I have a 1966 Jag XKE convertible that needs to be sold out of an estate. the Jag is currently being restored to a state at which it should maximize value. The restoration is about 95% complete. The shop owner doing the restoration found that the original head has damage. To repair the damage will require a specialist machine and welding shop and may ultimately cost several thousand dollars. However, when I suggested we buy a replacement head, which are readily available, the shop owner said that might decrease the car's value by as much as $40,000. His opinion is based on the original head's being stamped with a number that is unique to this car and Jaguar's records as well as the demands of Jag buyers to have original parts. I believe him about the problem with the original head and the cost of making it fully operational, but I'm not so sure about the decrease in the car's value if a replacement head were to be installed rather than the original.
I'd appreciate some opinions based on facts if possible. thanks.
Joel Miller
