The HMV 163 isn't that expensive, if I compare it to the prices in the Netherlands. A dealer over here will ask about EUR 1200 for a decent looking but otherwise unrestored 163, and while EUR 1500 (AUD 2000) is a little steep, it's not unheard of. The 97 is crazy, even compared to Dutch standards. It looks to be in good shape, but since it's not an 101 or 102 it would fetch EUR 100 at most, over here.
I had some friends over this evening and we watched the end of the auction of the 97 with our eyes popping out...I mean, really, $1125 for a 97 (that was the final hammer price)...
the cloth on the 163 is something else! (where's my air sick bag?)