Andy,
As with all things, I can only really express my own opinion on things - all I will say is that I have made enough enquiries to rule myself out for this one, but that isn't to say that it may or may not suit someone elses requirements.
The MOT history only tells some of the story - and if the seller has stated that all wheels are good and true, then he (or someone else) *may* have either had them repaired or replaced in the past, or there may just be an error in the computer records.
As stated previously, my intention would have been to buy it cheap(ish), salvage the 'value' from the car whilst retaining it's ability to drive under it's own steam, then see how far I could drive it across the deserts to Khazakstan before it expired, but if it made it, it would then be given to a charity to get whatever they can for it (because there are a number of other stupid enough idiots on here to think that this sort of expedition is a great idea, Stevo, Clemo etc
)..... oh well, I'll have to find a different 'banger' to buy.
I believe that there are still a number of parts on the car which would be usefull to others, or to sell on, and it is quite probable that it is still in the 'break even' value window to someone who wants/needs the parts, and has the time and space to deal with it.
It is always possible to fully restore any car, given enough time and money, but to be realistic, there are better starting points than this one - eventually, there will be so few of these about that everything will be worth saving, but that isn't the case at this time
When a drivable, usable, MOT'd elan with service history etc can be purchased for not much more than this one, (allowing for the fact that £2k is a lot of money for some people, and smaller change for others), and even the 'top' cars (like the Silver or White ones referenced in an earlier post) can be had in the £10-£15K bracket, this is really a 'track weapon' or breaker (just my own opinion - someone else may feel that it is a 'saver').
I hope that there is always some availability of 'project' cars (otherwise I'll have nowt to buy!), and they are getting a bit thinner on the ground with every car which is broken/scapped, and this car may well find itself in a different situation in a few years time.
For arguements sake, lets assume that someone were to buy it, keep it in a barn somewhere, with a few track days every year just for fun, traillered to and from events, it would cost very little to keep as it is - and then in a few years time it may well find a home with someone who is prepared to restore it when availability of oithers is reduced - who knows??????
(what is he trying to hide????)
, I thought it was you that went to see it. If the interior had mould 10 months ago you can imagine what it was like a month ago after sitting on a driveway with rotted seals, although it did have a cover over it at times that would only have lead to an even better environment for bacteria to flourish. 
