The guy did get a great deal. He got the tank he wanted, painted exactly as he wanted it. It doesn't matter that it cost under $200 in materials to acquire and build. What matters to the buyer is how it makes him feel. Remember, all buying is based on emotion and justified with logic.

When I was new to the hobby I saw an awesome professionally painted Tiger online at auction. I bid and lost and regretted not bidding higher for that tank. Back then they weren't smoke and sound, had plastic tracks and upside down mantlets too.