[doingitsideways]

Sorry I've not replied sooner Andrew, I've been moving house and been mega busy!
(Us few 400-ers left on here have to stick together!)

Anyway, I'm gutted for you mate. Especially given the sentimental value that 460 holds to both you and your family, also the amount of work you've put into it over the years.

I hate to say it, but it certainly sounds like this bloke is trying to take you for a mug.

Like has already been said, you've found yourself in a catch 22 situation.
If you inform the insurance, they'll almost certainly write the car off and send you a cheque for a tenner or something equally rediculous, but trying to settle without involving them seems to be hard work.

Either way, I hope you manage to get something sorted mate. We can't let this one go to the great scrapyard in the sky, it's just too good and precious for that!

Best of luck,

Steve