That must be the most paid for a used standard 300 since they were worth that on the second hand market 20 years ago!

A bit of a one off mileage and price wise. I expect a private car collector rather than a volvo fan?

Sounds like an interesting day, shame you got outbid - £3500 is where I would've sat for a car like this too. £5000 is a lot, but suppose it is a unique example and not all that much for effectively a new car...!

A new car that needs 4 tyres, new fuel lines, all rubber components replaced, a full service etc etc. There's at least another £500 to be spent on it and as soon as you start using it its value will drop to £1500.

To bring to back running shape I would say more like £1000 needs spending. I had a number of phone calls and emails from interested parties asking about parts for this car. It would have been a real shame if it ended up getting used or does in the future. It belongs on display and just enough to make it safe to move under its own power and preserve it. I also think the damage should be left as is as the damage is the reason why the car exists.

I would never buy a car of this sort of age with less than 50,000 miles on the clock as low milage cars tend to need a lot more work than a well used example. Body condition is always the main concern.