That really is a blow.
But taking a different approach, surely this is a vehicle of particular historical interest. There must be bodies who can overturn a random insurance company's decision. What about the Heritage association whatwhat for example, those who instigated the production of new bodies for the Mini, MGBs etc.? Maybe they can assist and revoke a decision by the insurers. And there must be other associations with some powers too.
The worst that could possibly happen here was that the van disappeared, just because the insurance company decided that they won't repair it on grounds of cost (which, in all honesty, is their business in the end of the day - they're not charitable companies with a heart and soul).
I cannot imagine other than if the insurance company stick to their unbelievable decision in this case, the owner (you, Telfordbob!) would have any right to decide to keep the vehicle - although without a payout from the insurance company. It would of course be a terrible blow, but the price the insurance company calculates for the rebuild will be many times higher than the real cost would be if all good men and women in the Commer clan help out where we can in assisting with parts, labour and whatever else. At least it would be an alternative to letting go of this invaluable early Commer !
My heart aches from hearing the insurers verdict, but if I were you, Telfordbob, I would never-never-never let them have their way with this, and never in my life hand over that vehicle! And as the owner of the vehicle, I cannot see that they have any powers to take it from you as you are the legal owner of it - and not them. Unless they've paid you for the vehicle, of course, which I suppose they haven't so far.
If it is anything to navigate by, any 50 year old vehicle in this country (Norway, that is) is defined as an item of national interest, and for this reason you need the state's permission to sell it out of the country if you wanted to. And this is no joke. Sending it out of the country without such permission would leave you with a trial and most likely a jail sentence. Turning that on it's head, any insurance company over here attempting a similar act of ignorance would most likely be ordered to arrange for restoration or let go of the vehicle so that other party could restore it.
All the best of luck to you on this one. It must be a terrible time going through hell not once, but now twice. But don't give up, whatever you do.
