I first tried buying a Mark one in need of restoration from Alan's Unusual Microcars in 1992 for 1800 gbp.
Al sent me lots of pictures of other fascinating micros that had been hitherto unbeknownst to myself.
Including a lightly rolled (door handle punched in) Frisky Family Three, and a well restored Bond for even lesser amounts.
I was trying to put together a package deal, but it was not to be, as Al went to some sort of giant auto jumble in Germany, we didn't have the internet, and international phone calls were really expensive.
After a couple more letters, and a couple of phone call misses, I reluctantly gave up that path.
It took me almost 20 years of trying by staying in touch with Stephen Boyd to finally independently score a mark one that had resided in Canada for a good many years.
In order to get it, I agreed to pay over full price for all 3 micros that the seller had advertised, as he had many interested parties respond on the same day that I saw his ad.
I wanted it so badly, and for so long that I spent nearly 5 times the amount being asked for the car by the time I was able to take delivery of it, and its companions. I do not for a second regret it, as it was the car that I felt I most needed to feel completed.
So Bob, there is another side to the story that you are editing.
I see your point, but it is not the only point of view deserving of consideration.