Mike, not everyone that buys a sports car takes it to the track. I am sure a true enthusiast would pay big money money for an unmolested pristine car. The color is not for my taste. But the mileage makes it a rare car. People will pay top dollar for anything rare
Assuming it's this Mike...
Absolutely, but I was just referencing a similar method of getting to where you want to be. He could buy a clean shell from Alberta (6k), drop in a stock longblock that's just been rebuilt (2k), and a new tranny (3k). For 11k, he's where that car is.
I think at $17K, for a 15 year old car, when there are several small quick sports cars in the 25-30K range that sit with 5 year warranties and need nothing more than oil and gas, is asking way too much.
But, as you said, people will pay more for rare items. And at the end of the day, I suppose what it's worth is what someone pays.