Thank you, Mark Stephenson, for your prompt response to my query. I have long been wary of auction prices, especially when only one auction is cited. The Jaguar World price guide for June 2000 (the most recent one it has put on the web because of, according to them, static prices) puts a top value on 140 XK drop head coupes 1955-57 of 60,000 pounds or $94,000. It then emphasizes that "the very best cars, especially if restored to national concours-winning standards, can fetch considerably more, especially if retailed by a long-established specialist dealer. The dealers have access to a client base denied to most private owners and can give the type of service and even warranty backup that such clients feel comfortable with."
When I read that, my impression was thus: With American cars, restoration to national concours-winning standards is reflected in the number one value given to cars in the various price guides. Is it different for Jaguar? If not, then the value of the concours-winning Jaguar would be in the $65,000 to $80,000 range I found in these price guides. It seems more likely to me that the added value of the Jaguar, placing it over $100,000, is more a reflection of the car "retailed by a long established specialist dealer." In other words, it represents a dealer mark-up and is not a true reflection of the value of the car. I would appreciate the thoughts of you Jaguar folks on this.
Thank you.
Tom Jakups

Submitted by marks@jcca.us on Wed, 04/02/2003 - 12:19

Actually, most of the price guides state that the top condition represents a car restored to a very high standard. However, most of them add that this is not the same as a 100-pt.-perfect restoration and that those might bring higher prices.

Here's the quote from NADA:

"High Retail Value
This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Note: This value does not represent a '100 Point' or '# 1' vehicle *.

"* '100 Point' or '# 1' vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate-regulated facility."

Mark Stephenson
Jaguar Club of Central Arizona