The only thing is May 2000 should be an X reg unless the R plate is a cherished left on by the previous owner.

Latest registered cosworth I have seen apart from my old car was also an X plate but it was a white one built up from a converted LHD shell X957 JCS

Bid him 12k and as you say worst case you break it to get your money back - you can shift an entire car in 4 weeks on ebay - thats what I did.