Quick update - Yesterday we were in the Newcastle area, so we called in to see the guys at AK Automotive at Rowlands Gill, (thanks Blubber Bear) armed with photos of the problems mentioned in my previous posts. They were very helpful in talking things through with us but the general opinion was that the car is not worth repairing.
It does have a new hood(fitted July 2016), four good daisy wheels and various parts which may be of use for a project, to someone who has a sound chassis they are rebuilding onto,it also runs well and has an interesting reg. plate so we’ll advertise it and maybe get a bit for it as parts. Sad, but time to quit dreaming.
We’re not going to look for a replacement any time soon as we’re a bit disheartened by our experience.
Many thanks once again for all the posts.
Carl gets my vote call him 01282 697413