"A fellow told me a funny story once that had a misplaced period as the punchline in a tale of how much something cost."
This is not funny at all! After seeing John Belfield in Keefy's original "Year of the Blitz" video mention that he was getting on in years and was selling off some items for the younger blokes (That's me) to have a go, the next time I was down that way I dropped in on John to see his excellent museum and his collection (it was only in the back of my mind that some items were for sale, this was a tourist trip, not a buying trip). Among the many beauties there, was a hull of an Aussie LP1 Carrier, hull no 5 actually. This had to be the lowest numbered carrier I had ever seen and LP1's were quite rare, but mechanically simple to repair. Despite NOT being on a buying trip, this was seriously calling my name and luring me on to the rocks. In a casual, disinterested way I asked John what value he might place on this crude relic, and the conversation struck an awkward pause when said "Oh, I'd say it's worth at least 12". Well, that's me out of the picture, back on with the tourist hat and continue looking for another carrier. Later that year, at the "Year of the Studebaker" event at Corowa, the South Australians are talking about their purchases at Col Anderson's auction and one of them (Bob, you might help here, I've forgotton his name) mentions that he picked up LP1 carrier hull no 5 from John Belfield's for "under 2 grand". Well, you could knocked me over with a feather. John's asking price was "at least 12 HUNDRED" and I'd thought it was 12 THOUSAND. I'd been blinded by the rarity and uniqueness of this carrier and assumed it was worth more
I understand that this LP1 may be finished in time for Corowa 2005, "Year of the Carrier" and I have no doubt that it will be the oldest Aussie carrier there. I am now much more specific when asking prices.:idea: Worth 12 what? Thousand , hundred? 12 cartons of VB?