I have coveted these Garretts since they were released and would love to own one, but there again I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous. I am totally gobsmacked that any owner of one of these highly desirable, exquisitely modelled and, let's face it, expensive models, would allow it to deteriorate to the extent this one had. I am sure there are a few out there kept as 'Shelf Queens' and probably never run, indeed there was one for sale recently on Evilbay complete with glass display case. I am pleased that this example had obviously been extensively used (I hesitate to use the word 'well' used ), but I cannot believe the poor condition in which it had ended up. All power to Mike for rescuing it, it's almost like an episode of Wheeler Dealers where an old banger is restored to pristine condition.
David