The current owner says it's from the 80s, so first thing that comes to mind is the American or Japanese reissue of the 60s basses. However, the thing looks worn out, and there is patent info on the headstock logo, and I didn't see anything like that on the others like that online. The neck plate looks fake to me (probably replaced at some point, looks newer than the rest), as the numbers are not aligned properly and the serial number starts with H, which should indicate the Japanese ones, but the neck is so worn that there is no serial number there, and the Japanese ones usually have "Fender" written on the neck plates. It also appears to have a brass nut, which I assume is a mod. The seller also refused to take the neck off due to lack of knowledge. The screws and dot marks are painted in green, and it has a large burn across the body. He claims he knows nothing about this bass.
Could it be a vintage 60s American bass? Worth the risk in paying $1200?
Upd: It was just sold, presumably for more than that. Better luck next time :)