I'm probably going to start a firestorm with this post, at least I hope to generate some response.
Here goes; I have a '57 444K, which is a genuine California model. I confirmed this by finding yellow and black upholstery scraps on the door and side panels.
It had a B-14, without a cylinder head, when I bought it, almost 15 years ago.
I successfully installed a B-18, (kept the small radiator) and drove it locally for years without any major problems(well, there was an engine fire, quickly doused with iced tea, but that's another story). Almost all of the quirky "K" model stuff is there, the rubber "maidens tits"* taillights, the hood ornament, the funny grille, the correct steering wheel, etc. It also still has the weird old Studebaker/Wagner type brakes, which I've always been unhappy with.

Here's the gig, do I keep the original B-14, repaint the car white, and put everything back together as a real (and supposedly rare) California model, or sell off the B-14 to some originality freak, and keep driving with the B-18? The car needs a restoration, is painted a faded red, and has some floor rust issues. I'm thinking that the California/rarity aspect just doesn't override the drivability aspect, but I'm open to suggestion. Thanx in advance.
P.S. does anyone out there have a genuine B-14 head to sell?


*for the PC-correct amongst you, the term was told to me by an old Swede, so there!!