I have come to realize over the years trying to get back some of the old kits from my youth. I too...myself have bid on some old rare kits....hoping to win...only to get sniped in the last second & $50 bid jump...I did not win it.
The just of my comment. .....Three weeks later.....a certain seller "just" happens to have this exact kit being parted out piece by piece and a starting price of $4.95 / part.....times lets say 97 kit pieces .....equals.
I suggest bid high if you really want it......if nothing else you will have raised his initial investment.
Or wait & buy it one part at a time. ?