Yeh Sigh for a Merlin is a fantastic read, have you seen the video MH434: A Spitfire's Story, Alex is interviewed throughout, great production.
I was chatting with Ray mulqueen at his office yesterday (the chief engineer formerly of the now closed Alpine Fighter Collection) about some other stuff and yeh they are just trying to get rid of it asap! I guess AirNZ must be getting something from teh sale given how much they gave in free labour to get it flying.
I think the Hurricane just isn't as desirable as the Yak 3/Spit/P-40 etc etc due to it's lower performance and lack of a second seat, most people are tightening their wallets even the guys with all these neat aeroplanes but who knows they may well find a buyer out of the blue.