I have won an auction for a junked HP-V8 at around USD800 with conditions shown below:
Cosmetic condition is fair but can be easily fixed by a simple repainting. Besides, the 300B, KT88 tubes and volume knot are missing, with the RCA input deformed.
Indeed there were 3 units being auctioned at the same time with the same damaged areas so I have a reasonable guess that they are demo units intentionally damaged by Fostex but the interior structure and circuit should be intact and working. The picture shown above proved that it can be powered on with the driver tubes energized.
I shall receive the unit within 2 weeks and will share the progress of revitalization of this beauty.