Back to the industrial unit in LA.
Long story short, which can be somewhat illustrated by pics. The car was much as described. When looked at through the rose-tinted sunglasses I had handily brought along, it could be thought of as quite original. This sort of thing:
... and this:
The above pic shows a few encouraging features that were a consistent theme on the car. Ignore the stupid yellow paint again, please. Instead consider general lack of rust, and presence of original bits and pieces. In this case we are enjoying the slightly wider-than-expected wheel arch lips, which are a feature of early SWB cars.
The front end seemed generally very nice indeed, leaving aside the front pan rust already noted. Wings, front slam, 4-screw horn grilles and indicator units that all fitted nicely. Nothing too untoward to see there.
Paint gauge showed charming lack of bondo on the front end and roof etc.