Thanks for additional thoughts and insights.
Have not gotten a single pic through email, that I asked for. THey've given me the name of a mechanic who maintained the car the last few years (though not the person who "restored" it within an inch of its life...)
Indeed, "doubt" is what's called for here, until more info/pics start rolling in that start making this a plausible scenario. Then again, someone may have gone up there this weekend and bought the bloody thing. Will keep you posted if I find out more, the mystery continues, stay tuned...

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K