1963 500XL Value Penalty for Non-Matching Engine Code

[Guest galaxiedave]

I am looking to purchase a fully restored 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible. The car is beautiful, near-concours quality but the current engine - 390 Thunderbird does not match the VIN code "C" which indicates this car originally came with the base 289 V8 engine. After some reseach, I am convinced the conversion was done correctly, including suspension parts, etc. My question is how much should the fair market value be reduced for the non-matching engine in this car? I not sure in this vintage vehicle how important matching numbers for judging and pricing purposes.

Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks

[gofasttoday]

In my estimation the 390 would make a galaxie worth more money even non-matching.

[Guest galaxiedave]

I appreciate the feedback. I'm planning to pick up the car this weekend!

David