My father (a WWII flight instructor) bought a surplus BT-13 for $350 IIRC, and flew it about 5 years. He also bought 2 1/2 runout R-985's for parts - $100 for the lot I think.
After a few years he sold the BT and most of the engines for $1500, which he used to buy a third-hand Howard DGA. This he flew (and maintained) for another 30 years. The DGA was by this time a semi-rarity and so he made out pretty well.
But - if only I had decided to keep that DGA...
