Now this is the bus I'd be buying if I had the room at home for another project!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=557956 

At this price it stands out as a deal, or am I missing something?

You might not be missing much but the bus is certainly missing quite a lot of god solid metal and thats just what we can see in the photos provided ,you can just imagine what the out riggers and floors look like

True.
It's pretty evident that it needs a fair few repair panels, even from these few pictures. You know we can see only 1/3 of the story, and the other 2/3 of the work is underneath.
Still, I think the price reflects this, even with the cost of shipping thrown into the equation and the fact that it's a left hooker.

On the plus side,it's original and complete.

Original and complete for me is the winning factor.

Hunting on The Samba and e-bay for parts is part of the fun of building a ride, but certain desirable parts are now going for STUPID money. Try finding delux trim, or correct year bus seats.

I'm seeing standard buses in obviously far worst condition having $$$$$'s spent on them, when this bus being a more desirable model is always going to be worth more in the end.