct through December 66 alternator would/might be date correct. The parts were made days to weeks to months ahead of time.


The reason....

If you have a car that has all of its as built origional parts it is considered more valuable to some collectors.

If it is restored with date correct parts it is considered more valuable to some collectors


Don't get too hung up on it. Build it drive it, enjoy it!