Justin, I see no problem with what Isaac is doing. He mentioned it here, where there are many Weber collectors. He stated as fact that he was able to get it for $8 at a yard sale. He listed on eBay, with a starting bid of $.99, as low as it will go, instead of at a very high starting bid of say $50 or $100. He listed it with no reserve of say $50 or $100.
As such, he has merely marketed it here on TVWB to us collectors, and has done a straight up job of starting it low, and leaving it open ended for the highest bidder.
Before you signed up, in fall 2008, some guy put a WSM model 1880 on eBay. The 1880 is the 14.5" version - made only in 1980 and 1981. Very rare, and very very highly sought after by collectors, including myself. Neither the seller nor the buyer really knew what the item was, or that it could have a really high value. However, the seller put a Buy It Now price of about $20, and of course it sold to TVWB user Davidd about 20 minutes after it was listed. Too bad it was buy it now, because the bidding would have gone into the hundreds for such a rare piece. Davidd ended up returning it to Weber HQ, in exchange for a new 18.5" WSM, which is what he really wanted. Weber was thrilled, and said this was the first 1880 they had received back.
As for me, I think this really old stuff is really cool. However, I have no interest in a Simpson's grill, and would not pay any premium for one. I know a guy who has one, and he just grills on it like its a normal kettle.
I am willing to pay quite a bit for this 35 year old SJ, and will keep it parked in my garage for the another 35 years or longer. We will find out if someone else is willing to pay more than myself. Jeff K - go easy on me!
Better he gets enough money from this to go buy a new model Weber, and learns how to use it properly.