OMG you didn't have to say that, we'll never hear the end of it.I bet if you told her it was the original engine they wouldn't have been the wiser.
As far as not having power brakes or steering you are correct. Working on such cars back in the day, I found most people didn't want all the power options. They said it would be more to go wrong and ordered without. My '62 Polara 500 (top of the line Dart) was ordered without any power, even has a radio delete.
I think a more Mopar savvy appraiser might have given you a higher value. Not by much but a little bit more.
Still pretty cool to have experienced what you did and you'll own the bragging rights for a long time![]()
Good job Sonny!