18 Spine Aluminum Case A-833 4 Speed Questions

I've seen one exactly like that before, except it was painted orange. Aluminum case, and tail, with cast iron side cover, in 18 spline slick-shifted. It had the early-style lockout on the shift forks.

Claimed to be a Hemi Dart piece by the seller and he wanted $250 (1998 price), but I'm not knowledgeable on them (or much else).

Is it just the pics, or has that one never had oil in it and appears to be new?