Yes, I emailed him. When he replied, he told me he was out of the country and would arrange delivery (the usual scammers tricks) so I emailed back saying I would report him as being a scammer. I recieved this back...
"Look,I'm not sure what you mean here, and please mind you manners. I guess it's one's right to assume whatever in a free country, but there's no need to be rude... we could at least be polite to each other, don't you think?
You asked if you could come and see the engine, I said I cannot meet timely (I had to be away for a few days to finalise a contract with a supplier). I thought you'd like to perform the item inspection yourself before the end of auction, so you may also have the time to place your best bid accordingly. Now forgive me for being honest here, why don't I just postpone my entire schedule in order to stay put and wait for your arrival, without even knowing you're 100% determined to close a deal. So given the circumstances, I offered an alternative if suitable...
Eventually a face to face deal can be arranged for the auction winner upon request,why not, that would even save my time and shipping expense. Just that I'd like to be there when it happens to make sure all goes well. A happy customer is a returning customer, as they say.
Thanks alot for taking the time to email me, and feel free to report this ,you may do as you please... I know I didn't break any of eBay's rules or policy, I have nothing to hide and I fear nobody for that matter.
Sincerely,
Clive Tanner"
I don't think there's any doubt it IS a scam (zero feedback, bidder id's protected etc) but I think lots of people would be taken in by his response.
I think the scammers are getting cleverer.
Simon
ps, I'm tempted to try and win the auction and then see what happens....