"simply because i'd much rather my once pride and joy go to someone who knows what it is, not someone that'll prang it because they dont realise it's got crud brakes etc (mk1 diesel brakes case in point)"

What's wrong with your brakes, Mate? My diesel had dreadful brakes until I put a new diaphragm in the vacuum pump. Now they're excellent! The way to check is to disconnect the hose going to the booster and start the engine. No vacuum at the open end of the hose = shot diaphragm.