Found a suitable Californian import project car so thought I'd do a quick update and also take the opportunity to say thank you for all the help I have received so far.
Probably not the ideal specification car to some being a 280, LHD,Brown & Auto ! but more importantly to me apart from corrosion to O/S & N/S floor rails it has remained remarkably rot free and is reasonably straight with nice panel gaps, and interior although tatty isn't toast and it was affordable ! I have also sourced a RHD, Manual donor car so the option to convert is open to me at a later date.
Work has already commenced in order to get through first MOT prior to registering ( lights, wipers, washers etc ) and I have removed the concrete filled wardrobes masquerading as bumpers !
Thanks once again for the advise.