Found a 1997 Jaguar XK8 drop top, supposedly with a blown headgasket. A little history; Car has 110K on the clock. Purchased by third owner in October 2015. Drove it about 2000 miles before it overheated and quit on the interstate near Savannah, Ga. Repair shop in the area told owner was blown head gasket. Car has not been cranked or run since October 2015. Body is in good shape, no rust. Overall good condition. Engine compartment is clean, no oil or water in the bay area. Does not appear to be any leaking under the car, Tires good, top fair, interior not bad. Not really interested in it as a parts car, prefer to fix the engine and drive it. Car built in 1996, so early 97. Now the question.....What would you pay for the car? Asking price is $2500, yes that is high. What say you? Thanks for any responses.

 

Parts car?

 

A well sorted out 97 XK8 convertible will fetch around $7,000.00 to $8,000.00.
If you can do the work yourself it might be a worthwhile project. If you re going to be paying to have it done you will meet or exceed the value of the car. But since I have one and love it the money wouldn't matter to me.
Since you are going to have the heads off it would be a good time to check the timing chains and tensioners. If they are original now would be the time to replace them. add another $1,500.00 to $1,800.00 to the repair build.
The CAT is a complicated and moody animal that is so easy to become a labor of love.