Some people pay a million bucks for an old car at auctions. I think these old cats are worth way more worth there value than old cars.

SILVERSTREAK,
Someone correct me if i'm wrong,but pony motors were offered all the way to the end of production.There are certain places that without the aid of a pony motor I think it would be a constant battle trying to start it up.
Around here where I live Park City, Ut. the climate is very much different than say california where a direct start may prove to be the way to go.I can see myself out side at 30 below zero trying to crank my little cold blooded d2 over with 60 12 volt batteries,cooking the starter and frying most all the wiring that i had so carefully installed the summer before.
I'm glad they offered one for my unit,i could'nt or would'nt be without the little troublesome thing they call a pony motor.
Only my thought's COMPRESSOR

Congrats on the new acquisition! Who cares what you paid for it, it's what you wanted and you only live once. It looks in nice shape to me (not that I'm an expert or anything), and if you are happy, what else matters? Have fun!